Let's Chat with a CHAT Program Therapist!
Our Child Abuse Treatment Program (CHAT) offers no-cost counseling services for children and teens seventeen and younger, who have suffered trauma (sexual, physical, emotional, or neglect) or exposure to domestic and community violence. In 2017, the program provided 1,684 counseling sessions to 80 counseling clients and provided other support and advocacy services to 374 clients. Denise Osornio, our CHAT MFT Intern, has been with the program since September 2016. We asked her to provide us some insight:
Could you tell us about a success story?
"One child I worked with had witnessed a murder and was having very distressing PTSD symptoms. The child was so fearful that they were having a difficult time going to school, falling asleep, and going out into the community. The child participated in weekly therapy to address the PTSD symptoms. I used Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques with this child and they were able to overcome the fear they were experiencing and were successful in returning to their normal functioning."
What is your preferred type of therapy to use with kids, or what do you find most effective?
"Each child is different, so assessing their needs and what type of therapy works best for them is very important. My favorite type of therapy to use with younger children is 'play therapy' because it helps children explore life events, process trauma, explore repressed thoughts and/or emotions, through play and language. With older kids and adolescents I usually use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy."
For more information about CHAT or our other client services, visit our website or call (831) 771-0411.
