Generated by All in One SEO v4.8.9, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Family Christian Counseling Clinical Expertise ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://familyccc.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Blog](https://familyccc.com/blog/) - [Glass Child](https://familyccc.com/parenting/glass-child/) - If you’ve ever felt torn between meeting one child’s extra needs and making sure the other(s) feel seen, you’re not alone. - [Part 2 - Quotes about Children](https://familyccc.com/parenting/part-2-quotes-about-children/) - This month I thought I would give you some more of my favorite quotes about children, after all they are our future.... - [Understanding the Protective Response](https://familyccc.com/parenting/understanding-the-protective-response/) - In Brain-Body Parenting, Dr. Mona Delahooke explains the concept of the protective response—a child’s instinctive reaction to perceived threats.... - [Sandtray has many uses](https://familyccc.com/counseling/sandtray-has-many-uses/) - Our work with adolescents and teens often involves learning how to successfully regulate our emotions. And the first step to learning how to regulate emotions.. - [The Role of Interoception](https://familyccc.com/parenting/the-role-of-interoception/) - Chapter 6 of Brain-Body Parenting by Dr. Mona Delahooke, is titled "Making Sense of the Senses: How Emotions Arise from the Body's Experience of the World." - [Healing Developmental Trauma](https://familyccc.com/trauma/healing-developmental-trauma/) - At our agency, we specialize in the treatment of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)—a condition rooted in chronic, early trauma.... - [Brain Body Parenting - Interoception](https://familyccc.com/parenting/brain-body-parenting-interoception/) - Chapter 5 of Brain-Body Parenting by Dr. Mona Delahooke talks about the relationship between the brain and body emphasizing the place of bodily sensations... - [Anxiety and Depression](https://familyccc.com/depression/anxiety-and-depression/) - We live in a very difficult world today. Relationship issues, political turmoil, social media influence and work stress can leave us feeling.... - [Coregulation develops self-regulation](https://familyccc.com/parenting/coregulation-develops-self-regulation/) - Which pathway is my child on? Chapter 4 of Brain-Body Parenting by Mona Delahooke begins the section of the book exploring solutions to dealing..... - [Is it willful misbehavior?](https://familyccc.com/parenting/is-it-willful-misbehavior/) - Delahooke in her book Brain Body Parenting gives us an important question that we need to start with when accessing children’s misbehavior.... - [Your Child's Neuro-platform](https://familyccc.com/parenting/your-childs-neuro-platform/) - Our last blog post covered step 1 in determining if a child’s misbehavior is willful or a signal of our child’s vulnerability, how do we help regain control? - [Research into Marriage Therapy](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/research-into-marriage-therapy/) - I thought this month I would summarize 2 studies that looked into the efficacy of the Gottman Method of marriage therapy. - [The Gentle Startup](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/the-gentle-startup/) - If you find yourself in an escalating argument with your other half, one of you may have begun with a harsh start-up. - [Brain Body For Parents](https://familyccc.com/parenting/brain-body-for-parents/) - Chapter 3 of "Brain-Body Parenting" by Dr. Mona Delahooke focuses on understanding children's behaviors through the lens of their nervous systems. This chapter emphasizes the importance of recognizing that many behaviors are instinctual responses to stress rather than intentional actions. Dr. Delahooke introduces the concept of "pathways" to describe different states of a child's nervous - [Christmas Letter 2024](https://familyccc.com/parenting/christmas-letter-2024/) - Dear Parents, As Christmas approaches, I would like to offer some things for your consideration that might help your children, and you get through the holidays more easily this year. Christmas is stressful for everyone, but especially for children with troubling pasts. It is best to focus on your relationship with your children first and - ["Brain-Body Parenting" Part 3](https://familyccc.com/uncategorized/brain-body-parenting-part-3/) - Summary of Brain-Body Parenting: Green, Blue, and Red Pathways by Delahooke "Brain-Body Parenting" introduces a framework that helps parents understand their child’s emotional and physiological responses to parenting challenges through three pathways: green, blue, and red. Each pathway represents a different state, influencing how children act. Green Pathway: The green pathway symbolizes a state of - [Brain-Body Parenting - Part 2](https://familyccc.com/research/brain-body-parenting-part-2/) - Chapter 2 of "Brain-Body Parenting" by Dr. Mona Delahooke introduces the concept that every child has a unique brain and body platform.... - [Managing Behaviors or Understanding them](https://familyccc.com/research/managing-behaviors-or-understanding-them/) - A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog about Polyvagal theory, today I would like to discuss managing behaviors as opposed to understanding behaviors.... - [Trauma and Hospitalizations](https://familyccc.com/trauma/trauma-and-hospitalizations/) - The Center uses play therapy to aid children’s work through traumatizing events. Recently we experienced a child close to our family having been hospitalized... - [Favorite Family Quotes - Part B](https://familyccc.com/parenting/favorite-family-quotes-part-b/) - I thought this week I would just share part 2 of my favorite family quotes, hopefully you will enjoy them as much as I do... - [Parenting your child](https://familyccc.com/parenting/parenting-your-child/) - This week I would like to focus on a book by Dr Brie Turns-Coe “Parent the Child You Have, Not the Child You Were”. Dr Brie is a therapist at Family Christian Counseling Center who has extensive experience working with children and families. In her book she gives help to parents in understanding and responding This week I would like to focus on a book by Dr Brie Turns-Coe “Parent the Child You Have, Not the Child You Were”. - [Trauma and the Polyvagal theory](https://familyccc.com/trauma/trauma-and-the-polyvagal-theory/) - In our treatment of children and adults that have experienced trauma we have come to see the importance of the poly vagal theory in understanding triggers... - [ChatGBT](https://familyccc.com/parenting/chatgbt/) - Imagine a teenager who does not want to talk with his parents about an issue turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to seek help and understanding... - [Beyond Behaviors](https://familyccc.com/parenting/beyond-behaviors/) - I have recently become exposed to the work of Mona Delahooke, PhD who has written two books. Both are about dealing with children's behaviors. (Beyond Behaviors and Brain Body Parenting.) I will be writing a series of blogs about the valuable concepts that she details. In work with children recovering from early trauma I quickly I have recently become exposed to the work of Mona Delahooke, PhD who has written two books... - [Spotlight on Mike DeMoss](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/spotlight-on-mike-demoss/) - Mike DeMoss is a great resource for men whether they need in depth therapy or just to connect with someone to help them through a rough spot. Mike has backgrounds in corporate business, church ministry and counseling. He has been married for 48 years and understands that marriage takes work to be successful. He and - [The Center and the NMT Model](https://familyccc.com/training/center-nmt-model/) - Deborah Pettitt, the director of the Center has been certified in Phase I and Phase II of Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neuro-sequential Model of Therapeutics. Dr. Bruce D. Perry is a prominent psychiatrist and neuroscientist known for his work in the field of childhood trauma and its impact on brain development and mental health. He is - [Object Permanence and Constancy](https://familyccc.com/parenting/object-permanence-and-constancy/) - I recently took my 91 year old father who suffers from dementia to a restaurant. I gently guided him with his walker to a table and left him there as I went to order the food in a long cafeteria style line. I made sure that he could see me in line and every few - [Summer Break](https://familyccc.com/parenting/summer-break/) - Introduction: The summer break exciting for children, they are looking forward to a free and fun time. However, without a sense of structure, children may find themselves with nothing to do or fall into bad habits. It is crucial to provide them with a well-defined routine that balances fun activities with enriching experiences. I thought - [Check ups are always healthy](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/gottman-marriagecheckup/) - Wouldn’t it be nice to have a check up on your marriage where you learn ways to make it stronger and more fulfilling? Gottman Risk Assessment The Gottman Marriage Risk Assessment Checkup is a research-based assessment tool developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, leading researchers in the field of marriage and relationships. It is - [Sensorimotor Psychotherapy](https://familyccc.com/training/sensorimotor-psychotherapy-2/) - We at Family Christian Counseling Center specialize in treating trauma in children, teens and adults. Our therapists have been trained in several treatment models. One such model is Sensorimotor Psychotherapy that integrates somatic (body-based) and cognitive techniques to help people resolve traumatic experiences and other psychological symptoms. This therapy is based on the knowledge that - [Dr. Perry's Model](https://familyccc.com/trauma/dr-perrys-model/) - I thought this month I would share with you a positive story from Dr. Perry's model (Neuro-sequential Model of Therapeutics) for children who have experienced trauma. "As an adoptive mom and child welfare professional, I have seen firsthand the incredible power of Dr. Bruce Perry's groundbreaking insight into trauma treatment. On a stifling hot June - [Christmas Quotes](https://familyccc.com/stories/christmas-quotes/) - I thought this year for Christmas I would share with you some of my favorite quotes for the holidays: “My prayer today is that the message of this Christmas time will be a personal message to you that Jesus will be Prince of Peace in your life and will bring peace and satisfaction and joy - [Regulate, Relate and Reason](https://familyccc.com/trauma/regulate-relate-reason/) - I just got done rereading Dr Perry’s thoughts on working with traumatized children using the “regulate, relate, and reason” sequence from his Neurosequential model of therapeutics and I thought it would be good to review this month. Step 1: Regulate. Since it is basically impossible to do any work with traumatized children when they are - [Gottman Therapy and 7 days](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/gottman-therapy-and-7-days/) - I just read a New York Times article on the book from the Gottman institute titled “The Love Prescription: Seven Days to More Intimacy, Connection, and Joy”. I thought- “really 7 days” -but as I read I realized the purpose of the article was to share some very helpful information to encourage couples in their - [Quotes about Grandparents](https://familyccc.com/parenting/quotes-about-grandparents/) - I just got to share some time with my grandson last weekend and we had a fantastic time. It made me think of my favorite quotes and I thought I would share some with you about grandparents this week. “God couldn’t be everywhere so he created grandparents!”“The only thing better than having you as my - [When to seek Marriage Therapy](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/when-to-seek-marriage-therapy/) - I just read a good article titled “When is it a good time to seek couples counseling?” and I thought I would summarize some of the great points the author made. If you would like to read the entire article please click on the link. Red Flags The article started with what it calls the - [My Favorite Marriage Quotes](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/my-favorite-marriage-quotes/) - I have always enjoyed short quotes that capture the essence of a subject, I thought today I would share with you some of my favorite quotes about marriage: “A good marriage is where each one secretly suspects they got the better deal” – Unknown“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the - [Childhood Trauma and ACE's](https://familyccc.com/trauma/childhood-trauma-aces/) - In the 1990’s the Center for Disease Control discovered an exposure that dramatically increased the risk for developing 7 out of the 10 leading causes of death. In high doses it effects: Brain developmentThe immune systemThe endocrine systemAnd even how our DNA is read and translated What the risk is and is not Children exposed - [Principles for Making Marriage Work](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/principles-for-making-marriage-work/) - The “7 Principles for Making Marriage Work” was written by the psychologist John Gottman. This blog will be a summary of those 7 principles. Enhance your love maps. Love centers around being great friends, the first skill that’s required is an understanding of what’s important to your partner. Thinking about the details of the activities - [The Science of Play Therapy](https://familyccc.com/play-therapy/science-play-therapy/) - I just read an article entitled “The Science of Play Therapy” and I want to share four highlights from it concerning how play therapy aids in healthy neuro-development. Impact of Play therapy Play therapy allows a child to explore emotions, worries and imagination, as well as gain and practice coping strategies. While exploring the brain - [Developmental Trauma](https://familyccc.com/parenting/developmental-trauma/) - Developmental trauma occurs when a child is traumatized during critical early growth periods. Often in the first two years of life. This trauma alters brain development and requires a therapeutic approach that understands what was missed and how to begin repair. I let parents know that repair starts with regulation. Dr Perry encourages repetitive motion - [Yes Brain](https://familyccc.com/parenting/yes-brain/) - I just read an interview with Dan Siegel about his book called “YES Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience in Your Child.” Dr. Siegel starts out the interview saying that the concepts in this book are a “no-brainer” Actually he said they were a “yes brainer” “The idea for parents or anyone caring - [Evaluate your Marriage](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/evaluate-your-marriage/) - How is your communication with your partner? Is it where you want it to be? Could it be improved? Do you ever feel like you wished you could talk about deeply held beliefs, thoughts, or feelings with your partner, but feel it’s pointless as it often ends up as a misunderstanding or an argument? Don’t - [My Favorite Family Quotes](https://familyccc.com/parenting/favorite-family-quotes/) - I thought this week I would just share some of my favorite family quotes, hopefully you will enjoy them as much as I do. “The most important thing in the world is family and love.” – John Wooden“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” –Michael J. Fox“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s - [What happened to You](https://familyccc.com/trauma/what-happened-to-you-2/) - For the next few blogs I will be summarizing my insights from some of the sections of Dr. Perry and Oprah Winfrey’s recent collaborative book entitled “What happened to You”. Frequently when I first meet with parents in therapy I ask about their child’s early experiences. This is important especially in cases of adoption where - [Infants and Trauma](https://familyccc.com/parenting/infants-trauma/) - I just read an article titled “Trauma-exposed Infants and Toddlers: A Review of Impacts and Evidence-Based Interventions” by Alysse Melville. This article focused on birth to two years old and it caught my attention because very few studies have been done on this age group as it relates to trauma. What follows is a summary - [Antidotes for the Four Horseman](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/antidotes-four-horseman/) - I have written before about the “four horseman” in respect to the Gottman Method of Marriage Therapy. If you would like to read more about this concept please click on the link below. Briefly the four horseman are the 4 attitudes that quickly bring about trouble in a marriage. I just read a great article - [Helping Children Cope with Traumatic Events](https://familyccc.com/trauma/helping-children-cope/) - I just read an article from the National Institute of Mental Health that gave many good suggestions for helping children who have been traumatized. I thought I would share with you a few of the sections from that report. Click on the link if you would like to read the entire article. NIH Report The - [Gottman's Couple Therapy](https://familyccc.com/couples-therapy/gottmans-couple-therapy/) - I just finished reading a journal article titled “Examining the Effectiveness of Gottman Couple Therapy on Improving Marital Adjustment and Couples' Intimacy”. If you would like to read the study in its entirety, please click on the link. The objective of the study was to examine the effectiveness of Gottman couple therapy on improving marital - [Healthy People 2030](https://familyccc.com/trauma/healthy-people-2030/) - Healthy People is a national effort that sets goals and objectives to improve the health and well-being of people in the United States. Healthy People 2030 is the fifth edition of Healthy People. It aims at new challenges and builds on lessons learned from its first 4 decades. The initiative began in 1979, when Surgeon - [NMT helps a teacher](https://familyccc.com/trauma/nmt-helps-teacher/) - I just came across a blog from a teacher in Australia who has spent most of his career teaching what you and I would call troubled youth. What really struck me about his posts is how many times he mentions Dr. Bruce Perry and the help his work has been to him. Some of his - [Stress, Trauma and Mental Health](https://familyccc.com/uncategorized/stress-trauma-and-mental-health/) - Our Brains are like sophisticated operating systems. When they are overwhelmed, they experience glitches and can even temporarily shut down. We have all experienced these types of glitches. For example, it might be forgetting where we put our keys or entering a room and wondering what we came there to do? We have all experienced - [Level II Training - Sensorimotor Psychotherapy](https://familyccc.com/training/training-sensorimotor-psychotherapy/) - Three of the Center’s therapists have worked hard this year (Deborah Pettitt, Kent Bertrand and Danen Downs) and are poised to complete Level II training (Treatment of Developmental Injury) from the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute. This training consists of 126 contact hours divided into 7 multi-day modules, for a total of 21 days. Modules are typically - [Relationships are the Key](https://familyccc.com/trauma/relationships-are-the-key/) - I just read an interesting blog published at www.strugglingteens.com about a seminar that the author went to featuring Dr. Bruce Perry and the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT). The author spoke about the seminar and the importance of Dr. Perry’s work. I thought I would give you a quick summary of his thoughts.In the first - [Praise to Criticism Ratio](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/praise-to-criticism-ratio/) - I thought I would share an article published in the “Harvard Business Review” that discusses how effective groups work in a business. I know you are probably saying what does this have to do with counseling? Their findings echo the 5:1 positivity to negativity ratio that Mike DeMoss uses at Family Christian Counseling Center during - [What happened to you - Part 3](https://familyccc.com/trauma/what-happened-to-you-part-3/) - This is a third blog in series on the new book “What happened to You” by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey. If you would like to read the first two please click on the links: What happened to you – part 1 What happened to you – part 2 Oprah has put - [“What happened to you – Part 2”](https://familyccc.com/trauma/what-happened-to-you-part-2/) - I thought I would do a follow up to last weeks blog about the book “What happened to You”. In the last blog I summarized for you Dr. Perry’s introduction to the book and this week I wanted to quote for you from Oprah’s introductory remarks. “As an adult, I am grateful to enjoy long-term, consistent, - [Developmentally Appropriate Play Therapy](https://familyccc.com/play-therapy/developmentally-appropriate-play-therapy/) - I just finished reading chapter 11 in Creative Arts and Play Therapy for Attachment Problems written by Richard L. Gaskill and Bruce D. Perry. The title of the chapter was “The Neurobiological Power of Play”. I thought I would summarize a few of the important points that the authors presented. Normal vs Compromised Attachments If - ["What happened to You"](https://familyccc.com/trauma/what-happened-to-you/) - On April 27 of 2021 Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey released a collaborative book titled . Below is an excerpt from the introduction to the book, which begins as a discussion between Oprah and Dr. Perry. It is a rather long excerpt from Dr. Perry but I think it gives you a good introduction - [Award for Drs. John and Julie Gottman](https://familyccc.com/research/award-for-drs-john-and-julie-gottman/) - Mike DeMoss has been with the Center for over 10 years and uses the Gottman Method for his work with couples. Last month the Gottmans were honored for their decades of work revolutionizing couples therapy with the Psychotherapy Networker Lifetime Achievement Award. I thought I would share with you the respect others in this - [What is Child Trauma](https://familyccc.com/trauma/what-is-child-trauma/) - “Child trauma” refers to a dangerous or life threatening event that happens to a child. This type of event may also happen to someone your child knows and your child is affected as a result of seeing or hearing about the other person being hurt. When these experiences happen, your child may become very overwhelmed and feel - [Research - Marriage Therapy](https://familyccc.com/research/research-marriage-therapy/) - I was reviewing some studies done on the Gottman Method of Marriage Therapy which we use to help couples at the Center. I thought it would be interesting to just give you a short summary of what the different studies showed. First Study - “The Development and Evaluation of a Gottman-Based Premarital Education Program: A - [Childhood Trauma and the Pandemic](https://familyccc.com/trauma/childhood-trauma-pandemic/) - I just read a good article concerning children and how some may react traumatically to the covid pandemic. I thought I would summarize two helpful parts of this article: A) typical reactions some children can have, and B) when should parents consider professional help. If you would like to read the entire article please click - [Marriage Conversations during Covid](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/marriage-conversations-during-covid/) - I just read an article by Dr. Julie Gottman of the Gottman Institute. In the article she talks about the realities of COVID-19 and how it can take a toll on our relationships. "People who are constrained inside four walls are going to feel stressed over time, especially with the additional fear of getting sick - [Marriage and Covid19](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/marriage-and-covid19/) - It’s no secret that the COVID-19 virus is putting a tremendous strain on even some of the best marriages. Being stuck in a limit space, working from home and struggling financial security all add up to stress and strain on marriages. There are somethings that you can do to help improve your marriage if the - [Five Untruths about Marriage](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/five-untruths-about-marriage/) - I just read an article by John Gottman in the Washington Post (Marriage Myths) about 5 things many people believe... but are untrue about marriage, click on the link if you want to read the whole article. Untruth #1 – Common Interests keep you together “It is not what you do but how you interact - [Trauma and Low Grade Stress](https://familyccc.com/trauma/trauma-and-low-grade-stress/) - I just finished listening to a podcast interviewing Dr. Bruce Perry, the topic was about the possibility of childhood trauma and long term low grade childhood stress producing the same effects. If you would like to listen to the entire podcast please click on the link. Let me summarize the first part of the interview - [For Better, For Worse](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/for-better-for-worse/) - I don’t know about you, but it seems to me emotions are all over the place in these uncertain times. Some people are not comfortable expressing their feelings and others do not even know what they are feeling. It is true that change is an inevitable part of life but sometimes we are not ready - [Marriage Connections](https://familyccc.com/research/marriage-connections/) - It’s the little things…connecting in marriage is so important. I can remember getting my first car, and my Dad explaining to me the importance of taking care of it. “If you want to avoid big problems”, he said, “take care of the little problems as soon as they come up.” See, the key to taking - [Child Trauma Coronovirus](https://familyccc.com/parenting/child-trauma-coronavirus/) - I just finished reading the Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Family Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) authored by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). The article addressed many child trauma coronavirus concerns, including physical, social and emotional. I encourage you to read the entire article but I am going to write this blog - [Children and Sand Tray Therapy](https://familyccc.com/play-therapy/children-sand-tray-therapy/) - One of the techniques that the Family Christian Counseling Center uses in children's counseling is the sand tray. The therapists at the Center use this method as an addition to traditional therapies. Sand tray therapy is defined as “The therapeutic use of a collection of miniatures in a sandtray. It is a non-verbal expressive and - [Repair and Emotional bids](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/marriage-repair/) - Two Principles for Marriages I need help to repair my marriage. If you have read any of our blogs on marriage you probably remember the name John Gottman and the dreaded “Four Horseman”. Gottman is known for the Four Horsemen, but also how, in a healthy relationship, each negative exchange during conflict should be balanced - [Resilient children](https://familyccc.com/trauma/resilient-children/) - I just read more about being resilient children. I would like to add some important points to previous blogs I have written about it in relation to children and trauma (if you would like to read the entire article I read please click on the LINK). What would it look like if we could somehow - [Children's Counseling Checklist](https://familyccc.com/trauma/childrens-counseling/) - One of the instruments that the therapists at Family Christian Counseling Center use during child counseling to help assess children who are experiencing behavioral, emotional, and social problems is the Child Behavior Checklist. This is a checklist that has been developed over decades using evidence based research to aid in identifying behavioral, emotional, and social - [Benefits of EAGALA](https://familyccc.com/research/benefits-of-eagala/) - Equine Assisted Therapy We have written previously about our Equine Assisted Therapy Program with therapist DeAnna Wahlheim. If you are unfamiliar with this therapy please click on this link which will describe it. I just finished reading an article summarizing 24 studies regarding equine assisted therapy. I thought I would share a few thoughts concerning - [Veterans and Equine Assisted Therapy](https://familyccc.com/research/veterans-equine-assisted-therapy/) - I was reading a journal article this week that was about evaluating equine assisted therapy programs for veterans which was published in September of this year. It reminded me of the great work DeAnna Wahlheim is doing using this therapy with some of her clients. The study evaluated veterans and their partners in relation to - [Increasing Love in Marriage](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/increasing-love-in-marriage/) - I remember in college reading about a lawyer who had argued dozens of times before the United States Supreme Court. No lawyer wins all the time, but he had been surprisingly effective before the nine justices. The key, he said, was to understand that to make his case, he could not just make one case, - [Child Therapy on a Screen](https://familyccc.com/research/online-child-therapy/) - I just finished reading an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal about online child therapy. I thought I would summarize a few of the points. Online Child Therapy The main idea of the article is how therapy with children over video is seeing many benefits. Since many children have grown up using computers building - [Explaining the Brain to Children](https://familyccc.com/trauma/explaining-brain-children/) - I just watched a great video on child brain trauma and helping them recover. It was recorded by the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development. Click on the link to view the complete presentation. The presenter centers her talk around the concept that if young people understand what is happening in their brain, - [Marriage During Covid19](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/marriage-and-stress/) - Marriage Counseling and the Pandemic It’s no secret that since the outbreak of the pandemic marriage stress has risen and sometimes pushed to the breaking point. Being forced to be closed in your home for extended periods of time with your spouse during the virus can be a significant challenge. Even the best marriages can - [Marriage Therapy and Time](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/takes-time/) - Now - Not Later I just read a good article on marriage therapy from the Gottman Institute. For my blog this week I will summarize a few of the key points from the author. 6 Years for help The first point I have heard before but he helped me see it in a new light: - [Relationships: Masters vs. Disasters](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/relationships-masters-vs-disasters/) - Marriage Counseling - it works I just watched a good video from Dr. John Gottman on what makes relationships work. If you want to view the entire presentation please click on the link. He has studied relationships for over 30 years and written a book describing his work called “The Seven Principles for making Marriage - [Even celebrities need help](https://familyccc.com/couples-therapy/marriage-relationships/) - Marriage Relationships need work “We don’t need couple’s therapy. We have a good marriage relationship.” The general feeling in the United States is that couple’s therapy is for couples with problems, when in reality, prevention is much more effective than intervention. Research from the Gottman Institute found that couples wait an average of six years - [In Celebration of Courage](https://familyccc.com/animal-assisted-therapy/in-celebration-of-courage/) - A Counselors Best Friend It was a sad day earlier this week when our beloved therapy dog “Courage” passed away. Courage was close to 15 years old (which is old for a dog) but far too early for us. He was a fixture at the Center until he retired about 4 years ago. He could - [Healthy Play for Children](https://familyccc.com/parenting/children-and-play/) - Every child expert I read believes that healthy play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of young people. The only problem with this is that in todays world time for free play has been markedly reduced for some children. There are many reasons for this including - [Children and Grief Counseling](https://familyccc.com/parenting/helping-children-grief/) - I just read a short little book about grief by the Child Trauma Academy entitled A Child’s Loss: Helping Children Exposed to Traumatic Death. You can purchase this little book from iTunes or Kindle. It was only 20 pages but it gave a lot of helpful information for caregivers and a special section at the - [Children and Trauma](https://familyccc.com/trauma/children-trauma/) - Children's trauma is one of the most difficult forms of trauma to treat, but it is vital to help children heal because they are our future. While reading “The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics” (Perry & Hambrick, 2008), I was amazed again at the intricacies of the brain. This developing organ of a child is complex - [Couples Therapy](https://familyccc.com/couples-therapy/couples-therapy/) - Couples Therapy - Gottman method As a couple’s therapist, I believe the Gottman Method is one of the most effective methods in helping couples in conflict. A great deal of research has gone into what helps couples have a meaningful relationship and what most often leads couples to split apart. The Gottman’s indicate that there are - [Marriage Therapy - 5 to 1 ratio](https://familyccc.com/research/marriage-therapy-gottman/) - 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 - [Benefits of Marriage Counseling](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/benefits-marriage-counseling/) - Marriage Counseling is Work I just read an article entitled “The Benefits of Marriage Counseling” from the Faculty Assistance Program of Dartmouth College. What caught my eye about this particular article was that it often quoted the marriage expert Dr. John Gottman, who is the author of the type of therapy that Mike DeMoss uses - [Neurogenesis](https://familyccc.com/trauma/neurogenesis/) - The Growing Brain This is an amazing video of neurogenesis. It’s very encouraging to know that our brains continue to form new connections and prune old ones. This means that every time we respond calmly to our developmentally traumatized children we are teaching them that parents are safe instead of scary. Consistently calm parenting - [Stress and the Brain](https://familyccc.com/parenting/stress-and-the-brain/) - Don’t forget to check out The Child Trauma Academy’s YouTube channel. Bruce Perry’s Seven Slide series on the brain and it’s response to stress is especially helpful to all people trying to figure out how to respond to traumatized children. To date four of the seven series trainings have been posted. - [Emotional Triggers](https://familyccc.com/parenting/emotional-triggers/) - Parenting and Triggers If you have buttons….. It’s hard to be a regulating presence if a child pushes your buttons. Some of us don’t even know that we have buttons until we start parenting. If for instance you need to be in complete control due to a loss of control early in life you will - [Time Outs](https://familyccc.com/parenting/time-outs/) - Using Time Ins or Time Outs Dan Siegel talks about the problems with using time out for discipline in this Time magazine article. I agree with the concept of time-in. “Come here and calm”. Most attachment disordered children are not affected by being sent away. Closeness for them is more therapeutic. They also need the - [Marriage Miscommunication](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/communication-marriage/) - Communication in Marriage With all of the discussions on marriage and divorce today, many agree that there are four marriage miscommunication signs that a marriage may be in serious trouble. The Gottman Institute in Seattle, Washington identified four deadly communication styles that can be deadly to a marriage. They called these communication styles “The Four - [Domestic Violence](https://familyccc.com/research/domestic-violence/) - Violence in Marriage I just read an article by the Gottman Institute on the difference between situational violence in a marriage and characterological violence. Mike DeMoss from Family Christian Counseling Center has post graduate training in the Gottman method of marriage therapy. I never enjoy reading articles about domestic violence, but I thought it was - [What is a Love Map?](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/love-map/) - Marriage Counseling - Love Maps What is a “Love Map?” How to Use Gottman’s Model for Lasting Love Do you know your partner? Have you got a deep understanding of who they are as a person, including their hopes, fears, and dreams? The Gottman Institute has a tool called a “Love Map” that can help - [Thoughts on Family Time](https://familyccc.com/parenting/family-time/) - Family TIME I was thinking about family time spent with your children and how crucial it can be in today’s world. When asked children say the number one thing they want most from their parents is time. Most of us are caught up in a hectic whirlwind of activities which start on Monday morning, end - [Somatic Experience](https://familyccc.com/trauma/somatic-experience/) - Somatic Experience Training The Center would like to congratulate Kris Teets upon the completion of stage 1 and 2 of Somatic Experience Training. We thought this week we would give you a short introduction to what this training is all about. Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is a body-oriented approach to the healing of trauma and other - [Trauma - how EMDR helps](https://familyccc.com/trauma/trauma/) - Trauma Counseling and EMDR I thought this week we would look at trauma counseling by reviewing the book entitled “EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma” by Francine Shapiro, and Margot Silk Forrest. This book was originally written in 1997 and updated twice (the last time in 2016). The Introduction to the - [Teens need Parents](https://familyccc.com/parenting/teens-need-parents/) - Strategies for Mom and Dad OK, let’s just say it: parenting teenagers is not easy. In the article “Be the Parent Your Teen Needs” Sue Shellenbarger identifies a few key strategies that may help. Throughout the various stages of drama remaining warm and supportive will help your teen navigate these challenging years successfully. Click on - [Brain and violence](https://familyccc.com/trauma/brain-and-violence/) - Overcoming Trauma's Hurts Attached is a video from Bruce Perry’s youtube channel. It’s sobering to see how exposure to violence affects an infants developing brain. I see many children who were adopted fairly young. (before age two) Many parents assume that they were too young to remember the family trauma. Unfortunately the brain was at - [Home - A Safe Place](https://familyccc.com/parenting/home-a-safe-place/) - The Restorer - Home When our kids were younger we made a point of saying to them that we stick together as a family and do not pick on each other, this was part of our parenting strategy. The world can be a tough place, there may be bullies at school but home is - [Adoption Success](https://familyccc.com/parenting/adoption-success/) - Parenting by Grandparents Scratch the surface of Simone Biles’ remarkable story, and you’ll learn about grandparents who sacrificed their hopes for more leisurely mature years to adopt two young grandchildren who had a very difficult start in life. With the help of counseling, they guided a troubled child to poised young adulthood. Key was successfully - [Healthy Attachment - Part 3](https://familyccc.com/parenting/attachment-3/) - Attachment in the 2nd Year Healthy Attachment Cycle – Second Year As you see in this cycle, our goal with attachment in the second year is to continue the development of our child’s limbic (emotional regulation) system by helping them through the stress of not getting what they want. Remember, little children WILL experience stress - [Horses that Heal](https://familyccc.com/animal-assisted-therapy/horses/) - Equine Assisted Therapy I just read an article titled “Horses that Heal”, I was amazed at what I learned and I thought I would share some of it with you this week. It was an interview with actress Jennifer O’Neil who has started an equine assisted program for traumatized adults. Since 2010 she and other - [Canine Assisted Therapy](https://familyccc.com/research/canine-assisted-therapy/) - Courage - Our canine therapist Courage and Tuppence are two of the “4 legged variety” of therapists at the Family Christian Counseling Center. They have both been around the offices at the Center helping children heal for many years. Any dog that is used by a therapist at the Center must be evaluated and - [Parenting and Horses](https://familyccc.com/parenting/parenting-horses/) - This week I would like to let our equine specialist DeAnna Wahlheim share with you her thoughts on parenting Parenting is a lot like caring for horses. As I was out amongst the horses today, I had a few thoughts….i am in awe of all the experiences I have with horses. They are remarkable creatures - [Horses and Parenting - Part 2](https://familyccc.com/parenting/horses-and-parenting-part-2/) - If you missed Part 1 of "Horses and Parenting" please click on the link. Calm, Connect, Correction Even if not traumatized, we all experience fear. When we are in a state of fear, the brain switches to the amygdala and shuts down other systems. Therefore, when we parent out of fear, either in ourselves or - [Children from hard places](https://familyccc.com/parenting/children-hard-places/) - I thought this week I would write a short summary about the contributions of Karyn Purvis to the field of children’s therapy. She died in 2016 but her teaching and contributions live on. She taught at Texas Christian University and was an internationally-renowned child development expert, popular speaker, author and passionate advocate for vulnerable children. - [Christmas letter](https://familyccc.com/parenting/christmas-letter/) - Dear Parents, As Christmas approaches, Iwould like to offer some things for your consideration that might help your children and you get through the holidays more easily this year. Christmas is stressful for everyone, but especially for children with troubling pasts. It is best to focus on your relationship with your children first and the - [A Beautiful Day in the neighborhood](https://familyccc.com/stories/a-beautiful-day-in-the-neighborhood/) - I just read an interview with Tom Hanks who plays Fred Rogers in the movie, it was just a joy to read. Tom talks about the moment that made him “ball his eyes out”. Tom was not a Mr. Rogers fan growing up, he says he was too busy watching Rocky and Bullwinkle. A friend - [Stress Health](https://familyccc.com/parenting/stress-health/) - I thought this week I would give a short summary of a great website for helping parents and caregivers care for traumatized children. The site is found at www.stresshealth.org. The site starts with a positive message: research shows parents can be the most powerful force in preventing or even reversing the impact of toxic stress - [Child's Play](https://familyccc.com/parenting/childs-play/) - I just read an excellent article titled “Curiosity, Pleasure and Play” by Bruce Perry, Lea Hogan and Sarah Marlin. If you would like to read the entire article, please click on the link. In this week’s blog I thought I would summarize for you the important points. The neurobiological development of the brain has several - [Dr. Perry - help during stressful times](https://familyccc.com/parenting/dr-perry-help-dstressful-times/) - I just listened to Dr. Perry (Children’s Trauma Academy) giving his advice for dealing with children in these stressful time. If you would like to hear the entire Q and A please click on the link. I thought I would just list the important points of the notes I took while listening: Talk to your - [Autism Awareness Month](https://familyccc.com/autism/autism-awareness-month/) - In 1970, the Autism Society launched a nationwide effort to promote autism awareness and assure that anyone affected by autism is able to achieve the highest quality of life possible. In 1972, the Autism Society launched the first annual National Autistic Children’s week, which evolved into National Autism Awareness Month (NAAM). Last month (April), the - [Parenting the Shy Child](https://familyccc.com/parenting/parenting-shy-child/) - This is a great video of Dan Siegel using his Mind Sight Information to help a shy child. I think that anyone can learn about responding to the most productive part of the brain from this video. We all want to connect with our kids brains when we talk. Enjoy! Dr Dan Siegel "Use - [Childhood Trauma Unique?](https://familyccc.com/trauma/childhood-trauma-unique/) - Childhood trauma, is it unique? I just finished reading an article from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University titled “Excessive Stress Disrupts the Architecture of the Developing Brain”. There are times I wish I could ignore what I have read, not because I disagree with it but because I wish it was - [Healing from emotional trauma](https://familyccc.com/parenting/healing-emotional-trauma/) - A Metaphor of Healing from emotional trauma Therapy dog, Tuppence, provided a metaphor for healing from emotional trauma. Sometimes parents have to do things kids don’t like in order to help them heal from their emotional trauma. My therapy dog, Tuppence, recently required stiches in her eyelid. As a consequence she has been required - [How Play helps Mental Health](https://familyccc.com/parenting/play-helps-mental-health/) - Health may be one of those things like art that we recognize when we see it. Imagine a child, unselfconsciously and joyfully at play with peers on a playground, a youth with bright eyes and glowing complexion, or a couple walking hand in hand. In contrast, when our health is suddenly compromised in some big - [Can Equine-assisted Therapy Help?](https://familyccc.com/animal-assisted-therapy/equine-therapy/) - Have you tried talking to a therapist but don’t feel it’s helping? Are you someone who connects more by doing than speaking? If the answer is yes, then maybe equine-assisted therapy can help you. What is Equine-assisted Therapy? Equine-assisted therapy involves horses to assist clients. By interacting with an animal like a horse, clients can: Observe the horse’s - [Parenting Traumatized children](https://familyccc.com/parenting/attachment-trauma/) - My dad teaches me about treating attachment and trauma. A few years ago my father and mother lived with us while my dad was going through the last stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Here are two of the lessons I vividly remember, I hope it helps parents as they work with traumatized children. I took my - [Lessons about Trauma](https://familyccc.com/parenting/lessons-trauma/) - Last time I wrote about a few lessons my dad taught me as he was going through the last stages of Alzheimer’s disease with an application to living with traumatized children. Here are a few more of those lessons: Avoiding power struggles with traumatized children “Why do I need to take these pills? I don’t - [Lessons from my Dad](https://familyccc.com/parenting/lessons-dad/) - I am continuing my series about lessons my dad taught me as he was going through the last stages of Alzheimer’s disease with an application to living with traumatized children. Here are a few more of those lessons: Traumatized children need positive reminders “Hi Dad it’s Deb”. Every time that I see Dad I introduce - [Research into Autism Spectrum Disorder](https://familyccc.com/research/research-into-autistic-spectrum-disorder/) - Autism – Dr. Turns dissertation Dr. Turns doctoral dissertation investigated the use of Solution-Focused Brief Couples Therapy (SFBCT) for couples raising a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The majority of autism research focuses on the individual with the diagnosis, previous research however has found unfavorable effects that raising a child with ASD can - [What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?](https://familyccc.com/autism/what-is-asd/) - Autism Spectrum Disorder Because Dr. Brie Turns (specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder) has recently joined Family Christian Counseling Center, I thought it would be helpful to share 1) part of her dissertation concerning what ASD is and 2) a short summary of the risk factors from the National Institute of Mental Health. What is ASD? - [Helper our newest therapy dog](https://familyccc.com/animal-assisted-therapy/helper-newest-therapy-dog/) - I read 2 articles recently about therapy animals and thought I would give you a brief summary of each. They both are about the use of service animals for children and adults. Equine Therapy The first article was in the magazine section of the Arizona Republic, each week they have a special section called “Wednesday’s - [Sensorimotor Psychotherapy](https://familyccc.com/research/sensorimotor-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 - [Regulation rather than consequences](https://familyccc.com/parenting/regulation/) - 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 - [Regulation - Dissociation Part 2](https://familyccc.com/trauma/regulation-dissociation/) - 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 - [6 Core strengths for healthy brain development](https://familyccc.com/parenting/6-core-strengths-healthy-brain-development/) - This week we will take the first 2 core strengths for healthy brain development which are attachment and self-regulation. Attachment is the capacity to form and maintain healthy emotional bonds with another person. It begins in infancy, as a child interacts with a loving, responsive and attentive caregiver. It is important because this strength is - [Regulation - ups and downs part 3](https://familyccc.com/parenting/regulation-dissociative-part-3/) - Some children are both hyperaroused and dissociative depending on the situation. They may be activated by stressful life events and act out behaviorally. When the situation becomes too much they collapse into dissociation. This wide swing makes it extremely difficult for parents to follow. It seems as though they are on a wild ride over - [What is Trauma](https://familyccc.com/trauma/what-is-trauma/) - For so long many people have associated post traumatic stress disorder (complex trauma) with only MAJOR events, and while this seems true, it's not true for every case. As a psychologist (a professional influence of mine) has put it, "trauma is any stress that can disrupt and affect physiology". In other words anything that occurs - [Comfort In The Counseling Process - Part 1](https://familyccc.com/counseling/comfort-counseling/) - For anyone who is new to the counseling experience, it can feel intimidating. After all, it involves disclosing personal information that can leave one feeling quite vulnerable. I frequently meet people who have either never been to counseling and hold preconceived ideas regarding the process or who have kept themselves away due to negative counseling - [Toxic Stress](https://familyccc.com/trauma/toxic-stress/) - I just listened to an Innovation Hub interview with Dr. Jack Shonkoff director of Harvard's Center on the Developing Child (you can listen to this interview by clicking on the link). The core of this interview discusses the long term effects of toxic stress. Dr. Shonkoff suggests that everyone knows how it feels to be - [Developing Brain](https://familyccc.com/trauma/developing-brain/) - A Number of Things to Remember about Child Development I just finished reading an article from Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child and wanted to summarize the things they want us to remember about how children develop. “Development is a highly interactive process, and life outcomes are not determined solely by genes.” - The environment - [Resilience](https://familyccc.com/stories/resilience-2/) - You Are Stronger Than You Think Have you ever wondered to yourself, ‘How did I make it this far?’ or ‘I should be a statistic?’ It may not feel like it, but you are a walking miracle. Many of us have survived traumatic events or even physical ailments and felt completely helpless. Yet, we have - [the 3 R's](https://familyccc.com/parenting/the-3-rs/) - I just read a reminder from Dr Bruce Perry about his “3R’s” for education. In this essay he reminds us that the new biology and neuroscience will change the face of education. “Our babies and children have to live in a world that is supercharged with stressors that didn't exist a decade or two ago. - [Play Therapy and the NMT Model](https://familyccc.com/research/play-therapy-nmt-model/) - I just finished reading an article in the Journal of Play Therapy titled “Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics in a Therapeutic Preschool: Implications for Work With Children With Complex Neuropsychiatric Problems.” (now that is some title). Neurosequential Model The basic findings of the study involved the use of the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics on the social-emotional - [Healing Communities](https://familyccc.com/neuro-sequential-model/healing-communities/) - I just finished reading an article by Bruce Perry on healing communities. I thought this week I would summarize this article and bring an update on a campaign to help our schools be healing communities. Dr. Perry believes that if we are to successfully raise healthy children, children who will be resilient in the face - [Talking with Children about the Corona virus](https://familyccc.com/parenting/talking-with-children-virus/) - This week with all that is going on in our country I thought I would share some good information about talking with your children about the corona virus. If you would like to read the entire article it is from PBS kids, please click on the link. It started with a quote from one of - [Child's First Year of Life](https://familyccc.com/parenting/first-year-life/) - A Second a Day from Birth. from Sam Christopher Cornwell on Vimeo. Enjoy this video of daily experiences for a child during the first year of life. This is an interesting window into the stages of development during those early months. Neglected children miss so much of this. Imagine the ones from foreign orphanages - [Christmas with children](https://familyccc.com/parenting/christmas-children/) - Dear Parents, As Christmas approaches, I would like to offer some things for your consideration that might help your children and you get through the holidays more easily this year. Christmas is stressful for everyone, but especially for children with troubling pasts. It is best to focus on your relationship with your children - [Attachment Research concerning Cuddling](https://familyccc.com/parenting/research-cuddling/) - I just read an interesting article on attachment and the genetic effect on babies of cuddling. While we probably intuitively know that cuddling a baby is just good for everyone involved it was interesting to read what researchers are finding out about this. The article was titled “Epigenetic correlates of neonatal contact in humans”. I - [The Effectiveness of Play Therapy](https://familyccc.com/play-therapy/research-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 - [I will always love you](https://familyccc.com/parenting/i-will-always-love-you/) - The Center is really excited to promote the first children’s book written by Dr. Brie Turns. The book is titled “I will always love you” and was just published this year. The book is also beautifully illustrated by Lisa Rasmussen. The story is about a mother’s love. The book tells the story of unconditional love - [Autism Awareness - Part 2](https://familyccc.com/parenting/autism-awareness-part-2/) - This blog is a continuation of our last blog entitled “Autism Awareness Month”. We were presenting the findings of Dr. Dan Siegel along with highlighting April as being Autism Awareness Month. Our last blog left off with a summary of the wisdom of clinicians (along with the input of people who have been living with - [Helping Traumatized Children Learn - Part 2](https://familyccc.com/trauma/helping-traumatized-children-learn/) - In the second chapter of “Helping Traumatized Children Learn”, the author discusses resiliency and protective factors. Three Protective factors Child-development psychologists Masten and Coatsworth found 3 common factors for why some children develop competence even under adverse conditions, such as exposure to domestic violence, abuse, homelessness and community violence. These three factors common to competent - [Learning and Trauma](https://familyccc.com/trauma/learning-trauma/) - Helping Traumatized Children Learn I just finished reading a chapter of the book titled “Helping Traumatized Children Learn”. This report was a collaboration with Harvard Law School and The Task Force on Children Affected by Domestic Violence. The basics of the book are: • Chapter 1 – The impact of trauma on learning • Chapter - [Resilience](https://familyccc.com/trauma/resilience/) - I just finished reading a great article on resilience along with viewing 3 videos (2 from Dr. Dan Siegel) about the subject. First let’s start with what is resilience? Resilience - What is it? Resilience can be defined as the ability to recover quickly from difficulties while maintaining optimism for the future. When adults or - [Research about EAP](https://familyccc.com/research/research-eap/) - I just finished reading an article titled “A Review of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy” by Frewin and Gardiner from Massey University in New Zealand. The entire article was quite interesting but I thought I would summarize just a small part of the article dealing with EAP (Equine Assisted Psychotherapy) directed at youth. We have seen amazing - [Children's Stories](https://familyccc.com/parenting/childrens-stories/) - I just read an article about how stories can change how a child thinks. This process is called narrative psychology and most of the current research is focused on adult outcomes, the results are still compelling for children. If stories can change your child’s thoughts, memories and how they live their lives, wouldn’t it be - [Cool in School](https://familyccc.com/neuro-sequential-model/cool-in-school/) - I thought I would share with you this week an interesting article I read in the Scholastic Magazine for Teachers concerning bullying and childhood trauma. This magazine was started in 1920 and has been helping teachers and administrators in their jobs for almost 100 years. Scholastic launched “Keep your cool in School”, a company-wide campaign against violence and - [Born to Love](https://familyccc.com/trauma/born-to-love/) - I thought this week I would share a few thoughts from Chapters two and three of Bruce Perry’s book “Born to Love”. The basis of this book is two-fold a) empathy allows us to make social connections and b) human relationships are powerful (both to harm or heal). Neurotransmitters Chapter two gives a wonderful review - [Play Therapy Convention](https://familyccc.com/play-therapy/play-therapy-convention/) - I thought this week I would write a blog about the upcoming training that many at the Center will be participating in. The Association for Play Therapy is having its International Conference in Phoenix this year during the first week of October. We are excited to have this training with renowned authorities in our city. - [Parenting Traumatized Children](https://familyccc.com/parenting/parenting-traumatized-children/) - I just read a helpful article found at the Child Welfare Information Gateway titled “Parenting a Child Who has Experienced Trauma”. This article was divided into many sections but I thought I would summarize for you the suggestions under the topic “Helping your Child”. Although childhood trauma can have serious, lasting effects the article stated - [Lifelong Learning](https://familyccc.com/trauma/lifelong-learning/) - I thought this week I would update you on training that Blanca and I are taking June 25th-29th 2018 in Phoenix, AZ. It is training given by Anna Gomez about EMDR and is titled: “EMDR Child: Complex Trauma and Dissociation Specialist Intensive Program Level II”. Each day it will be from 8:30 AM to 6:00 - [Brain Plasticity - change is possible](https://familyccc.com/trauma/brain-plasticity-change-possible/) - I just listened to a TED talk by Dr. Lara Boyd (a brain researcher from the University of British Columbia) about brain research and wanted to summarize a few of the main points. I hope it is an encouragement, change is possible even after trauma. She started her talk by describing some of the misconceptions - [Children's Trauma and Mister Rogers](https://familyccc.com/trauma/childrens-trauma-mister-rogers/) - Mr. Rodgers; a role model for being quietly present in the life of a child. I admit it, I am a big fan of Mister Rogers. I was reading a few quotes of his and came across this story. But first let me share one of my favorite quotes. “We live in a world in - [Dealing with Depression](https://familyccc.com/mental-health/depression/) - The experience of depression has been referred to as a heavy darkness. Others have described it as falling overboard in a rough ocean and struggling to keep your head above water while treading without a lifejacket. In Jeff Olson’s “When Hope Is Lost”, he quotes Charles Spurgeon as likening depression to “the horror of a soul - [HOPE - Healthy Positive Experiences](https://familyccc.com/parenting/hope-positive-experiences/) - HOPE – Health Outcomes from Positive Experiences In the Arizona legislature a study committee (click to read the bill that formed this committee) was formed in 2017 that just submitted a report to the governor (submitted on March 1st, 2018). The purpose of the report was to establish the “Adverse Childhood Experiences Study Committee” which - [Bipolar Disorder](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/bipolar-disorder/) - Help, I’m married to a spouse with a bipolar disorder! Being married to a spouse with bipolar can be a very difficult challenge. Often a marriage where bipolar is present can be described by the offended spouse as being on an emotional rollercoaster. Many marriages can be serious jeopardy when the disorder is present in - [Trauma on 60 Minutes](https://familyccc.com/trauma/trauma-60-minutes/) - This week I wanted to share a 60-minute segment that featured NMT Therapy for children that are experiencing trauma recovery. It was put together by Oprah Winfrey and her comment about it was “this has changed my life!” You can watch the entire segment at this 60 Minute Link. The segment was taped in Milwaukee, - [Chronic Stress and Trauma Part 2](https://familyccc.com/trauma/chronic-stress-and-trauma-part-2/) - This is the next in a series of blogs about “Chronic Stress and Trauma”: a research study conducted by the American health organization Kaiser Permanente and the CDC. Participants were recruited to the study between 1995 and 1997 and have been in long-term follow up ever since. The study has demonstrated an association of adverse childhood - [Mister Rogers Special](https://familyccc.com/parenting/mister-rogers-special/) - One of my favorite TV personalities that has helped children over the years is Mr. Rogers of “Won’t you be my neighbor” fame. Fred Rodgers died from cancer in 2003 but his heritage lives on. One of my favorite quotes of his is – “Anyone who helps children is a hero to me”. A heart - [Chronic Stress and Trauma](https://familyccc.com/trauma/chronic-stress/) - I listened to an interesting TED talk last week about childhood trauma and thought I would share a few highlights of it. It was by Dr. Burke Harris, a pediatrician who has written a book titled The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity. (If you would like to listen to the talk - [Once I was Scared](https://familyccc.com/trauma/once-i-was-scared/) - I thought this week I would write a few thoughts on a book I just came across about childhood trauma called: Once I Was Very Very Scared by Chandra Ghosh Ippen, Ph.D. and Erich Ippen, Jr. This is a picture story book that tells the story of several young animals who were scared by acute or chronic trauma - [Benefits Help](https://familyccc.com/community/benefits-help/) - Help with out-of-network benefits Thought I would write a blog describing a new app I found on the internet. It is called “GetBetter” and it is found at www.getbetter.co. The purpose of this app is to help clients get money from their insurance companies for counseling. It is fully encrypted, HIPAA compliant and the data - [My Heroes](https://familyccc.com/parenting/my-heroes/) - This is a blog written by my husband Warren who has a real heart for our work. I was thinking yesterday about all the families at the Center who are my heroes. I have come across many different types of heroes in my life but this season I just want to thank the adoptive and - [Trauma and Relationships](https://familyccc.com/parenting/trauma-relationships/) - I thought this week I would give you a short summary of a chapter I just read by Bruce Perry and Christine R. Ludy—Dobson titled “The Role of Healthy Relational Interactions in Buffering the Impact of childhood trauma”. If you would like to read the entire chapter click on this link. The Power of Relationships - [Holiday Stress](https://familyccc.com/parenting/holiday-stress/) - December is often a month of ‘unpredictable’ and ‘out-of-the-ordinary’ events that can be disconcerting to traumatized children. Routines get changed, we stay up later, and that is only the beginning in this “wonder” month. Often families of troubled young ones wonder “why?” Why do things that are special get ruined? Why does my child sulk - [Trauma and Holiday stress](https://familyccc.com/parenting/trauma-holiday-stress/) - With the holidays upon us I thought I would share a little from an article I just read titled “stress and the holidays”. It was written by Dr. Joshua Sparrow, a child psychiatrist who practices at the Boston clinic and writes a weekly column for the New York Times. The article covered multiple topics but - [Help for Trauma Caregivers - Part III](https://familyccc.com/parenting/help-caregivers-part-iii/) - Caregivers - Part III Week 3 – This week I will concentrate on 4 of the 9 points that Dr. Perry gives us for “How can I help? I encourage you to follow the link and read all of the points, it is worth your time. A. Don’t be afraid to talk about the traumatic - [Autism Specialty](https://familyccc.com/autism/autism-specialty/) - Autism Specialty Family Christian Counseling Center is excited to announce that Dr. Brie Turns will be joining our counseling team. Dr. Turns is also an assistant professor of marital and family therapy in the School of Psychology at the Fuller Southwest campus in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Turns specialization centers on families raising a child with - [Green Business Leader](https://familyccc.com/community/green-business-leader/) - Family Christian Counseling Center would like to announce that we have just been recognized by the City of Phoenix as a “Green Business” leader. The City of Phoenix Green Business Program recognizes and promotes businesses that volunteer to operate in a more environmentally responsible manner through waste diversion. The goal for this program is for businesses to - [Parenting Classes](https://familyccc.com/parenting/parenting-classes/) - New Parenting Classes Family Christian Counseling Center is excited to announce that DeAnna Wahlheim has begun teaching 5 week parenting classes entitled “Parenting with Integrity”. The main objectives of these classes are to: Learn the difference between disobedience and emotional dysregulation Learn the difference between needs and wants and what to do about them Learn - [Quotes about Parents](https://familyccc.com/parenting/quotes-about-parents/) - In my last blog I listed some of my favorite quotes about children, this week I thought I would finish that with a few of my favorite quotes about parents. Some of these are funny and others are quite sobering, either way I hope you enjoy them. “It is easier to build strong children than - [Quotes about Children](https://familyccc.com/parenting/quotes-about-children/) - The other day I was reading through some of my favorite quotes about children and I thought today I would just share some of them with you. With all the disagreements between political parties today I do hope the one thing we can all come together on is our children. I think I will start - [Help for Trauma Caregivers - Part II](https://familyccc.com/parenting/help-trauma-caregivers-part-ii/) - Help for Trauma Caregivers - Part II I will continue this week summarizing a presentation by Bruce Perry (the entire presentation can be found here) titled "Helping Children with Trauma – A brief overview for Caregivers". As I said last week it is important to remember that this guide by Perry is intended to inform - [Help for Trauma Caregivers](https://familyccc.com/parenting/help-trauma-caregivers/) - Help for Trauma Caregivers I was reading a presentation by Bruce Perry (the entire presentation can be found here) titled Helping Children with Trauma – A brief overview for Caregivers. It was such a great presentation that I thought I would give you a short summary for my blog this week, thanks to all the - [Trauma and lying](https://familyccc.com/parenting/trauma-and-lying/) - [cherry_row] [cherry_col size_md="12"] Karyn Purvis has lots of free information on line on the web site Empowered to Connect. Check out her comments on lying. I think that she has a reasonable and appropriate response to this issue. Remember that a child who experienced early trauma may have missed key stages of development and not - [What is Attachment - Part 2](https://familyccc.com/parenting/attachment-part-2/) - Part 2 – What is Attachment What are the needs babies have? Basic needs for all of us humans are food, water, air, clothing and shelter from the environment. Research has also shown that included in our basic needs is physical touch/connection. Babies who have all their other needs met but were deprived of physical - [What is Attachment?](https://familyccc.com/parenting/what-is-attachment/) - What is attachment? Why is it important? The brain is the least developed organ at birth and only about 25% wired up. When your baby is born there are about 100 billion neurons in their little brains, most of which are not yet connected. By the end of the first year, the brain will be - [Christian Counseling](https://familyccc.com/training/christian-counseling/) - Christian Counseling I was asked the other day what is the difference between pastoral counseling and Christian clinical counseling. That was such a great question I thought I would write about it today. Basic Differences Clinical Counselors such as the counselors at Family Christian Counseling Center are licensed and regulated by various governmental boards and - [Trauma help for Children](https://familyccc.com/parenting/help-childhood-trauma/) - One of our specialties at Family Christian Counseling Center is working with children who have experienced trauma. I just finished reading an article titled “Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Parents can Do” by the National Institute of Mental Health (a branch of the National Institute of Health). The article has - [Marriage Therapy - Gottman method](https://familyccc.com/marriage-therapy/gottman-marriage-therapy/) - Gottman Marriage Therapy The Gottman’s have thoroughly researched what works best in marriage therapy. The Gottman method follows seven basic principles to help couples build healthy relationships. If you are interested in couples counseling and believe this method would be helpful, please contact me. The Gottman Method for Healthy Relationships: Build Love Maps:How well do you - [Play Therapy and the Brain](https://familyccc.com/play-therapy/play-therapy-brain/) - I was fascinated recently when I read an article in the International Journal of Play Therapy by Hong and Mason entitled “Becoming a Neurobiologically-Informed Play Therapist” (Hong & Mason, 2016). Over the past years a new subspecialty of play therapy has been developing which some are calling “Neuro-biologically Informed Play Therapy”. As past president of ## Pages - [Home](https://familyccc.com/) - Family Christian Counseling Center serves families from a faith based perspective that respects personal faith tradition. We offer a wide range of counseling services for all ages and stages of life. Counselors have expertise in therapies that are both effective as well as creative and pleasurable. We understand how difficult it is for any child, individual, or family to seek help. - [Peoria Office](https://familyccc.com/peoria-office/) - Our Peoria Office Located at 14120 West 79th Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85381. Our satellite office is located in Horizon Community Church Directions from Loop 101 Take Loop 101 exit 12 (West Thunderbird Road) and go east on West Thunderbird road. In 1.3 miles turn left (north) on 79th avenue. The destination is on the left - [Therapists](https://familyccc.com/therapists/) - Our Therapists Director - Deborah Pettitt: MC, LPC, RPT-S I am the Director of Family Christian Counseling Center of Phoenix and have extensive training and experience in treating children. I am one of a few Registered Play Therapist Supervisors in the state of Arizona. with training in Bruce Perry's neurosequential model. I have taught Child - [Contact Us](https://familyccc.com/contact-us/) - Our 4 Locations Phoenix, Chandler, Glendale and Avondale Click for information on our Phoenix Location Click for information on our Chandler Location Click for information on our Avondale Location Click for information on our Glendale Location Contact Information You can contact us by phone or email. You can also use a quick contact form on the right - [Parenting Classes](https://familyccc.com/parenting-classes/) - Parenting Classes Parenting With Connection & Confidence Join us for a supportive, practical, and trauma-informed parenting group designed to help you strengthen connection, build confidence, and discover tools that really work. Weekly Topics First Monday or Friday - How Emotional Regulation is Built Second Monday or Friday - Why Fear-based Parenting Does Not - [Blogs](https://familyccc.com/blogs/) - Family Christian Counseling Centers Blog The Center's blog focuses on issues related to marriage, children's trauma, animal assisted therapy, autism, parenting, and the neurosequential model of therapeutics. Click on each subject to see blogs related to that topic. The Center has more than 160 blogs related to many topics, therapists have been adding to it - [Glendale Office](https://familyccc.com/glendale-office/) - Family Christian Counseling Center - Glendale Our Equine Office in Glendale, AZ Telephone: 602-325-1233 FAX: 602-277-5251 Email: fcccinfo@familycccp.com - [EAGALA](https://familyccc.com/egala/) - Equine Assisted Therapy Deanna Wahlheim is trained in EAGALA Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Equine therapy is a collaborative approach consisting of a client/clients, mental health professional, equine specialist and one or more horses. There is no riding involved, rather the interaction is with horses on the ground. The equine therapy sessions are held at a small - [West Valley Office](https://familyccc.com/west-valley-office-copy/) - West Valley - Avondale We are located on the corner of W. Indian School Rd. and 127th Ave./Rancho Santa Fe Trail in the Palm Desert Plaza. from Sun City/North Phoenix 6.9 mi. Head South on Loop 101 3.9 mi. Take Exit 4 for W. Indian School Rd. Turn left on to 127th Ave/Rancho Santa Fe - [Phoenix Office](https://familyccc.com/phoenix-office/) - Phoenix - Main Office 1300 East Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85014 Directions from the North on State Route 51 Exit on Bethany Home Road Turn right (west) and proceed to 16th Street Turn left (south) on 16th Street Proceed about 1/2 mile to Missouri Avenue and turn right (west) the Center is about 1/2 mile - [Chandler Office](https://familyccc.com/chandler-office/) - Family Christian Counseling Center - Chandler Directions from the South on the 101 (Price Freeway) Exit off of the 101 onto Elliot Road Turn right (east) and proceed about 1 mile to North Dobson road Turn left (north) on Dobson The office is located on the left (west) side of Dobson about 1/4 mile north - [example1](https://familyccc.com/example1/) - Number of clients seen 2,212 Growing every year Number of client sessions 23,546 Growing every year Years experience for all therapists 77 Years of Clinical Expertise Total years for the Center 14 since 2010 H5 extra subtitle H1 section title Vivamus magna , lacinia eget sed, convallis at tellus. Magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, - [Terms of Use](https://familyccc.com/terms-of-use/) - These Terms govern your access to, usage of all content, Product and Services available at https://familyccc.com website (the “Service”) operated by Family Christian Counseling Center of Phoenix (“us”, “we”, or “our”). Your access to our services is subject to your acceptance, without modification, of all of the terms and conditions contained herein and all other - [Privacy Policy](https://familyccc.com/privacy-policy-2/) - Privacy Policy THIS NOTICE PROVIDES YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HOW YOUR PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI) MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED BY THIS PROVIDER, AS WELL AS YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING YOUR PHI. YOUR PHI INCLUDES INFORMATION WHICH RELATES TO YOUR PAST, PRESENT OR FUTURE HEALTH, TREATMENT OR PAYMENT FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES. 1. LEGAL DUTY TO - [Virtual Counseling](https://familyccc.com/virtual-counseling/) - Virtual Counseling from Family Christian Counseling Center We are a small group of faith-based therapists dedicated to serving people wherever they are and for some people the best place is their home. We can bring our expertise to you for whatever issue needs support and healing. This is especially helpful for people who prefer not - [Client Portal](https://familyccc.com/client-portal/) - Tutorials for Using the Client Portal Logging in This is a short video about how to log in to the Client Portal View this video Logging IN This is a document about logging in to the Portal Read this document Secure Messaging This is a short video about how to send your therapist messages View - [Mike DeMoss - Virtual](https://familyccc.com/mike-demoss-virtual/) - Family Christian Counseling Center now offers virtual counseling in the Tulsa area. Mike DeMoss, a native of Tulsa, is now licensed in both Oklahoma and Arizona. He has been an active participant at First Baptist Church Tulsa. Recently a counseling ministry has been launched there and he has been instrumental in the development and training related - [Gottman Marriage Therapy](https://familyccc.com/gotten-marriage-therapy/) - What is Gottman Couples Therapy? The Gottman Method was developed by Dr. John Gottman and his wife Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman in the 1980s. It is an evidence-based form of couples therapy that strives to assist couples in achieving a deeper sense of understanding, awareness, empathy, and connectedness within their relationships that ultimately leads to - [Mike DeMoss](https://familyccc.com/mike-demoss/) - Mike DeMoss Gottman Marriage Therapy Mike DeMoss, LPC is a psychotherapist licensed in Arizona, Oklahoma and a member and officer of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies. For the summer of 2024 he is based in the Tulsa area and available for online counseling. He specializes in couples and individual adult therapy. He attained a - [Careers](https://familyccc.com/careers/) - "Counselors remind us that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step towards healing." CAREERS AT FAMILY CHRISTIAN COUNSELING: If you're looking for a faith-based work environment that offers the benefits of setting your own schedule while providing support to help you succeed, then Family Christian Counseling Center might - [Marriage Counseling](https://familyccc.com/marriage-counseling/) - For marriage counseling in Phoenix, AZ, get in touch with Family Christian Counseling Center of Phoenix. Our Christian perspective brings success. - [Child Counseling](https://familyccc.com/child-counseling/) - Discover compassionate and professional children therapy at Family Christian Counseling Center in Phoenix, AZ. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. - [Modalities](https://familyccc.com/modalities/) - Modalities used by Family Christian Counseling Center I remember when I first started in my counseling program in college I thought "Why are there so many different modalities I have to study?" In my years of practice I have come to realize there is no "one size fits all" in the counseling room. Many - [Tutorials](https://familyccc.com/tutorials/) - Tutorials for Therapists Simple Practice - Sharing Treatment Plans This is a video explaining how to share the FCCC Treatment Plan with clients through the client portal. View this video Simple Practice - Treatment Plans This is a video explaining how to use the FCCC Treatment Plan in Simple Practice View this video Simple Practice - [Client Portal Video](https://familyccc.com/client-portal-video/) - [Survey](https://familyccc.com/survey/) - Evaluation of Therapy Survey Thank you for your willingness to fill out our survey. Our desire is to provide the very best therapy and your thoughts will help us do this. Please click on this link to take you to our survey. Click to take the Survey - [Evaluation Therapy](https://familyccc.com/evaluation-therapy/) - Evaluation Survey for Family Christian Counseling Thank you for taking the time to fill out our survey, your thoughts are very important to us. The Center's desire is to provide the very best of services to you. Click to be taken to the Survey - [Videos](https://familyccc.com/videos/) - Videos from Family Christian Counseling Center - [Resources](https://familyccc.com/resources/) - Resources National Attachment Organization ATTACh is the organization most able to help people with issues related to children with Developmental Trauma and Attachment Disorders. Read More Holly Van Gulden Videos on missed stages of development with traumatized children. See the whole series on you tube, google Holly van Gulden. Watch Now Zero to Three A - [Parenting Videos](https://familyccc.com/parenting-videos/) - [DeAnna's Parenting Videos](https://familyccc.com/deannas-parenting-videos/) - DeAnna Wahlheim's Parenting Videos Video 1 - Attachment Video 2 - Discipline Video 3 - Parenting with Integrity - [example2](https://familyccc.com/example2/) - Our therapists are all professionally licensed therapists MORE INFORMATION Meet the Team Deborah Pettitt Deborah founded Family Christian Counseling center in 2009. She has a heart for traumatized children and helping them become whole. She is a MC, LPC, and a RPT-S. Edie Moore Mike DeMoss Myra Peters Kris teets Blanca Bertrand DeAnna Wahlheim Jan Katzen - [Services FCCC](https://familyccc.com/counseling-services/) - Our Services..... Children's Therapy Family Therapy Marriage Therapy Individual Adult Therapy - [Trauma and Attachment](https://familyccc.com/trauma-and-attachment/) - Trauma and Attachment Training Child Sexual Abuse: Assessment and Treatment 1-31-97 (6 CEU) by Honey Scheff Play Therapy with Children in the Crises of Family Breakdown 6-9-97 (6 CEU) by Nancy Boyd Webb Family Attachment Institute Training for Professionals and Parents Sept. 23,24,25, & 26, 1998 Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment of Children with Attachment - [Deborah's Bio and Training](https://familyccc.com/deborahs-bio-and-training/) - Deborah's Biography and Training Deborah is the Director of the Family Christian Counseling Center of Phoenix. She has extensive training and experience in treating children and has been serving families for over 25 years. She is one of a handful of Registered Play Therapist Supervisors in the state of Arizona. Her specialty is helping children - [Equine Assisted Therapy](https://familyccc.com/equine-assisted-therapy/) - Equine Assisted Therapy "But ask the animals, and they will teach you" Job 12:7 Have you tried therapy before and it just does not seem to work? Are you more of a “doing” type of person rather than “all talking”? Have you found yourself stuck and unable to move past a difficult circumstance? Equine Assisted - [Edie Moore Training](https://familyccc.com/edie-moore-training/) - Edie Moore: Post-Graduate Training Play Therapy: Using Play therapy and the Neuroscience of Mindfulness to Regulate Children. Gabrielle Lawrence, Ph.D., LP, RPT-S. 1/30/14. 2 hrs. Introduction to Theraplay®. Marlo Winstead, MSW, LICSW. 2/28/14. 7 hrs. Sand Tray Play Therapy and the Brain. Roban Kubic, MS, LPC, RPT-S. 3/26/14. 2 hrs. Play Therapy Techniques to - [Neuro-sequential II](https://familyccc.com/neuro-sequential-ii/) - Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics The ChildTrauma Academy 5161 San Felipe, Suite 320 Houston, TX 77056 Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics TM Verification of Individual NMT-Trained Phase II/TTT Provider The ChildTrauma Academy acknowledges that this provider has completed NMT Training Certification through the Phase II/Train-the-Trainer (TTT) level. About the NMT The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) is - [Trauma](https://familyccc.com/trauma/) - Trauma and Attachment "Children are one-third of our nation, and all of our future." - [Deborah's Tips](https://familyccc.com/deborahs-tips/) - Deborah's Tips Attachment and Trauma Understanding Emotional Age Traumatized Children's Reality Power Struggles Survival Brain Positive Reminders The Parents Presence Living with Trauma Rebuilding Brains Needs versus Wants Neurosequential Model Survival Brain II Attachment Disorder and anxiety Dr. Sears and Parenting Attachment and Trauma I recently took my 91 year old father who suffers from - [Forms](https://familyccc.com/forms/) - Forms for the Center Child Form Click the button for the child/adolescent form in English Child (English) Adult Form Click the button for the adult form in English Adult (English) Formulario Niño Formulario de Inscripcion-Niño/(a), Adolecente Niño (español) Formulario adultos Formulario de Inscripcion – para clientes adultos Adultos (español) "Fillable Forms" The forms below are - [Coronavirus Plan](https://familyccc.com/coronavirus-plan/) - Our Coronavirus Plan The health and safety of our clients and our clinicians is our top priority at Family Christian Counseling Center. As news about COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continues to increase, we have received some questions about scheduling appointments and so we'd like to take this opportunity to ensure that all of our current clients - [Corona Virus Resources](https://familyccc.com/corona-virus-resources/) - Resources for the Corona Virus Pandemic Bruce Perry Dr. Perry talks about state dependent functions and how they affect stress View this video Bruce Perry Dr. Perry discusses the concept of emotional contagion View this video Busy Bees Kristin Edling shares her children's book titled "Busy Bees and Hibernating Bears" Read this book - [Attachment Modality](https://familyccc.com/attachment-modality/) - Attachment Therapy Family Christian Counseling Center uses the lens of attachment theory to aid in their diagnosis and treatment of children. One of the tenets of attachment theory is that relationships actually shape neural processes and emotional regulatory abilities throughout life. Attachment and Neurobiology The NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), a branch of the - [Terms of Service](https://familyccc.com/terms-of-service/) - Terms and Conditions Last updated: July 29, 2020 Please read these terms and conditions carefully before using Our Service. Interpretation and Definitions Interpretation The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or - [FAQ](https://familyccc.com/faq/) - FAQ We know this short FAQ may not answer all your questions, please feel free to call us and our assistant will try to match you up with the best person to answer your questions (602-325-1233). If you would like type your question into the search box at the top of the page and see - [Groups for Trauma](https://familyccc.com/groups-for-trauma/) - Trauma Groups at the Center's main campus Emotional, physical, and medical trauma, or neglect cause the brain to send danger signals. These danger signals then generate a variety of maladaptive behaviors. Research shows that different modalities can help repair the brain and modify behaviors so that healing will take place. Parenting Group for Trauma - [Neuro-sequential I](https://familyccc.com/neuro-sequential/) - The ChildTrauma Academy www.childtrauma.org Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics ™ Verification of Individual NMT-Trained Phase I Provider The ChildTrauma Academy acknowledges that this provider has completed NMT Training Certification through the Phase I level. About the NMT: The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) is a developmentally sensitive, neurobiology informed approach to clinical problem solving developed by - [Landing](https://familyccc.com/landing/) - Family Christian Counseling Center Phoenix and Chandler The Center serves families from a faith based perspective that respects personal faith tradition. We offer a wide range of counseling services for all ages and stages of life. Click to Enter Children's Therapy We believe that childhood should be a - [Blanca Bertrand](https://familyccc.com/blanca-bertrand/) - The relationship between therapist and client is one of the most important aspects of having a positive and successful experience in therapy, for children and their families. I consider it an honor and a privilege to walk alongside a child or adult as they take that first step to begin their healing. I love working - [Mobile index](https://familyccc.com/mobile-index/) - [mpsl slider577c27bdaf5de] The Center serves families from a faith based perspective that respects personal faith tradition. We offer a wide range of counseling services for all ages and stages of life. Counselors have expertise in therapies that are both effective as well as creative and pleasurable. We understand how difficult it is for any - [cooregulationA](https://familyccc.com/cooregulationa/) - Young children and those that have experienced early trauma require co-regulation before they can self regulate. Co-regulation requires that the adult join with the child and bring them to a state of calm. This of course means that the adult must be calm. This is difficult because children can be so frustrating. I observed a - [Fees](https://familyccc.com/fees/) - Payment and Fees Payment is due at the beginning of each session (cash, check or credit card). 2. We do not accept insurance but do provide a super bill for individuals who wish to file for out of network benefits. 3. Fees range from $110 to $140 per hour - [About](https://familyccc.com/about/) - This is an example of a WordPress page, you could edit this to put information about yourself or your site so readers know where you are coming from. You can create as many pages like this one or sub-pages as you like and manage all of your content inside of WordPress. - [Maintenance page](https://familyccc.com/maintenance-page/) - [cherry_row type="full-width"] [cherry_col size_md="12" size_xs="12" size_sm="12"] [cherry_spacer size="100"] [/cherry_col] [cherry_col size_md="12" size_xs="12" size_sm="12"] This page is under development. We apologize for the inconvenience. [/cherry_col] [/cherry_row] ## Templates - [FCCC Counter](https://familyccc.com/fl-builder-template/fccc-counter/) - Number of clients seen 2,212 Growing every year Number of client sessions 23,546 Growing every year Years experience for all therapists 77 Years of Clinical Expertise Total years for the Center 15 since 2010 - [services row](https://familyccc.com/fl-builder-template/services-row/) ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://familyccc.com/category/uncategorized/) - [Parenting](https://familyccc.com/category/parenting/) - [Trauma](https://familyccc.com/category/trauma/) - [Attachment](https://familyccc.com/category/attachment/) - [Encouraging Stories](https://familyccc.com/category/stories/) - [Play Therapy](https://familyccc.com/category/play-therapy/) - [Research](https://familyccc.com/category/research/) - [Training](https://familyccc.com/category/training/) - [Neurosequential Model](https://familyccc.com/category/neuro-sequential-model/) - [Animal Assisted Therapy](https://familyccc.com/category/animal-assisted-therapy/) - [Marriage Therapy](https://familyccc.com/category/marriage-therapy/) - [Mental Health](https://familyccc.com/category/mental-health/) - [couples therapy](https://familyccc.com/category/couples-therapy/) - [Community](https://familyccc.com/category/community/) - [autism](https://familyccc.com/category/autism/) - [Counseling](https://familyccc.com/category/counseling/) - [Mens Counseling](https://familyccc.com/category/mens-counseling/) - [Children's Counseling](https://familyccc.com/category/childrens-counseling/) - [Depression](https://familyccc.com/category/depression/) ## Tags - [children's counseling](https://familyccc.com/tag/childrens-counseling/) - [research](https://familyccc.com/tag/research/) - [trauma](https://familyccc.com/tag/trauma/) - [canine assisted therapy](https://familyccc.com/tag/canine-assisted-therapy/) - [counseling](https://familyccc.com/tag/counseling/) - [therapy](https://familyccc.com/tag/therapy/) - [marriage therapy](https://familyccc.com/tag/marriage-therapy/) - [communication](https://familyccc.com/tag/communication/) - [emotional trauma](https://familyccc.com/tag/emotional-trauma/) - [play](https://familyccc.com/tag/play/) - [mental health](https://familyccc.com/tag/mental-health/) - [play therapy](https://familyccc.com/tag/play-therapy/) - [equine assisted therapy](https://familyccc.com/tag/equine-assisted-therapy/) - [attachment](https://familyccc.com/tag/attachment/) - [parenting](https://familyccc.com/tag/parenting/) - [children](https://familyccc.com/tag/children/) - [christian counseling](https://familyccc.com/tag/christian-counseling/) - [autism](https://familyccc.com/tag/autism/) - [ASD](https://familyccc.com/tag/asd/) - [stress](https://familyccc.com/tag/stress/) - [mister rogers](https://familyccc.com/tag/mister-rogers/) - [training](https://familyccc.com/tag/training/) - [brain](https://familyccc.com/tag/brain/) - [teaching](https://familyccc.com/tag/teaching/) - [grief](https://familyccc.com/tag/grief/) - [death](https://familyccc.com/tag/death/) - [anxiety](https://familyccc.com/tag/anxiety/) - [story](https://familyccc.com/tag/story/) - [EAP](https://familyccc.com/tag/eap/) - [childrens trauma](https://familyccc.com/tag/childrens-trauma/) - [horses](https://familyccc.com/tag/horses/) - [learning](https://familyccc.com/tag/learning/) - [couples counseling](https://familyccc.com/tag/couples-counseling/) - [protective factors](https://familyccc.com/tag/protective-factors/) - [couples therapy](https://familyccc.com/tag/couples-therapy/) - [Gottman method](https://familyccc.com/tag/gottman-method/) - [negativity](https://familyccc.com/tag/negativity/) - [sensorimotor](https://familyccc.com/tag/sensorimotor/) - [psychotherapy](https://familyccc.com/tag/psychotherapy/) - [regulation](https://familyccc.com/tag/regulation/) - [dissociation](https://familyccc.com/tag/dissociation/) - [brain development](https://familyccc.com/tag/brain-development/) - [core strengths](https://familyccc.com/tag/core-strengths/) - [hyperarousal](https://familyccc.com/tag/hyperarousal/) - [comfort](https://familyccc.com/tag/comfort/) - [resilience](https://familyccc.com/tag/resilience/) - [regulate](https://familyccc.com/tag/regulate/) - [reason](https://familyccc.com/tag/reason/) - [relate](https://familyccc.com/tag/relate/) - [NMT](https://familyccc.com/tag/nmt/) - [truama children](https://familyccc.com/tag/truama-children/) - [equine](https://familyccc.com/tag/equine/) - [EAGALA](https://familyccc.com/tag/eagala/) - [equine assisted](https://familyccc.com/tag/equine-assisted/) - [benefits](https://familyccc.com/tag/benefits/) - [resiliency](https://familyccc.com/tag/resiliency/) - [emotions](https://familyccc.com/tag/emotions/) - [love](https://familyccc.com/tag/love/) - [marriage](https://familyccc.com/tag/marriage/) - [relationships](https://familyccc.com/tag/relationships/) - [Gottman](https://familyccc.com/tag/gottman/) - [marriage checkup](https://familyccc.com/tag/marriage-checkup/) - [polyvagal](https://familyccc.com/tag/polyvagal/) - [arguments](https://familyccc.com/tag/arguments/)