Trauma-Focused
Child Therapy Services
Small Talk CAC provides therapy services to clients (ages 3-18) who have participated in a forensic interview. Individual therapy sessions are customized to address the unique needs of each client. Active caregiver involvement is essential. Therapy services at Small Talk CAC are provided free of charge. Client’s and/or caregiver’s insurance(s) will not be billed.
Mental health professionals looking to refer in can email our Clinical Director Kayelynn Abramski, LMSW.
More Resources for Parents and Caregivers
Clinical Specialties
Therapeutic Philosophy
Therapy is guided by the client and the family. We work at the child's pace and walk with them on their healing journey. Our treatment models include: Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Art and Play Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
The goal of TF-CBT is to provide education and help both the child and caregiver to identify and cope with emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Once coping skills are developed, the traumatic experience is then processed, which can be done a number of different ways. TF-CBT involves individual sessions with the child as well as sessions with both the caregiver and child together. TF-CBT can be used with children and adolescents ages 3-18.
Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR therapy is an evidence-informed trauma treatment model that utilizes bilateral movement (to target both the left and right hemispheres of the brain) to desensitize and reprocess traumatic memories. EMDR uses our natural memory processing systems to actively decrease distress associated with traumatic memories and reprocess negative cognitions formed during the event. EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions. To learn more, please visit https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy found to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD for adolescents and adults who have experienced a traumatic event. This modality assists clients with learning skills on how to challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma. In so doing, the client can create a new understanding and conceptualization of the traumatic event so that it reduces its negative effects in present and future life.
Art and Play Therapy
Art and Play Therapy builds on the natural way children learn and express their thoughts and feelings. Art and play therapy is effective for children with a wide variety of emotional, social, behavioral, and learning problems and can be helpful for those who are not able or ready to verbalize their experiences. A parent’s active involvement is crucial for achieving the most positive treatment effects. Art and play therapy is most appropriate for children ages 3-12 and sessions normally last between 30-50 minutes.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is an opportunity to connect with others who are experiencing similar thoughts, feelings, and situations, and can help clients feel connected with others in a safe and supportive environment. With the guidance of Small Talk Therapists, group therapy allows clients to receive support and encouragement from members of the group, and the opportunity to serve as a supportive role for others. This can help foster feelings of success and accomplishment for all members of the group. If you are interested in learning more about group therapy options at Small Talk, please contact Kayelynn Abramski, LMSW, Clinical Director.
FAQs About Therapy
What are the benefits of therapy?
Clients will have the opportunity to process their emotions and trauma experiences with a neutral party. Following therapy, clients often report increased coping skills, engagement in healthy relationships, decreased feelings of depression and anxiety, and a brighter outlook on their present and future life.
Is therapy mandatory?
At Small Talk CAC, our philosophy is that therapy should be a personal choice and is completely voluntary. Research suggests that motivation and willingness to participate are large factors in determining success in therapy.
Are sessions held in-person or virtually?
Small Talk CAC offers both in-person and virtual options for therapy services. The method and frequency of therapy sessions can vary based on therapeutic approach, client needs, and the Therapist’s judgment.
How often are therapy sessions scheduled?
Individual therapy sessions are customized to address the unique needs of each client. Session duration varies from 30–60 minutes. The duration and frequency of therapy sessions can vary based on therapeutic approach, client needs, and the Therapist’s judgment. If any barriers arise during therapy services, please contact a Small Talk CAC Therapist to discuss options for support.
Can therapists be involved in court?
Small Talk CAC Therapists may attend court hearings as a support person during criminal court proceedings, upon client request and Therapist availability.
To remain neutral and protect client confidentiality and therapeutic relationships, court testimony, court letters, recommendations in custody cases, or parenting time recommendations are outside of the scope of practices for Small Talk CAC Therapists.
In terms of Problematic Sexual Behaviors (PSB), the PSB Screener is not intended to be utilized in custody cases and/or as a recommendation for custody agreements. Small Talk CAC does not provide custody recommendations based on the results of the PSB Screener. Participation in the screener does not guarantee enrollment in Small Talk CAC’s therapy services.