Posts by Deborah Pettitt
Regulation – Dissociation Part 2
While some kids live hyper-aroused and are incorrectly diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder other children respond to early trauma by dissociating. This is particularly true if they experienced trauma as infants or toddlers. The three choices any human has to stress is flight, fight or freeze. Infants are incapable of running or fighting so…
Read MoreRegulation rather than consequences
Parenting traumatized children requires regulation rather than consequences. Regulation is what these children missed as babies and toddlers. Healthy children had moments where loving parents picked them up and calmed them. The parent held them when they were angry or distressed. They calmly helped them handle a frustration. Neglected and abused children missed these experiences…
Read MoreSensorimotor Psychotherapy
This week I thought I would introduce you to a method of therapy that a few of our therapists are trained in, it is called Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. What is Sensorimotor Psychotherapy This method is a body-centered approach that aims to treat the symptoms of unresolved trauma in the body. While traditional talk therapies utilize the words of a…
Read MoreMarriage Therapy – 5 to 1 ratio
Psychology Today reviewed the Gottman Method of Marriage Therapy and I thought this week I would summarize the important thoughts presented in this article. Marriage Therapy – based on research The Gottman Method is based on observations showing there is a real science to that most indescribable of experiences, love. The method is built on research…
Read MoreThe Effectiveness of Play Therapy
Just read an interesting research study on play therapy titled “THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CHILD-CENTERED PLAY THERAPY ON THE CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS OF EARLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS” by Corine Wixson which was published in 2016. The study examined the effectiveness of child-centered play therapy (CCPT) on the challenging behaviors of three kindergarten students. Why this type of…
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