Psychotherapy Services

Discovery Connections is an Attachment and Bonding Center, specializing in treating the foster and adoptive families in our community. Our goal is to provide treatment for the whole family –traumatized children and adolescents from “hard places,” their caretakers, as well as siblings or other family members struggling with the complex dynamics of blended families. Our clinicians are trauma-focused and trauma-informed, and offer specialized, evidence-based interventions to treat trauma in individuals of all ages. 

Although we have a trauma focus, we still maintain a general practice – serving individuals of various ages with a ride range of symptomology and needs.

What We Do:

We provide therapy for children, adolescents, college students, adults, couples, groups, and families. We specialize in treating childhood trauma, including diagnoses such as Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as well as Autism Spectrum Disorder.  

Some of our specialties include:

Trauma

The heartbeat of Discovery is treating the survivors of trauma. In fact, we believe that trauma of some kind is the underlying factor in many, if not most, mental health issues, and trauma is the focus of many interventions listed below. It is our greatest passion to bring restoration and healing to those in our communities who are suffering. 

Play Therapy Techniques

Play Therapy is a therapeutic approach primarily used to help children ages 3 to 12 explore their lives and freely express their thoughts and emotions through play. Therapeutic play normally takes place in a safe, comfortable playroom, encouraging free expression and allowing the therapist to observe the child’s choices, decisions, inner dynamics, and play style. The goal is to help children learn to express themselves in healthier ways, become more respectful and empathetic, and discover new and more positive ways to solve problems.

Theraplay

 Theraplay is not traditional “play therapy,” but a child and family therapy for building and enhancing attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement. It is based on natural patterns of healthy interaction between parent and child; and is personal, physical, and fun. Theraplay interactions focus on four essential qualities found in parent-child relationships: Structure, Engagement, Nurture, and Challenge. Theraplay sessions create an active and emotional connection between child and parents, resulting in a changed view of the child as worthy and lovable, and of relationships as positive and rewarding. Theraplay is an evidence-based treatment; shown to be effective in treating Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

EMDR

 EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. EMDR therapy is an eight-phase treatment. Eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation) are used during one part of the session. Using the detailed protocols and procedures learned in EMDR therapy training sessions, clinicians help clients activate their natural healing processes. 

TBRI

TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) is designed for children from “hard places” such as abuse, neglect, and/or trauma. Because of their histories, it is often difficult for these children to trust the loving adults in their lives, which often results in perplexing behaviors. TBRI offers practical tools for parents, caregivers, teachers, or anyone who works with children, to see the “whole child” in their care and help that child reach his highest potential. TBRI is an attachment-based, trauma informed intervention that is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. TBRI uses Empowering Principles to address physical needs, Connecting Principles for attachment needs, and Correcting Principles to disarm fear-based behaviors. While the intervention is based on years of attachment, sensory processing, and neuroscience research, the heartbeat of TBRI is connection.

Depression

 For those experiencing a loss of interest in things they previously enjoyed, a change in sleep patterns or appetite, or feeling tired or down, these could be experiencing symptoms of depression, one of the most common mental health struggles among individuals today. You are not alone, and are making the right decision to reach out for help. We are here for you.  

Anxiety

Do you find yourself worrying often, experiencing body tension, irritability, and difficulty making decisions? Anxiety is also quite common, and symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, schoolwork, and relationships. Psychotherapy is very effective at treating anxiety, and all of our therapists have interventions that can help provide relief.