Our Specialties
Play Therapy
Play therapy is an evidenced-based intervention way in which children are able to gain mastery of their particular world. It provides a safe place for children to safely confront and address their struggles and is the ideal clinical approach for children. Play therapy has been successful in addressing a variety of common difficulties including:
○ Behavioral Difficulties
○ Parent-Child Relationship Struggles including Attachment
○ Issues related to Grief & Loss such as Death, Divorce or Incarceration
○ Social and Emotional Challenges
○ Trauma
LGBTQ+
The LGBTQ+ community faces many unique challenges. Rising Lotus provides a safe and welcoming space for individuals who identify as LGBTQ, providing therapy services that nurture and empower individuals and their families. The experiences of LGBTQ individuals vary greatly, as do their abilities to cope with the stresses of everyday life. It is important that they do not internalize negative messages about sexual orientation and gender identity as they can create feelings of shame and unworthiness. We work with clients who may need additional support when coming out, facing bullying at school or work, family disagreements and/or rejection, inequality in the workplace, among others.
Gifted Children
Because gifted children demonstrate greater maturity in some domains over others, they may be at greater risk for specific kinds of social-emotional difficulties if their needs are not met. Gifted children may experience anxiety, heightened awareness, perfectionism, stress, issues with peer relationships, and concerns with identity and fit. Parents, adults, and caregivers may find it difficult to know how to handle their concerns and stay in tune with their child's specific needs, in order to shape a strong framework for social-emotional health.
Being gifted often comes with challenges like asynchronous development or social and emotional challenges. Parents can engage with their children to provide rich stimulation and learning experiences and discover ways to partner with schools and resources in the broader community to nurture their child’s specialized learning needs.
Self Harm
Self-harm is the act of deliberately injuring oneself, often through cutting. Self-injurious behavior is not the same as a suicide attempt. Though some individuals who self-harm may attempt suicide, in general, acts of self-harm do not indicate a desire to end one's life. However, they can still endanger one’s mental and physical health and if left untreated, the behavior may continue for many years.
Many people use self-harm as a coping mechanism when feeling emotionally overwhelmed. And lthough self-injury can begin at any age, it most often begins between the ages of 13 and 15. And in the United States, self-harm occurs most often among adolescents and college students. Individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ are more likely to self-injure than their heterosexual counterparts. Our therapists can help individuals find more effective coping mechanisms and help address the underlying issues which can lead to self-harm.
EMDR
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, an evidence-based intervention developed in the 1980s specifically to address trauma. The process of using eye movements or other methods of bi-lateral stimulation works to help the brain reprocess disturbing memories in order to improve clients’ level of suffering following traumatic events. For children, EMDR therapy is integrated with Play Therapy and can be used successfully to help children deal with traumatic events which may be causing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fear, PTSD, or other emotional difficulties.
Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)
What is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) or Highly Sensitive Child (HSC)?
Sensory-Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is the scientific term for the trait found in 15 – 20% of the population. Highly Sensitive People (HSP) may get easily overwhelmed by such things as bright lights, strong smells, or coarse fabrics, need to withdraw during busy days, and make it a high priority to arrange their lives to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations. They are also used to being told that they are “too sensitive.” Highly Sensitive Children (HSCs) share the same characteristics as highly sensitive adults and as a result, face unique challenges as they grow up. Because of this, many parents with HSCs feel overwhelmed and unprepared to parent their sensitive child.
Adoption
Adoption is a family situation which can lead to great joy and fulfillment, and may be the answer to the dreams and prayers of many parents. But adoption can also be a source of loss and shame and pain. Experiences of adoptees, and their families, vary greatly, but there are often common experiences which persist throughout the lifetime. It is important to recognize that adoption is different from other forms of parenting and the struggles inherent in adoption are unique for each person involved. We provide support to all adult persons connected to adoption, foster care, and donor conception.