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.
