I work with kiddos and families experiencing various struggles or navigating different neurotypes: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, attachment issues, ADHD, Autism, abuse, neglect, sexual assault and mental health disorders. Its natural to look for a cookie cutter approach to deal with the "diagnosis", but there really is no single correct approach. All the theories are hypothetical, the treatments effective for some, but not others. I can give recommendations, provide insight and write plans, individually based according to the needs of the child and family I am working with, but even then the best plans are ineffective if not put into practice. I see the struggles, its heartbreaking and I can't fault them if they stop the interventions after a week or two. I am often a parental cheerleader, trying to give hope to stick it out until the metaphorical magic bullet finds its target (I have faith in you!). I've seen the trouble some Moms and Dads have in changing their own behavior and thought processes, pinning hopes on medications and still coming away disappointed. I had some great sessions today with parents who said "oops, I'm doing it again", and then course corrected to the tune of a breakthrough moment! Moments where parents begin to develop awareness of self and focus on change within, to be more effective as parents to challenging kids, are beautiful to see and often become the shot of adrenaline needed to push through! Sometimes Moms and Dads have tough things to sort out too, and therapy has to take a brief detour, that is okay! If you want your child's behavior to change, I encourage you to take a look within and acknowledge you might also have some behaviors which need changing. Get your own therapist if you need to. Our children don't improve without us striving to improve ourselves as well. Its hard, but wonderful things can happen when we all grow together!
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