Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is often referred to as the "talking treatment" because it is based on talking with a therapist about problems in order to eliminate them or find better ways to cope. However, psychotherapy often includes many other things such as writing, drawing, drama and narrative stories. This is true for ATTACHMENT Coalition therapists as well, with the addition that any treatment is steeped in attachment theory and requires that any or most work needs to be conducted with the parent(s) and child.

Planning on what is "just right" for a client must include an assessment of behavioral and emtional concerns, a full understanding of the child's history, a grasp on the parent's history and attachment education.  

Consultations

Talking with a therapist with years of experience in post-adoption treatment can provide a family with direction and recommendations which can sometimes be the needed guidance to set relationships on a less troublesome course. Our consultations are for any age child and their family experiencing adoption issues or problem behaviors.

Coalition members also conduct pre-adopt consultations which provide parents with ideas and information to increase the likelihood of a smoother transition for the new adoptee.

Groups

Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy where several clients come together, with a therapist, to learn from the experiences of each other, offer advise and support one another. It is also a great place for members to try out ideas and practice new behaviors.

ATTACHMENT Coalition members each develop their own groups based on the currents needs of their clients. Some groups are open to people not in individual or family treatment, and other groups are closed, meaning that the group is comprised of clients in treatment. All groups require an interview and are time-limited.

Currently, there are several "closed" groups; a teen girl group exploring the  core issues in adoption, a group for mothers experiencing great difficulties parenting their adopted children, and an adoptive parents support group for those parenting teens with trauma histories. There is a dads group beginning in February which will focus on the needs of fathers who are parenting challenging  young children.

There are two "open" groups (not yet titled) being planned for the Spring of 2012. One group for social skill development and another for children who struggle with mental health issues/behaviors of a sibling.

For more information email info@attachmentcoalition.org.  

Psychological Evaluations & School Consultations

Assessments can be completed for children, adolescents or adults. Intelligence, learning, attention, memory, mood, behavior, and attachment potential can be assessed, all or in part, for families new to therapy as well as children in treatment. In addition, consultations in understanding school support or finding answers concerning appropriate school placement is available.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is a non-invasive treatment for brain dysregulation that may be caused by heredity, disease, nutrition, trauma, and physical or emotional stress. Neurofeedback helps train the brain and nervous system toward healthy arousal states to address symptoms of hyperativity, attention deficits, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, learning or memory problems. It has been used successfully for a variety of medical conditions... people report feeling better, sleeping better and being more in control.

Coalition members researched and studied various systems to determine the best fit for the population of children and adults that seek our services. As a result Dr. Lhost-Catal uses NeurOptimal® by Zengar, Inc.  Click here for brochure

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for children and adults who have experienced trauma. EMDR procedures reprocesses traumatic events, or adverse life experiences, along with the associated beliefs to an adaptive or functional resolution.

As a part of a client's assessment, ATTACHMENT Coaltion therapists can help you determine if EMDR should be used as an intervention as a part of an overall treatment plan.

Mindful Parenting Training

Mindful Parenting is an approach to help parents develop their ability to be more aware of what’s happening inside and outside of themselves; their emotional reactions that can get in the way of responding effectively to their child. This training can assist parents in hearing and understanding their child with greater clarity, allowing for more skillful responses to solving problems. Six week courses are offered throughout the year as well as periodic introductory workshops... check for dates on www.a2mindfulparenting.com.  Click here for article