OUR SPECIALTIES
CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
Since young people learn most quickly through play, we use play-based approaches to help improve behavior, mood and relationships. We have invested in extensive post-Masters training that allows us to utilize the best evidence-based approaches and understand Child Development and Child Psychology. We believe that parents are our "co-therapists" and prefer active parent involvement in treatment whenever possible. We utilize Child-Centered Play Therapy, Adlerian Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, principles based in Theraplay®, principles based in TraumaPlay®, or Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to connect with children.
WOMEN'S ISSUES
Whether you are married or single, and parenting or not, we never stop dodging unexpected curveballs. There are very few women who make it through life without experiencing past events that still haunt us. We can assist you in strengthening your relationships, setting boundaries, growing spiritually, and recovering from past trauma or early childhood trauma. We are pleased to offer the "Making Sense of Your (Past) Worth" Curriculum in individual and group formats to help you gain secure attachment in relationships.
FOSTER CARE/ADOPTION SUPPORT & COACHING
Emily and Mandy collectively have over 20 years experience working with families involved in the child welfare system. Both are facilitators for the Trauma-Informed Partnering for Safety and Permanence - Model Approach to Parenting Program (TIPS-MAPP) and Deciding Together Program and have led numerous TIPS cohorts. Mandy is a foster/adoptive parent and worked as a foster-care social worker with a private Christian provider for many years. Emily has several years experience supporting and training families who are adopting special needs children and youth through the foster care system. Emily previously served as a facilitator for the Center for Adoption Support and Education's Training on Adoption Competency (TAC) Program, currently provided locally by Children's Aid Society of Alabama.
PARENTING SUPPORT & SPECIAL NEEDS PARENTING
Are you a parent frustrated by your child's hyperactivity, battling for control, anger, defiance, or school behavior problems? Has your family experienced transitions like divorce, loss of a loved one, or moving to a new area? We offer parents an opportunity to learn practical skills to implement discipline, enhance emotional intelligence, overcome challenges and restore joy to your relationships. We believe that an attachment-based, trauma-informed approach to parenting creates the most positive outcomes and relationships between children and parents. We can offer support in parenting children with diagnoses such as ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorders, and many others. We offer classes in Circle of Security Parenting, a parenting approach driven by decades of attachment research.
DIVORCE RECOVERY FOR WOMEN
We are passionate about helping women thrive after the ending of a marriage, especially those who have experienced domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, and other forms of maltreatment. Difficult experiences like these can often lead to depression, chronic anxiety, relationship difficulties, and Complex PTSD. Women often struggle with boundaries, trusting others, and self-esteem. We hope to guide you to greater wisdom, insight, and empowerment as you move forward in a new chapter of life.
LGBTQIA+ ISSUES
According to current statistics, 9.5% of youth in the US between 13-17 identify as LGBTQIA+. Suicide rates among this group are are 1.5-3% higher than other teens; and between 5-10% of LGBTQ youth have attempted suicide. Emily and Liz have a passion for helping youth who are experiencing stress related to their identity development. Emily is particularly interested in supporting youth who would like to explore how their identity and their faith intersects. We strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space for young people to explore their identities in an accepting environment that is affirming of every person's unique experience. We encourage parents to seek to maintain a relationship FIRST with their teen, even when belief systems collide.
ADOPTEE SUPPORT
We understand that the only expert on an adoptee's experience is the adoptee themselves. We are well acquainted with the grief and loss that often accompanies adoption, as well as the internal conflicts that often arise. We are committed to helping adoptees develop an integrated story that includes pieces from the past, present and future. We support openness and honesty amongst families when adoption has occurred. We are willing to work in a family setting with other members of the adoptee's adoption-kinship network.
GRIEF AND LOSS
The grief experience is universal. Whether you are mourning the loss of a loved one through death, the loss of a relationship, fertility loss or miscarriage, or any other form of loss, we are here to walk alongside you during this tough season. Since we know that we never "move on" from the loss of something like this, our hope is to guide you to a place where you can continue to move forward in life with the impacts.
DEPRESSION & ANXIETY
Whether your experience with depression or anxiety is situational, chronic, or related to Complex Trauma, we are here to support you in finding the joy and peace that you seek in life. Research has shown that the best treatment for depression is a combination of psychotherapy and pharmaceutical treatment. We are happy to partner with you and your physician to determine the best combination of treatment to improve mood and relieve stress. We use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy as well as Trauma Resolution approaches to address the underlying causes of mood and anxiety disorders.
CHRISTIAN COUNSELING
We believe that a person's spirituality is a vital part of holistic wellbeing. Emily and Mandy enjoy offering spiritual support from a Christian standpoint for those who wish for their faith to be an integral part of their treatment. These services will only be offered upon request of the client and/or parent, so please inform us of your preferences during our initial session. Additionally, we are very sensitive to the reality of spiritual trauma and are happy to explore such topics with you in a safe, nonjudgmental atmosphere.