Therapy at Wema Homes

  Children and teenage mental health therapy aims to address the emotional and psychological challenges faced by young individuals. Therapy provides a supportive environment for children and teens to express their feelings, develop coping mechanisms, and build resilience. Common issues include anxiety, depression, behavioral disorders, and the impact of trauma.

For children, therapy often focuses on early intervention and involves techniques like play therapy or family counseling to help them process emotions and improve communication. 

For teenagers, approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are widely used to address issues such as self-esteem struggles, substance abuse, and academic pressures.

The importance of therapy lies in its ability to foster positive mental health and prevent long-term challenges. Early recognition of warning signs, such as social withdrawal or mood swings, can lead to timely support and better outcomes.

Here are some effective therapy techniques for children and teens:

For Children:

• Play Therapy: Children often express their feelings and thoughts through play. Play therapy helps them process emotions, resolve conflicts, and build coping skills.
• Art Therapy: Drawing, painting, or crafting can provide an outlet for children to communicate complex feelings they may struggle to express verbally.
• Behavioral Therapy: Focused on identifying problematic behaviors and teaching children healthier ways to react and cope with challenges.
• Family Therapy: Helps strengthen family relationships and improve communication by involving caregivers in the therapeutic process.

For Teenagers:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This technique is widely used to help teens recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It's effective for anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): A skill-based approach to help teens manage intense emotions and improve interpersonal relationships. Often used for issues like self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
• Group Therapy: Provides a supportive environment where teens can share experiences and learn from peers facing similar challenges.
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Techniques that encourage teens to stay present and develop stress-management skills.

  At Wema Homes Counseling is provided for each participant at the frequency and duration prescribed in his/her treatment plan. It may be provided individually or in a group. Individual counseling may not exceed one hour every two weeks, and group counseling will not exceed one hour every month. Counseling topics will be consistent with the program goals and treatment plans and will be provided by a Licensed Professional contracted through an outside agency (participants will be referred and transported to their counseling sessions by Wema Homes).

   Wema Homes offers individual counseling to address specific type of behavioral health issue(s) and treatment goals identified on the resident’s treatment plan. All individual counselings are provided by a behavioral health professional or a behavioral health technician under the oversight of behavioral health professional. Individual counseling for children and teenagers provides a one-on-one environment where they can explore their thoughts, feelings, and challenges with a trained therapist. This personalized approach helps address issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral problems, and self-esteem struggles. Therapists use techniques tailored to the child's or teen's developmental stage, such as play therapy for younger children or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for teens. 

Benefits of Individual Counseling:

• Improve self-awareness 
• Self-Exploration 
• Improved communication skills
• Coping skill development
• Getting a new view

Group counseling for children and teenagers is a powerful way to address shared challenges and foster social skills. It provides a supportive environment where participants can connect with peers, share experiences, and learn coping strategies. Common types of group counseling include:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotion regulation and interpersonal skills, often used for teens dealing with intense emotions or self-harm.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps participants identify and change negative thought patterns, effective for anxiety and depression.
• Social Skills Groups: Designed to improve communication and interaction skills, especially for children struggling with social anxiety or peer relationships.
• Process Groups: Provides a safe space for children and teens to discuss trauma or psychosocial stressors.

Trained personnel members will provide assistance, support, and supervision to a resident while the resident takes the medication to ensure the medication is taken appropriately.  

Assistance in the self-administration of medication involves supporting individuals in safely managing their prescribed medications. This process is crucial for those who may have physical or cognitive challenges but are capable of taking their medications independently with some guidance. Key aspects include:

• Education: Teaching individuals about their medications, including dosage, timing, and potential side effects.
• Monitoring: Ensuring medications are taken correctly and addressing any issues, such as missed doses or adverse reactions.
• Support: Providing reminders or physical assistance, like opening containers or organizing pills.

Full room and board services in behavioral health facilities provide a safe and supportive living environment for individuals undergoing treatment. These services typically include:

• Accommodation: Personal sleeping arrangements and private spaces for hygiene.
• Nutrition: Provision of three healthy meals and snacks daily, tailored to dietary needs.
• Supportive Environment: A nurturing space that promotes emotional well-being and recovery.
• Supervision: Oversight by licensed professionals to ensure safety and adherence to treatment plans.

Wemaa Homes offfsite services and transportation focus on providing individuals with access to essential activities and appointments outside of our residential treatment facility. These services often include:

• Transportation: Safe and reliable transport to therapy sessions, medical appointments, or community activities.
• Community Integration: Opportunities for individuals to participate in cultural, religious, recreational, or educational outings.
• Support During Outings: Assistance with medication self-administration or other needs while offsite.