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...
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?”...
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...
We are a therapy collective with a specific focus on neurodiversity, early childhood, brain science, attachment, expressive arts and the power of play.