1835 S Front Street, Lonoke 72086
501-676-2552
Mental Health
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
After your child has experienced abuse, it is common for behaviors and emotions to change. If you have noticed changes in your child such as: becoming easily upset without cause, becoming withdrawn from friends and family, experiencing depressive or anxious thoughts for an extended period of time, and/or if they have begun to act out sexually in ways that are not considered developmentally normal, it may be beneficial for your child to receive counseling to help manage concerns resulting from their trauma experience. For a more complete list of possible trauma symptoms your child may be experiencing, click here.
How can I get therapy services started for my child?
During your child's initial interview appointment, you will speak with your family's Child & Family Advocate. Your Advocate will discuss with you the mental health services that are provided at Wade Knox Children's Advocacy Center. Should you feel that this is something from which your child would benefit, your Advocate will make a referral to the Center's therapist for a Trauma Therapy Assessment. After the referral is made, a therapist from the Center will contact you to schedule an appointment for you and your child to come back to the Center for the assessment. Should you initially tell the Advocate that you are not interested in your child receiving therapy, but later decide that you would like to have them assessed, please contact the Center at 501-676-2552.
What type of therapy will my child receive?
Wade Knox Children's Advocacy Center offers Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). This form of therapy is trauma-informed and specifically for trauma the child has experienced. This therapy is specifically offered to the child, while at times also providing support and direction to the safe, supportive, non-offending family member. While the therapist makes no judgments or opinions on guilt or innocence of the actual or alleged offender of the child, the alleged or actual offender of the child is not included or permitted in this trauma therapy.
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The child’s safety, needs, and well-being are, at all times, the primary priority of the therapist and the CAC.
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This therapy is a “systems-oriented” family trauma therapy. This means that it must involve a safe, supportive, non-offending parent/guardian throughout the entire process. This type of therapy for children’s trauma also can assist the parent to better help the child and can address the parent’s own possible trauma surrounding their child’s traumatic experiences.
What should I expect in therapy?
Therapy is a unique opportunity for a child to meet with a trained professional who is willing and able to work to establish goals for treatment and to develop a pathway toward achieving those goals. For children who are beginning therapy with a history of physical or sexual abuse, this process also uses research-based treatment that has been proven to be effective in reprocessing with trauma. Being specialized therapy that specifically addresses traumatic experiences, the therapy, while safe and respectful at all times, can, like most therapy, occasionally temporarily evoke anxiety or painful memories. Therapy relies on the child’s willingness to be open and to participate in the process, and the family should feel welcome to voice any concerns, discomfort, and scheduling issues with the therapist.
How long will my child need to be in therapy?
Typically, there are 12-24 sessions from beginning to end of the therapeutic process. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), which is the form of therapy used at Wade Knox Children's Advocacy Center, is for children and adolescents. This trauma therapy specifically treats the family as a whole and helps the parent help their child. The therapist will monitor your child's progress and gauge should more sessions be necessary. Upon completion of treatment, your child will "graduate". Should additional therapy outside of the trauma scope be necessary, the therapist will provide additional treatment referrals to various locations close to you.
How long will each therapy session last?
The initial therapy assessment appointment typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. After the assessment appointment, should your child qualify for trauma therapy, the therapist will set up subsequent therapy appointments. These therapy sessions are typically 30-60 minutes each, weekly or biweekly.
Should I discuss my child's traumatic experiences with them to help aid in the therapeutic process?
It is best to be supportive and caring if your child initiates a discussion about his or her abuse. Listen to what your child has to say and praise the effort your child has shown in sharing. Click here to see recommended books, articles and websites to better equip you as you support your child.