Selective Mutism and Anxiety Therapy for Children and Teens
Online & In-person in WA
It can be so difficult to see your child/teen struggle.
Children with selective mutism (SM) often exhibit a stark contrast in their talkativeness at home versus their inability to speak in school and social settings. While they may appear stubborn, their silence is a result of overwhelming self-consciousness and a genuine inability to communicate verbally. This disorder can hinder their classroom participation, hinder their ability to seek help, and impede their social interactions and friendships with peers.
Personal Experience as a parent of a child with Selective Mutism
Navigating the challenges of Selective Mutism and Social Anxiety with my child has been an uphill journey. As a parent, I've encountered frustration and discouragement due to the scarcity of therapists specializing in Selective Mutism. Additionally, the lack of school collaboration and frequent misunderstanding of SM have added to the complexities of experiences for me and for my child. My personal journey has fueled my passion for advocating and supporting children and teens with Selective Mutism, along with providing assistance to their parents as well as fostering collaboration with school teams to create a more inclusive and understanding environment.
How does therapy work?
In treatment, we utilize specialized behavior therapy techniques that encourage speech and reinforce successful communication through abundant praise and small rewards. We also equip parents with the necessary skills learned in therapy and help them identify opportunities to reinforce these skills at home. Through live coaching, we ensure parents master these skills effectively.
To encourage "brave talking," we guide the child gradually, using a step-by-step approach where the therapist joins in during playtime with the parent and child, gradually reducing the parent's presence in the room.
I employ generalization by taking therapy outside the therapy setting, venturing into community spaces like stores, and providing multiple contexts for the child to practice their communication skills.
To maintain progress, we assign homework for parents to practice outside of therapy sessions.
Also, I collaborate closely with the child's school, conducting staff trainings and providing specific strategies to be implemented in the classroom.
culturally responsive practice as the foundation of therapy
Culturally responsive practice forms the foundation of my therapy approach, recognizing that each family is unique in what works for them. Understanding and addressing the nuances of culture are crucial as I strive to ensure that my therapeutic work is effective and resonates with your specific family dynamics. By openly discussing and incorporating cultural aspects, I aim to create a therapy environment that is sensitive, inclusive, and tailored to your family's needs.
Your child has incredible gifts, strengths, & potential.
I’M HERE TO HELP THEM discover that.