The Real Work
We are a therapy collective with a specific focus on neurodiversity, early childhood, brain science, attachment, expressive arts and the power of play.
June at The Real Work: Anger, Pride, and Play!
Click to get "the newspaper!" and all the juicy details for June Hi Reader, Welcome to June's topic of interest! Let's talk intense anger, and some strategies for how to help kids who seem to go from 0-60 very quickly and who feel things deeply and it affects relationships, self-esteem, and academics. This month, Real Work therapist Collin Alteneder, LMFT shares some of what he's learned working with boys, neurodivergent kids, and emotional regulation. One of my favorite ideas from the...
May News from The Real Work: Daily Outdoor Activities for regulation, an event invitation and more!
Hi all, Welcome to May! This month we have an interview with Diana Fitts, OTR/L on the blog on how outdoor "work" activities can help children with regulation throughout the day, plus some fun news from us and an upcoming community event for families! Activities you can do for regulation throughout the day In this month’s feature, Diana give us ideas for how to use heavy work as a regulation tool: If you’ve ever wondered how to support your child’s energy, focus, or regulation through simple...
Our 5-day summer camp helps kids with confidence, connection, emotional expression
Hi Reader, If you're looking for a bit of structure this summer in a play-based setting, we have some programs happening! I'm emailing today about Mick's Fairytale MAGIC Drama Camp that will be held here at The Real Work. This one will be a playful, creative experience designed to help children grow in confidence, connection, and emotional expression. Camp DetailsAges: 5–7Dates: July 6–10Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PMLocation: The Real Work’s Outdoor Play Space (Beaverton) Through storytelling,...
2 New Special Interest Groups: Nintendo and Arts + Crafts!
Hi Reader, New Special Interest Groups are here! Do you have a kiddo in your life who would love to connect or simply be around peers who share an interest in Arts and Crafts, or in Nintendo? Gabi Rookard, LCSW, RPT is facilitating two new recurring groups starting in May! Upcoming dates (Arts and Crafts): Tuesday 5/12 from 6-7 PM Tuesday 6/9 from 6-7 PM Tuesday 7/7 from 6-7 PM (rescheduled to the FIRST Tuesday of the month) Tuesday 8/11 from 6-7 PM Upcoming dates (Nintendo): Tuesday 5/26...
Would the Orchids or the Ferns Social Group be a fit?
Hi Reader, Your social group leaders, Dr. Diana, Pierce, and Kristy, have decided to open as-needed enrollment for their two social groups that meet here in Beaverton. If you have or know of a little one who would want to join, even for a few sessions to see if it's a fit, please apply below! Here are the details: The "Ferns" Group: For ages 4-7. Meets Thursdays 3:30-5:00 in Beaverton. This group is focused on early regulation, play skills, and confidence. 97.00/90-minute session The...
Fairytale MAGIC Drama Camp? Yes please!
Hi Reader, We’re so excited to offer a Fairytale MAGIC Drama Camp this summer: a playful, creative experience designed to help children grow in confidence, connection, and emotional expression.Through storytelling, imaginative play, and drama games, children get to explore big feelings, build friendships, and step into magical roles like dragons, fairies, and heroes. Camp DetailsAges: 5–7Dates: July 6–10Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PMLocation: The Real Work’s Outdoor Play Space (Beaverton) Why...
April at The Real Work: Regulated doesn't mean calm, Congrats to Collin, and More
Hi parents and caregivers, We hope you're well this April! It's been such an intense few months both on individual levels for families, in the larger community, and in our world, that we want to focus in on some nurturance and hope here locally this month. We hope you're well. Read on for some reflections on regulation, learn how seasonal changes may affect kids and families, and sweet news about a teammate: Regulation is NOT calm! In this month’s feature, Dr. Emilee from our Occupational...
Resending: Summer Camps with The Real Work!
Hi Reader, We hope you are well! We are so pleased to present our first-ever summer programming here at The Real Work! I'm so proud to introduce two camps, one with Gabi Rookard, LCSW, RPT, Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, and one with drama therapist Mick James, LPCA! Learn more at the button below or via the attached flyers! Summer with The Real Work What else are we up to? Learn from us about the 8 Sensory Systems Learn April Special Interest Group: Engineering and Physics VIew Outdoor...
March at The Real Work: The missing step in emotional regulation
Hi parents and caregivers, Welcome to March at The Real Work! This month we have a treat: A warm, thoughtful conversation with Kimia that will get us reflecting on safety, slowing down, and connection to self as parents. Plus a resource for parents outlining how to apply strategies we use with kids, to our own daily routines. Why do we avoid slowing down to notice difficult emotions? An Interview with Kimia Amirifar, LPC: Kimia Amirifar, LPC practices Synergetic Play Therapy with kids ages...
Is the behavior actually Sensory Overload or even a clue to sensory processing disorder? A Parent’s Guide to the 8 Sensory Systems
Is the behavior actually Sensory Overload or even a clue to sensory processing disorder? A Parent’s Guide to the 8 Sensory Systems In this post, we summarize what it might look like if difficult behaviors are actually coming from sensory processing differences, and how to tell. Here are some signs that your child may be experiencing consistent under- or over-activation of a sensory system: • Perseverating- Repetition of Behaviors, repetition of a script • Panic/Anxiety • Rigidity • Obsessing...
We are a therapy collective with a specific focus on neurodiversity, early childhood, brain science, attachment, expressive arts and the power of play.