Hello hello!
Over here at The Real Work, we have been leaning into supporting each other, improving our playrooms, and making the most of new routines that the school year brings. We've been using our time to meet local schools and professionals and also to create extra resources for families, such as Gabi's handout Co-Regulation: Beyond the Buzzword: 3 tips for Coregulation.
We are also anticipating a flood of new referrals as families adjust to school and start searching for supports, so we've been doing some fun updates to our website, and trying to streamline our communication systems so you can reach us more easily.
Gabi took some amazing photos of our team and our spaces, AND three teammates rescued a baby squirrel and named it Young Fredle.
(Photos included below for cuteness quota!)
Name it to tame it (Parent edition)
I know in my home at least, the transition period to school brings mixed emotions. Some kids are feeling the change in the weather, starting to count down to Halloween and other upcoming holidays, while others are completely overwhelmed and sad that summer is over.
As a parent, I've been reflecting on ways to stay steady and to talk about the hard things that are coming up lately in the news—how to respond to a child's questions about violence, about political violence, and also how to talk about things closer to home that are already showing up, such as how to support open conversations about school bullying, how to stop losing lunch boxes and water bottles, and how to make some shifts to help us get out the door on time with minimal tears. Anyone else?
Here at The Real Work, I've noticed the whole team working extra hard right now to show up for each family, because so many of you are carrying so much in this season, and you deserve a person and a space to be with you in that.
--Rebekah
Spotlight: Meet Kimia Amirifar, LPC
This month, I’d love to introduce Kimia Amirifar, LPC, one of our newest members! Kimia jumped right in as a play therapist here, and it has been a delight to get to know her. Not only has she jumped in to meeting her new clients and learning how to find all the playrooms here, but she also attended our photo shoot, comes to consult groups and social hour, and brings such a calming presence to all of these occasions.
Welcome, Kimia!
Kimia still has a few spots open for new families and you can learn more about her here:
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Quick Tip for September
Tip of the month: If your child is the type that loves the "new and shiny," don't be afraid to embrace novelty (within reason).
Pairing a non-preferred task or boring duty with something novel (even as small as my new obsession, fun stickers) can help kids integrate that into a routine — and maybe it could even become a habit. Still crossing my fingers that happens for teeth brushing over here!
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Supports & Invitations
Amber is leading our Autism Parent Support Group this fall. If you’ve been looking for a community of parents walking a similar path, you can learn more or sign up here:
👉 realworkwellness.com/store/p/autism-parent-support-group
In Closing…
As promised, here are the photos of baby Young Fredle, who was rescued from the sandplay area in our Nature-Based Play Therapy Space last week and brought to a local shelter! Our team is the coolest.
Oh and a few playroom photos from Gabi's photoshoot, just for fun!
Do you have any heartwarming baby animal stories to share? Feel free to reply and share them here—we could all use a little hope in our lives!
Warmly,
Rebekah and The Real Work Team
📅 Thinking About Fall Supports?
If you’ve been wondering whether now’s the time for therapy, trust your gut. Or, if you know someone who is, forward this email along! We have a few openings for fall and would love to connect. ❤️
