For mood and anxiety disorders, I typically adhere to a Cognitive Behavioral Approach. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (including branches of CBT like Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Exposure Response Prevention Therapy) is one of the most effective forms of therapy for these disorders. However, depending on the needs and circumstances of the individual I am working with, other modalities such as Motivational Interviewing, Behavioral Therapy, trauma focused treatment, attachment based treatment, among others, can also be utilized. Play therapy is often combined depending on the age and need of the child.
Mental Health Evaluations
We provide comprehensive evaluations for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, ADHD, (to name a few), and use only the most up to date valid and reliable assessments to gather information formally. Contact us to find out more!
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
TF-CBT is an evidenced based therapy for children who have experienced trauma. It focuses on helping children who have varying degrees of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, as well as their parent(s) or caregiver(s). It has been found to be effective with children as young as 3 years old to an 18 year old adolescent. TF-CBT addresses biopsychosocial needs of children with therapy that combines cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma informed interventions. Children and parents are provided education and skills related to trauma. Although originally developed for victims of sexual abuse, there is evidence that it is effective with a variety of traumas, such as physical and verbal abuse, domestic violence, terrorism, natural disasters, car accidents, bullying, community violence, traumatic grief, and multiple traumatic events. It is considered more short term, with the typical length of treatment being between 18 and 24 weeks. Find out more on the TF-CBT website.
Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)
CPP is an evidence based attachment style therapy for children ages birth through 6 years old who have experienced trauma. Originally developed for children who had been exposed to domestic violence, it has also been found to be effective for children exposed to child maltreatment. This therapeutic model involves dyadic work, or work that involves the child AND a primary caregiver/parent. Consistency with that parent at every session is essential. This therapy typically lasts about a year and has been found to be very effective. Find out more on the Child Parent Psychotherapy website.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A)
DBT was originally developed for adult women who suffered from self-injurious or suicidal behaviors. However, it has increasingly been researched and found to be effective for a variety of other populations, including teenagers experiencing bipolar disorder, depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, conduct disorders, substance abuse issues, self-injurious behaviors, suicidality, parent/child issues, and others. DBT usually involves a more intensive approach, where both individual therapy for the adolescent, as well as a parent/teen group session are required each week. Both are very skills based. Groups typically last about 20 sessions, with individual therapy lasting as long as needed. Family counseling and emergency coaching sessions may also occur between sessions as appropriate and needed by the individual or family. Find out more about DBT from its source at the Behavioral Tech website.
Safe Care
Safe Care is an evidence-based curriculum that provides training for parents who are at risk for child maltreatment and have a child under the age of 5 years old. It is designed to be provided within the home environment of the client, with weekly sessions. This is not therapy, but instead an instructional tool aimed at supporting parents. Typical duration is between 18 to 20 weeks. Check out the National Safecare Training and Research Center website.
Circle of Security
The Circle of Security is an evidence based 8 week program that offers caregivers an understanding of attachment and how this impacts interactions between children and their caregivers. Applying The Circle to interactions helps increased understanding that undesired behaviors are communication of a need on the Circle. If you want to change the behavior, caregivers learn how to meet the need behind the behaviors. This increases caregivers confidence and increases cooperative and compliant behaviors in children. For more information, check out The Circle of Security website!
Play Therapy
Play therapy was developed in the 20th century and, when done correctly, can be an effective way to help children communicate thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Play can provide distance from a scary issue or problem, which can make it easier for the child to progress in therapy. Through play, the therapist can provide guidance as the child works to address and resolve problems with the appropriate use of therapeutic toys. The child can develop skills to solve problems and language to express feelings and thoughts as well as process a variety of experiences.
Qualified Supervisor
Meghan is certified as a Qualified Supervisor for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors in the state of Idaho.
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