WHAT IS COUNSELING?

Northern Michigan Alliance for Children provides Trauma-Focused therapy services to children who have participated in a forensic interview and their non-offending caregivers. Therapy sessions are customized to address the unique needs of each client. Active caregiver involvement in their child’s session is essential to provide support in the healing process.

Therapeutic services are important in assisting victims and their families with the wide range of emotional and behavioral changes resulting from abuse. Receiving therapy after a disclosure of abuse can help address some of the child's presenting symptoms and may help the child feel comfortable asking for additional treatment in the future. Many times, the disclosure of abuse can be overwhelming for all family members. Working with a therapist can help families better cope with the disclosure and aftermath of abuse.

All services are provided free of charge. Client’s and/or caregiver’s insurance(s) will not be billed.

CLINICAL SPECIALTIES

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

TF-CBT is an evidence-based program that helps clients and their caregiver(s) identify and cope with emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in order to return to a state of balance and regain trust. TF-CBT includes individual sessions for both the child and the parents, as well as parent-child joint sessions. TF-CBT has been proven to effectively reduce symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, externalizing behaviors, sexualized behaviors, and feelings of shame in traumatized children. TF-CBT has been shown to improve positive parenting skills and support of the child through the enhancement of parent-child communication.

Art and Play Therapy

Art and Play therapy allows children to explore their thoughts, feelings, and emotions by building on the natural way children learn and express themselves - through play and creativity. This technique is helpful for children who are not able or ready to verbalize their emotions and experiences.

PREPARING FOR YOUR VISIT

We understand this may be a new experience for you and your family, here are some resources to help prepare your child for their visit to our Center for Hope and Healing.