I have questions about treatment

Every clinician identifies as a creative, out of the box thinker. We know that mental health treatment needs to be customized for each individual. This involves talking, creating and playing to deliver the most effective interventions. 

How does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) work with young people?

Unfortunately, stress in the world is an ongoing nugget of life. Most families with children and adolescents come to us when existing solutions are not remedying the problem causing stress. Getting stuck with one way of thinking or behaving can become problematic if those actions no longer work. It can be hard to figure out ways to change and new ways of coping. How we handle change and stress through our thinking, choices, and behavior are keys to managing what life throws at us. 

(CBT) approaches help to reevaluate our thinking and learn more about our habitual behaviors. You can learn how to better manage your responses – inside and out.

How do Creative Arts Therapies work with young people?

Many young people will shrug their shoulders when you ask them uncomfortable questions or perhaps ask questions about how they are feeling! Words may not come so easily. Feelings cannot always be immediately identified. Young people respond well to arts therapies as they are given developmentally appropriate tools to communicate. Through art life stories are shared, processed and developed. 

Empowered with a greater sense of achievement through metaphor and creation, young people can feel seen and understood through creative arts therapies. Innovative thinking comes through creative practice. 

Arts therapies can be especially effective for those with sensory sensitivities. Engaging in other modes of communication can help diminish the difficulties with touch, tastes, smells and sounds. 

How does Dialectical Behavioral Therapy work (DBT) with young people?

Young people often have BIG feelings. These extreme reactions can really disrupt relationships and functioning. DBT approaches utilize CBT skills and help young people build skills to tolerate and regulate emotions through self-awareness and more effective communication. Choices are not so black and white – there are many shades of gray in between to find ease every day in our lives.

How does Play Therapy work with young people?

Play therapy builds on the natural propensity of the child to imagine and communicate through creative narratives. Within the safe and accepting arena cultivated by the therapist, young people use toys, games, storytelling, and puppets to express feelings and thoughts about distressful events or relationships or even wishful fantasies of their imagined solutions.  

How does Trauma-Informed Intervention work with young people?

Sometimes experiences of loss, grief, illness or abuse pervade a young person’s world. These experiences, often categorized as trauma can threaten the sense of safety and trust. These experiences should not be the defining experience of the young person. Trauma-Informed Intervention can aid in trauma recovery, so these experiences become more manageable and less prominent in the young person’s core identity. We can’t erase the incident but trauma-informed intervention helps alleviate its pain keeping young people from moving forward. We can also help the caring adult better understand reactions to trauma and support positive healing.

What comes next?

Marygrace will help you connect with one of our experienced therapists. Usually, the first therapy session can be scheduled within a week’s time. The therapist will meet with you to learn more about your child. 

How will the therapist help my child?

Our therapists are experts in speaking “kiddo”. We use creative ways to engage your child to feel comfortable expressing feelings and experiences that might be overwhelming. With training in evidence based approaches such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), DBT (Dialectal Behavioral Therapy) and trauma informed care, our seaseoned clinicians easily transcend any awkwardness you and your child might fear about initiating treatment. Most of our clients wish they had therapy more than once weekly! We effectively diminish any potential stigma associated with “therapy” and demonstrate a well state of mental health is just another aspect of taking good care of ourselves.   

How will I know what is happening in sessions?

Therapy is an uncensored space equipped with freedom and  non-judgemental receptivity to explore feelings and experiences. But, we understand how concerned you are about your child. After every three sessions, there is a family meeting for 30 minutes during your child’s session appointment. This is a time for the child and therapist to share updates on the emotions uncovered and the solutions devised. It is important that caregivers are part of this growth process. You are able to contact your child’s therapist at any time if you have concerns to share.  

Will you coordinate care with my child’s other providers?

We would love to! A team approach means that all members work towards a united goal. If you are willing to offer permission for us to talk collaboratively, we will communicate openly with those who care about your child’s growth and development.

How much do sessions cost?

Our 50 minute sessions range from $175 - $200. We do not accept insurance. We will generate receipts for your direct reimbursement from your insurance carrier.

You may want to ask your insurer:

• Is there an allowance for behavioral health services?

• How many psychotherapy sessions are allowed per year (CPT code 90837)?

• How much is my deductible?

How are payments submitted?

Accepted forms of payment include cash, credit cards, and checks at time of visit.