Case Formulation Guide for Professionals Working with Children and Families
When child and family professionals such as play therapists and family therapists are presented with new cases, there is much to be learned in a short time. Working together with the family, therapists typically review the family’s history and relationships along with the parents’ or family’s reasons for coming. Regardless of theoretical orientation, therapists work with the family to establish treatment goals and an overall plan for moving forward. This can be an overwhelming task for relatively new therapists, and even for experienced therapists when confronted with complex and/or multiple traumas, attachment disruptions, and a multitude of other situations. Where does one start to tease apart the situation to determine which goals represent a starting place? There are no easy answers.
Read MoreSupporting Parents in Times of Crisis to Help Regulate the Emotional Temperature at Home. Guest blog by Geraldine Thomas
When face-to-face therapy is no longer an option, what’s in the child’s best interests? This contribution by guest Geraldine Thomas of London (UK) explores considerations and ways that therapists can support parents in times of crisis to help them regulate the emotional temperature at home.
Read MoreThe Concept of Resistance In Therapy: A Reexamination During the COVID-19 Pandemic
While client “resistance” is a topic discussed by therapists in “normal” times, it takes on special significance during times of great stress. This article discusses some of the key factors that can influence client hesitation to engage in therapy during pandemics and other disaster situations, as well as suggestions for therapists to consider resistance as a normal part of the change process. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused large and sudden changes for everyone, including therapists and their clients. This blog discusses how therapists might think about and approach their clients with patience and empathy, even if it means that continuing telehealth therapy is delayed for a while as clients get their feet on the ground.
Read MoreAnimals Speak! Light Messages for Kids During the Pandemic. Issue #3
A kid-friendly project of the International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy® to help kids of all ages understand aspects of the pandemic and to give some ideas for fun and coping. Each Animals Speak! blogpost includes a few videos of “talking” animals sharing their thoughts and ideas.
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