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.
Accommodations: am I helping my kid or enabling them? August's Monthly Magic Newspaper is here.
Click here to get the full newspaper PDF! Hi Reader, It's here! My interview with Janelle was so amazing. She immediately set the stage with this common scenario, that I've definitely been in often as a parent: Imagine you're child is supposed to make their bed, or put away their clothes, or set the table...something they've done plenty of times, and now it seems like you're asking them to climb Mt. Everest. They insist they can't. Maybe they don't have words and just knock stuff off the...
Parental burnout: the signs we see most often
Click here to get the newspaper! Hi Reader, In practice here, we often meet parents who are experiencing burnout or who are afraid of tipping into burnout and are seeking support as a result. Signs include overwhelming exhaustion, a sense of emotional disconnection from their kids, a loss of pleasure and sense of effectiveness as a parent, and an awareness that the parent you are now is different from the one you used to be. When in a state like this many parents can feel completely unable to...
Fantasy, Magic, and Fairytales is our newest Special Interest group!
Special Interest Groups Hi everyone, Might your kid need some connection time this Fall or Winter? We are still offering our special interest groups with Gabi and so far they have been going so well! Here is Gabi's note: Hi Wonderful families! It’s me, Gabi. I feel so filled with joy when I think about how far these groups have come. This past spring and summer, I introduced 2 new groups (Nintendo and Fantasy, Magic, and Fairytales) and changed the structure of the group for more consistent...
Meet a Montessori teacher turned Play Therapist! The Real Work's Monthly Magic is here!
Click here to get the Newspaper! Hi Reader, Many environments by design can make it difficult for adults to see the whole child. There is often simply enough time built in, the expectations are too high, or the pressure is too great for performance to be prioritized. As a result, kids who come to play therapy may have been described by teachers, the community, or other adults as some of these labels: oppositional sensitive anxious inattentive impulsive difficult This month I spoke with Real...
What play therapy creates that you can't get in school: Sept Monthly Magic
Click here to get the Newspaper! Hi Reader, Many environments by design can make it difficult for adults to see the whole child. There is often simply enough time built in, the expectations are too high, or the pressure is too great for performance to be prioritized. As a result, kids who come to play therapy may have been described by teachers, the community, or other adults as some of these labels: oppositional sensitive anxious inattentive impulsive difficult This month I spoke with Real...
3 more spots in Drama Club for elementary age kids and 4 openings for nature-based social group!
Hi everyone! Brave Spark Drama Club is happening! So is is our nature-based social group for ages 4-7 if you're looking for something for a kiddo who is a bit younger and loves to be outside. Here is the message from Mick about drama club. I’m piloting a new drama enrichment program, Brave Spark Drama Club. This is an opportunity for kids to put on a play and learn acting skills in a neuro-affirming and highly supportive environment.Details: Sundays 10:00-11:30 October 4 to December 13. Meets...
We are starting a Drama Club for elementary age kids this fall! Want in?
Hi everyone! Super exciting message from Mick James about their new drama club for elementary age kids! Read on: I’m piloting a new drama enrichment program, Brave Spark Drama Club. This is an opportunity for kids to put on a play and learn acting skills in a neuro-affirming and highly supportive environment.When: Roughly Sept 27 through early December, once a week, 1.5 hours, most likely Sunday mornings. (Exact dates confirmed within the week.)Where: Multnomah Arts CenterWho: Elementary-age...
Special Edition: What to do with Mixed Feelings around going back to school + Who is Accepting New Clients
Click here to get the "newsppaper" in PDF form! Hi Reader, I'm in the middle of interviewing Real Work therapist Janelle Stuvland, LPC for the August Monthly Magic newspaper, and it's going to be really helpful as we approach the new school year: we are talking about that question all of us parents and caregivers ask: how much accommodation is enough, and how do I know am I over-accommodating? I want my child to be resilient, and sometimes I feel too harsh, other times wonder if I'm "too...
Play Group to help 3-5 year olds build confidence for school and childcare settings
Hi Reader, I hope you're well! I'm reaching out because we are starting a relationship-based group for children ages 3–5 called Small Steps, which will help 3-5 year olds build confidence for school and childcare settings. It is: An expressive arts and play-based enrichment program Designed for very young kids who are highly sensitive, may have some anxiety, or may be described as "slow-to-warm" or "easily overwhelmed" in large groups wary of demands or transitions that occur in school...
July at The Real Work: How do I respond if my child asks "Am I Fat?" Plus Monthly Magic News!
Click here to Get the "Newspaper!" Hi Reader, Welcome to July's topic of interest! Let's jump into a tough one that we have all probably considered. How to handle conversations with our kids about body size, and specifically how to answer if your child asks Am I Fat? This month, Real Work therapist Mick James, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, shares best practices for parents around conversations like this. One of my favorite ideas from the article: Kids almost never ask “am I fat?”...
We are a therapy collective with a specific focus on neurodiversity, early childhood, brain science, attachment, expressive arts and the power of play.