support for children
looking into support for your child can be hard. we might be able to admit that it’s not working the way we’re doing it, but it’s easier when that’s an inside voice. making the actual call to explain how unmanageable life feels or telling a friend or teacher that little Janie is receiving support services… yup, that’s a different story.
so, take a breath right now. feel your feet or your seat. feel your body breathing, for just a moment.
if you’ve read this far you might be living what i’m writing.
you might be making the phone call to help your child feel better, but tending to yourself is going to be an integral part of your child’s healing.
whether it’s big stuff or seemingly little stuff,
whether it’s homework or a hard day at work,
whether it’s separation anxiety, transitions, boundaries, or bed time,
new relationship, ending relationship, new siblings, divorce, or illness,
whether it’s too loud, too many, or not enough,
taking time to bring caring attention to ourselves and/or our children is important.
i have advanced and ongoing training as a certified synergetic play provider™, and my work with clients is heavily influenced by this therapeutic modality. synergetic play therapy is a researched-informed model of play therapy blending the healing power of play with nervous system regulation, interpersonal neurobiology, physics, attachment, mindfulness, and provider authenticity. using this model, your child will learn more about their emotional responses and find new, healthy ways to express their feelings.
the what:
there are many reasons parents reach out to me. including but not limited to:
problematic behaviors at school
not respecting others
resistance to discipline
extended meltdowns
difficulty with transitions
strong self-criticism
low impulse control
anxious or hypervigilant
isolation and withdrawal on the play ground
struggles to connect with family or peers
afraid to try new things
cries easily
seems bored or uninterested most of the time
sensory integration sensitivities
self doubt
significant changes in appetite or sleep patterns
low self-esteem
excessive shyness
the how:
as a certified synergetic play provider™, i work with families and their young children ages 2-12. i harness the healing powers of play to help my clients prevent or resolve emotional and psychological difficulties, facilitating optimal growth and development.
through play, children can express and cope with their feelings. play offers a concrete form to the often unspoken inner world of children, making it easier for them to express emotions that may be too challenging to articulate directly.
in our work together, i help your child identify the challenges they face and provide healthier ways to address these challenges. my goal is to equip them with the tools to navigate life successfully and blossom into healthy, self-aware individuals.
through play, i assist your child in becoming aware of the stressors or emotions they struggle with. together, we explore healthier and safer ways of handling these emotions and practice them until they are integrated into new, positive patterns of relating to themselves, others, and the world around them.
with over 20 years of experience working with children and their families, i also apply extensive training from the past decade in brain and nervous system development to determine the emotional and biological origins of behavioral issues.
What does our work together look like?
I come to you! This is an in-home service. Do not stress about what toys you have. As long as there is a quiet space your child and I can be in, we are all set. Individual sessions for children are typically 45-50 minutes. In addition I will set up a time to discuss ongoing progress and goals with caregivers after each session.
What do I tell my child about going to their first play session?
It is important to take the child’s age and maturity level into consideration when having this discussion with them. Be honest about the fact that your family is going to receive some extra support. Let your child know they are not in trouble and this extra support does not mean there is something “wrong” with them that needs to be “fixed”. Help your child know that we all need a little extra help sometimes when we are experiencing challenging circumstances. If your child has previously expressed a challenge with something you might explain that they are going to see Jenna for help with that challenge.
How do I ask my child about their play session?
It is important to not pressure your child to talk about their sessions. Let your child decide what they want to tell you. I will share with caregivers anything that arises in session relating to the child’s safety or any other vital information. It is important to remember your child is granted privacy during his or her sessions in order to allow for self-expression. Allowing your child to keep their sessions private will help them benefit from the healing process. Remember progress will take time and children will be allowed to work at their pace in order to build and maintain a trusting relationship with me as their play provider
School Consultation Services:
At times your child may be struggling in school and may benefit from specialized school supports. With a signed release of information, I am able to communicate with schools to advocate for your child’s social, emotional and behavioral needs, and help to review or create behavior intervention plans and individualized education plans..