A new family has arrived, just started two weeks ago. Mom is pregnant, and she arrives with a 10 month old, a 2 1/2 year old, 4 year old with sensory issues, vision problems, and explosiveness. 7 year old girl with sensory issues and ADHD tendencies, and the oldest is 9 with explosive behaviors. I am spending two hours a week with the family minus dad at this time. I have started the family on a RMT schedule along with Face the fear activities. Mom began LENS and the oldest boy will soon. Mom is the first priority, she is struggling with being overwhelmed, not motivated, social anxiety, and more. At this time, mom is so overwhelmed and has such struggles, she is not doing RMT at home. That is ok! We are quickly getting her to a place that she will eventually be able to do that, but for now, we spend two lovely hours a week in my "big room". I do RMT on all family members, and then some of the wonderful face the fear activities that the kids just love. Anyway, this story is about the 2 1/2 year old. Last week she wanted to "help Mrs. Chris", so she placed her hands on each of the children and helped "rock" them with RMT. She kept looking at my face and counting with me. (I think she is going to learn how to count to 15 very early)! She was such a precious helper, that her mom kept saying "what a great helper you are"! Over and over. Finally, the toddler turns and looks at her mom with a tilt to her head and said "Mom....Stop....." She reminded me of a teen age girl and we both laughed SO hard!
Christine Durfee LPCChild and family mental health therapist
Oregon USA (May 2015)
