Individuals, Couples, Family, & Children’s Therapy at River Roots 

What is River Roots Approach to Therapy? 

At River Roots we practice what is referred to as an “integrated” approach therapy.  This means we blend the best therapeutic theories & tools with mind-body approaches, such as art, play, movement, mindfulness, and yoga, along with other proven treatment techniques, in an innovative and purposeful manner, to resolve the most common therapy concerns.  It is an approach that honors the client, meeting them where their need is, to achieve emotional wellness in body, mind, and soul.  

What kind of clients do you see? 

In general, we provide therapy for individuals, couples, and families. We see children as young as 3 years of age, teenagers, and adults. Some of the most common therapy issues are anxiety disorders, depression, relationship issues, grief/loss, and trauma. Our clinicians have different specializations & see different age groups. Some or specializations include couple/marital therapy, play therapy, substance abuse, and sexual compulsions. Please see our clinician page & specialty pages for more information.  

What about family involvement for children in therapy? 

At River Roots we want families to be actively involved. We feel caregivers know their child best and we want their support, because it greatly increases the benefits of therapy for the child. Families will be provided with parenting support, and ideas to increase their child’s growth at home. Family members may be asked to participate in therapy sessions. We may also schedule parent/caregiver only meetings, without the child present, to share information or work on specific issues.   

Specialties

What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy uses the creative & expressive energy of play to assist children in naturally communicating their thoughts and feelings. Children often don’t have verbal “words” yet to express themselves, the way adults do in therapy. Instead, they create a narrative of their “story” through their play. The play therapist assists them by supporting their play & helping the child come to an emotional resolution. Children express themselves, resolve emotional issues, and learn new skills, in a natural & enjoyable manner. Play therapy is most often used in children ages 3-12. Play therapy may also be used with families. If you want to learn more about the benefits of play therapy, please see the “Parents Corner” on the Association for Play Therapy website: Parents Corner - Association for Play Therapy (a4pt.org)  

What is a Substance Use Disorder & How can it be treated? 

Substance Use Disorder is an illness that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, or economic status. There are many contributing factors to its development, such as social, environmental, psychological, stress levels, and genetics. Using drugs and/or alcohol puts one at risk for developing dependency. Changes in the brain can occur having lasting effects, even with minimal use. Not only does substance use affect the person, but it also affects those around them. There are many symptoms of a substance disorder including tolerance, craving, loss of control, and physical dependence (withdrawal symptoms). Often, it is not the person using who recognizes the issue first, but rather those around them. Many different types of treatments are available for those affected by a substance use disorder. An assessment can be done to determine the best options, which may include recommendations for individual therapies, group therapies, medication, medically assisted detoxification, and/or a combination of these options. In addition, there are different levels of treatment offered by different community treatment programs depending on the severity of the need. Many have found it necessary to remain connected to a positive ongoing support system once they are in recovery either through a 12-Step program and/or through ongoing outpatient therapy. These services are also important for the loved ones of those in recovery from substance use. Our staff at River Roots Mental Health and Wellness can provide an assessment and make recommendations. We can also provide follow up therapy after intensive substance use interventions, and we can support loved ones impacted by substance use. Our staff will see Adolescents as young as 12 years old through adults, for substance abuse screenings, with a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.   


To Learn More about Substance Use Disorders check out additional resources at: https://www.samhsa.gov/ 

What is Trauma Therapy? 

Trauma is any event which triggers a deep emotional reaction, where the individual feels they don’t have the ability to cope with the event, causing them to feel a loss of control in their life. Trauma impacts our emotional, physical, and spiritual selves. Trauma therapy assists people in working through traumatic experiences, and the lasting impact which may follow those experiences. Trauma therapy helps a person identify trauma triggers, understand their reactions to trauma, and acquire coping skills to help them manage thoughts and feelings related to the trauma, and find a sense of control over the trauma.  Our staff are trained in helping children, youth, adults, and families. At River Roots Mental Health & Wellness Center, we take a mind-body approach to trauma because trauma impacts the entirety of who we are as a person. Each of our therapists has different specialized training in trauma, please contact our office if you have questions about our different providers & their specialties.   

Learn more about Trauma at the National Institute of Mental Health Website: NIMH » Coping With Traumatic Events (nih.gov) 

Young Children & Trauma: There used to be an assumption that very young children would not be able to remember trauma, and it wouldn’t impact them as much as older children or adults. We have found, through over 20 years of research, trauma actually impacts very young children, more significantly, than at older ages. Research is also showing very young children need treatment services, which include active & expressive therapies, such as play, art, and body movement. These active & expressive therapies allow young children to access traumatic experiences, build a trauma narrative in an appropriate way for their age, find alternative coping skills, and begin to feel mastery over their trauma. With young children, we will also come alongside caregivers to provide them support during this difficult time. At River Roots Mental Health & Wellness, we will see children, as young as 3 years old, who have experienced trauma.   


Learn more about childhood trauma and find resources: The National Child Traumatic Stress Network | (nctsn.org) 

Sexual Compulsion 

To be determined