Children have such little control of their world. I am most passionate about giving kids the space to be themselves and develop that sense of autonomy in session, in order to be able to manage their autonomy as adults out of session. It’s incredible what therapeutic undivided attention and unconditional positive regard does for a child, 1 hour a week.
My treatment is most effective when aligned with, “Yes Brain!“, “Gentle”, or “Positive Parenting” approaches to supporting youth development.
“Positive parenting is the continual relationship of a parent(s) and a child or children that includes caring, teaching, leading, communicating, and providing for the needs of a child consistently and unconditionally.”
-(Seay et al., 2014, p. 207).
By applying my child centered non directive play therapy with children aged 3-12, I have seen the following symptom and behavior changes:
✧Increased esteem
✧Decreased anxiety & worry
✧Increased social skills & interests
✧Decreased anger outbursts & oppositional defiance
✧Increased empathy & communication
✧Decreased self-harm & increased coping/ regulation skills
✧Increased concentration, focus, “calm body”, & reduced impulsivity
These changes make life more joyful, manageable, and bring a sense of relief and hope to young individuals and the families that care for them. These changes are not guaranteed, but they are possible. -And they are (your family is) worthy.
Because children are the ever-changing products of their environment and biology or genetics, parents/caregivers, and often times siblings, are critical to the treatment process. Treatment plans for children under 12 typically involve monthly family therapy sessions, in order to support intervention implementation and to receive collateral updates for progress and continued need towards the child’s mental health goals.
Mental health goals are never reached without the mutual buy-in of the child-client. Let’s build a foundation of autonomy; see if they’d be interested in their own brief consult with Therapist Jess. After they hang up, ask them the following questions and engage in a family discussion to determine if you should proceed with treatment…
- “Can you picture yourself feeling safe talking with this adult”? (Via zoom, and/or in office)
- “What is therapy”?
- “What does a therapist do”?
- “How do you think Jess can be helpful to you”?
…These conversations may be more enlightening than you expect.
I’d always be happy to ping my “well” of awesome fellow-therapists to support you in your search for the right fit for your child if I’m not it. Let me know what comes up!
| 30 Minute phone consults (1 Caregiver, 1 child client) | Free |
| Caregiver supported Intake session | $120 |
| Cost per individual/family therapy session (includes brief weekly caregiver check-ins if individual session scheduled) | $80-120, sliding scale |
Let’s talk about what payment options may be comfortable and sustainable for you and your family, to get the most from our time together.
Good Faith Estimate with “No Surprises Act” of 2022.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.
You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
“Apologize to your children when you lose your cool. They don’t understand why you’re upset and they deserve an explanation and an apology. Doesn’t matter that they’re little. They’re little humans, too. Communicating with them will make it easier for them to talk to you one day”.
-Unknown
Hispanic children
How natural talent trained to be a super-natural support
I received two under-graduate degrees from the University of North Texas at Denton, where I found my passion for the study of psychology and my natural inclination to the unique and foundational theory of Gary Landreth’s School of Child Play Therapy, while studying Counseling. The beauty of counseling and effectiveness of Landreth’s theory was then reinforced in my graduate program at the California State University, Fullerton, and by the experiences with the incredible child clients in the cities of Santa Ana, Orange, Long Beach, and Los Angeles.
Treating children like they will one day run the world, and helping them to believe, respect, and manage that reality, is Well1’s specialty.
✧ Jessica Wellins is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #129207,
City of Seal Beach business license, #14206331✧
