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Author: Rachel Silberman, Clinical Trainee Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience for anyone, but for children, navigating grief can be especially confusing and overwhelming. They may struggle to understand their emotions or find it difficult to express themselves verbally. In times like these, traditional talk therapy might not be the most effective approach for children to cope with their grief. This is where play therapy comes in.
Play therapy offers a safe and supportive environment for children to explore and express their feelings through play. Whether it's using toys, art materials, or engaging in imaginative play, children are given the freedom to communicate in a way that feels natural to them. Here's how play therapy can benefit children who are grieving: 1. Non-verbal expression: Children often find it challenging to articulate their emotions verbally, especially during times of grief when their feelings may be complex and overwhelming. Play therapy provides them with a non-verbal outlet to express themselves, allowing them to communicate through play rather than words. 2. Emotional processing: Through play, children can symbolically reenact their experiences and emotions, helping them process and make sense of their grief in a way that feels safe and manageable. Whether it's role-playing scenes from their past or creating artwork that reflects their feelings, play therapy encourages emotional exploration and understanding. 3. Normalization of feelings: Grief can be isolating, especially for children who may feel like they're the only ones experiencing such intense emotions. In play therapy, children realize that their feelings are normal and valid. They see that it's okay to express sadness, anger, or confusion, and they learn healthy ways to cope with these emotions. 4. Building coping skills: Play therapy equips children with coping skills and strategies to navigate their grief journey. Through guided play activities, they learn how to regulate their emotions, manage stress, and develop resilience in the face of adversity. These skills not only help them cope with grief but also empower them to face future challenges with confidence. 5. Strengthening relationships: Play therapy can also facilitate communication and strengthen relationships between children and their caregivers. By engaging in therapeutic play together, families can bond, share experiences, and support each other through the grieving process. In conclusion, play therapy offers a unique and effective approach to supporting children who are grieving. By providing a safe space for expression, emotional processing, and skill-building, play therapy helps children navigate their grief journey in a healthy and constructive way. Through play, children can find healing, resilience, and hope as they learn to cope with loss and embrace life once again Author: Rachel Silberman, Clinical Trainee In the realm of mental health care, the decision to pay out of pocket for therapy or counseling services is a nuanced one, influenced by a variety of factors ranging from privacy concerns to personal priorities. This choice is not only made by clients seeking therapy but also by therapists themselves who opt for a private pay model. Let's delve deeper into the rationale behind this decision and explore strategies for both clients and therapists navigating the landscape of private payments in mental health care.
Privacy Concerns: One significant reason individuals choose to pay out of pocket is to maintain confidentiality. In environments where mental health diagnoses may impact professional reputations, such as workplaces, private payments offer a shield against potential stigma or discrimination. Access to Specific Services: Another driving force behind private payments is the desire for access to specialized treatments or modalities that may not be covered by insurance. Additionally, some individuals may require more frequent sessions than insurance allows, making out-of-pocket payments a practical solution. High Deductibles and Out-of-Network Benefits: With the prevalence of high deductibles in many insurance plans, individuals often find that out-of-pocket payments are comparable to insurance copays. Moreover, paying privately allows individuals the flexibility to choose their preferred provider, even if they are out-of-network. Personal Priorities and Belief in the Therapist: People allocate funds to what they value, and mental health services often hold a high priority. Clients are willing to invest in private payments if they believe the therapist can effectively address their concerns and provide valuable support. While private payments offer numerous benefits, it's essential to acknowledge that not everyone can afford this option. Inclusive solutions such as pro-bono slots or sliding scales are crucial for ensuring that mental health care remains accessible to all individuals, regardless of financial constraints. Author: Fiona Smith Taproot Therapy offers two Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations with specially trained evaluators: the Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Many clients seeking autism evaluations wonder where to begin. Though both are effective diagnostic tools, there are key differences between the assessments. The ADOS evaluation was developed in the 1980s and updated in 2012. The ADI-R evaluation was updated in 2003, following its original development in 1989. The ADI-R is useful if the interviewee has knowledge or access to knowledge of their developmental history. This evaluation is conducted in a structured, interview-style format with the clinician posing questions to the interviewee and takes into account a client’s full history from childhood until present. The ADI-R can be completed by a caregiver, parent, or close affiliate with knowledge of one’s childhood history. If a young child is being tested for an autism diagnosis, this is often a helpful evaluation for a caregiver to complete. For example, this interview may ask about specific habits or routines in childhood, and dives into detail on topics such as pronominal reversal. This evaluation can also be helpful for high-masking individuals, as it delves into behaviors from early childhood and toddler years. The ADOS evaluation is useful if the interviewee does not have access to developmental history. It is very present-focused and is an observation-style session, where the clinician assesses the interviewee’s communication skills, social interactions, and imaginative use of materials through semi-structured directions. Some examples of ADOS related testing include the construction of a puzzle, telling of a story, discussion of future plans, and more. Present concerns are also discussed. This evaluation is helpful as it takes into account behaviors and actions in the room in front of the evaluator. It is entirely up to your specific needs and preferences as to which evaluation (or both!) to pursue. As these assessments offer results based on different frameworks (one, the past; the other, present observations), many clients choose to complete both evaluations for a complete picture, if feasible financially and time-wise. Either way, both evaluations provide accurate and clear indications of whether or not a diagnosis of ASD is necessary. Email Erin Iwanusa at [email protected] to learn more, or to schedule an evaluation!Author: Carly Barocas, Clinical Trainee Why ADI-Rs Matter in Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that involves persistent challenges in social interaction, speech, nonverbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. The range and severity of symptoms vary widely, making accurate diagnosis crucial for effective support and interventions. One of the most reliable tools in the assessment of ASD is the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). Developed by leading experts, the ADI-R is a structured interview used by clinicians to assess autism in children and adults. It plays a pivotal role in understanding the nuances of ASD and ensuring accurate diagnosis. How ADI-Rs Work The ADI-R involves an interview between a trained examiner and the individual being assessed or the parent/caregiver of the individual being assessed. The interview focuses on four key areas:
This comprehensive interview typically takes about two hours to complete and covers various topics related to the individual’s developmental history and current behavior. Why Choose Taproot for ADI-Rs? At our practice, we prioritize accurate and compassionate evaluation. Our team is comprised of experienced professionals trained in the administration of ADI-Rs. We understand the nuances and complexities of ASD and are committed to providing thorough assessments that respect the individuality of each client. Our approach is not just about diagnosis; it’s about understanding and supporting our clients and their families through their journey with ASD. We believe in a holistic approach, where the ADI-R is the starting point for a pathway to effective intervention and support. At the end of your evaluation, we provide you with a thorough list of recommendations and a follow-up meeting to review all referrals. Email Erin Iwanusa at [email protected] to learn more, or to schedule an evaluation!
Author: Danielle Alberta, Taproot Therapy Clinical Trainee Summertime is finally here! For many of us, the warm weather may provide a much needed respite from the low-energy moods that we may feel in the colder months. Since we only have the warmth for a few short months, it might be beneficial to take advantage of it while it's here, spending more time outdoors or exploring new parts of the city. Mindfulness is a core skill of Dialectical Behavior Therapy that can be used this summer to allow us to be more present and appreciative of the good energy that the warmth brings with it. Mindfulness can be used to ground us in the present moment, fully engage with our surroundings, or notice any sensations or feelings arising within us.
The great thing about mindfulness is that we often engage in it without knowing that we are doing it. The mindful experience is fully immersing ourselves into one task, without multitasking or judging it. For example, this might happen naturally while washing the dishes, doing the laundry, or cooking a meal. Now, we can name these everyday activities as mindful activities and then employ them when we are feeling stressed, anxious, or are lost in our negative thoughts. A great and simple way to practice mindfulness at any time is to engage our senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch) because they can help to ground us in the here and now or fully experience a moment. Here are some ways that we can engage our five senses this summer in New York City:
Mindfulness can be done in many small ways throughout the day. Recognizing opportunities to practice being mindful is the first step in cultivating self-awareness. If we can draw on our mindfulness skills in times of peace, we can more easily apply mindfulness skills when we are experiencing overwhelming emotional or physical responses. Try connecting with your five senses this summer using these examples. As you get more comfortable with identifying opportunities to be mindful, make your own list of mindfulness activities or ways to engage your senses throughout the day! |
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