Fun
To balance the intense experiences of therapy, we help children learn to feel good and to have fun. From planned events (like hiking or sports) to spontaneous events (a water balloon fight), we put a strong emphasis on the gratifying aspects of play and fun.
The Therapeutic Approach
Namaste is an attachment-based program. We build attachments with children who have trouble trusting others. We tell our children, “We will keep you safe,” and “We will take good care of you.” We have just three rules:
- Ask for everything you want and need.
- Ask to be out of eyesight.
- Ask to touch or be touched.
We have two expectations:
- Be respectful
- Be responsible
These rules and expectations are building blocks of each child's current and future relationships. Using just a few rules allows us to individualize each child's treatment program.
Childcare workers who implement this approach are the heart of the program. They teach the children to accept limits, discipline, and control as nurturing care. Problem behaviors improve when children form trusting relationships and are taught new behaviors. In time they learn to transfer this trust to their families. Milieu therapy is supported by weekly individual psychotherapy and other expressive therapy techniques. Family therapy is designed to meet the personal needs of each family. Families also receive extensive training in attachment interventions that help the child and family experience success at home.
The Parents
Parents Profile
Namaste's TFPs are chosen from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. They can be couples or single parents. TFPs must be people who love children and are dedicated to healing children and their families through the development of trusting relationships. Namaste TFPs are interviewed by Namaste staff. TFPs participate in an extensive process to assess their character and to ensure their safety in working with children prior to licensure and contact with any child. TFPs have to maintain good physical and emotional health, and Namaste is committed to supporting their personal and professional growth. Namaste is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution.
Training
Each parent must complete 45 hours of preservice training. Topics covered include, but are not limited to:
- Attachment Theory and interventions
- Love & Logic
- Stages of Treatment
- Cultural Considerations and Sensitivity
- Issues of Grief and Loss
- Child and Adolescent Development
- Medication Information and Documentation
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and Prevention
- CPR and First Aid
Each parent must also complete 24 hours of continuing education annually to maintain licensure.
Family Involvement
Outside support is essential to a child's treatment. The family is expected to be very involved in the process. Family therapy is based on assessing the family's strengths and reinforcing the positive aspects of their relationships. Our goal is to teach them how to support their child with effective intervention strategies. They are apprised of their child's progress though regular therapy sessions, phone conferences, and treatment team meetings. Family letters, phone calls, and visits help the child feel a part of his/her family even while away
School
Education is an integral part of each child's therapy and is designed to help each child develop the academic and social skills necessary to succeed at his/her own neighborhood school. Namaste's children attend school five days a week in self-contained classrooms at a local elementary school. They are under the supervision of two certified special education teachers and a principal. Childcare workers assist in the classroom. All required subjects are covered through individual tutorials and group activities. Field trips, such as to the zoo, museums, and parks are incorporated into the academic program.
