We are pleased to introduce our inaugural blog post, designed to provide valuable insights into the services offered at Bloom Behavioral Health Partners. One core focus of our practice is supporting children and families, and we are privileged to feature Analicia Martinez, a therapist on our team specializing in this area. We are eager to share her expertise with our readers.

Why Children and Families?

Analicia’s dedication to working with children and families stems from a deep-seated passion and a recognition of the need within her community. “I am passionate about working with children, adolescents, and their families,” she explains. “I believe what drew me to specializing in therapy with children and families was that I saw a big need for it in my own community. I acknowledge a tremendous importance in taking time to work with children as they are the next generation and are the future.”

Her work addresses a range of challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, school-related stress, and more. A significant goal is to help families “break generational curses,” fostering healthier communication and collaboration. “I enjoy working with children and their families as they reflect on their tendencies of communication and they collaborate with one another regarding difficult topics that may not have been accessible to them previously.”

“When individuals are going through some big things, the two, which are the brain and the body, may stop communicating with each other,” Analicia explains. “Our role within therapy is to help the brain maintain its key functioning and bridge the gap or the disconnect that stressful situations may cause.” This approach allows children to understand how stress and trauma impact them physically and mentally, empowering them to develop coping mechanisms.

Working with children, however, requires a tailored approach compared to adults. “Working with children may differ from working with adults in the level of pace that you’re going to go,” she notes. “Learning the concepts of cognitive behavioral health may appear different when a child retains the information versus an adult.” Analicia emphasizes that the key differences lie in pacing, direct identification of needs, and the specific style of therapy employed.

“The main difference may be working at a separate pace, identifying needs directly, and the style of the therapy that is executed when working with children versus adults,” she clarifies. However, she also highlights the remarkable capabilities of children. “I will say that a lot of children are very insightful, resilient, and can grasp the necessary tools needed to complete therapy. At times clients may even have ideas to elaborate on the skills and strategies that you are teaching them.” This highlights her belief in children’s ability to actively participate in their therapeutic journey.

By utilizing TF-CBT, incorporating play therapy, and adapting her approach to meet the unique needs of children, Analicia provides a supportive and effective therapeutic experience.

The Vital Role of Parents and Caregivers

Analicia stresses the crucial role of parents and caregivers in a child’s therapy. “One of the first key pieces of information that we learned in school was that the role of the parents/caregivers in children’s therapy greatly impacts the outcome,” she says. She encourages parental involvement from the start, fostering a collaborative approach. “I will often assure parents and caregivers that they are the expert for their child and I am an additional supportive person to be here to help along the way. Teaching skills to their child and the family as well.”

Addressing Misconceptions and Building Trust

Analicia addresses common misconceptions about child and family therapy, such as the belief that it’s too difficult or requires excessive creativity. She emphasizes that children are insightful and capable of grasping therapeutic concepts. Building trust is paramount, and Analicia approaches it with patience and understanding. “My philosophy on building trust and rapport with children who are hesitant is just trying to meet them where they are at the moment. I try to acknowledge that therapy is a big thing, it’s a big step. I try to acknowledge the little steps that they’re already taking.”

Addressing Behavioral Challenges

She also addresses behavioral issues, such as defiance or aggression, with a compassionate and understanding approach. “Sometimes children who present behavioral issues such as defiance or aggression are children who are asking for help,” Analicia explains. “They may not know how to do that in a calm manner. Feelings and emotions can run so big that it overtakes a portion of our brain. The reasoning or the logical portion of the brain might be dismissed when the defiance or the aggression that we are seeing on the outside occurs. It happens so quickly that for some children, when you ask them what happened, they don’t understand what occurred themselves due to their feelings and their thoughts and then the action just happened within like 2 seconds.”

Analicia focuses on helping children understand their emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms. “Assisting them to slow down and helping the brain and the body to communicate together is a core goal that I share with them,” she says.

Navigating Life Transitions

Significant life changes, such as divorce or the creation of blended families, present unique challenges. It’s crucial to offer a supportive space where every family member feels heard and understood. Children, especially, may feel their voices are lost during these transitions. These experiences can be emotionally difficult, requiring significant adjustments. Providing a safe environment allows individuals to explore and express their emotions and thoughts. This process builds resilience and helps families adapt to new realities. Encouraging open communication between children and their caregivers further strengthens relationships and facilitates healthy navigation through these complex situations.

Addressing Social Skills and Peer Relationships

Analicia also works with children who struggle with social skills or peer relationships. “When children are struggling socially or with peer relationships we process these feelings and thoughts within the session,” she explains. “We explore potential client-led solutions and discuss what that may look like. However, that is not to say that it’s a one problem, one solution kind of method. Within sessions we are teaching them good skills or teaching them to communicate these struggles to look inside of themselves and identify what’s helping them or what’s hurting them in a safe manner.”

When to Seek Help

Analicia highlights that signs to seek therapy are unique to each family. Figuring out when to get help for your child or family can be tricky. You might notice your child having really big, explosive emotions, which is a clear sign. But sometimes, it’s more subtle.

Parents often reach out when they see changes in their child, like:

• Pulling away from friends and family
• Being extra grumpy or irritable
• Trouble at school
• Changes in sleep or eating
• Complaining of aches and pains without a clear cause
• Losing interest in things they used to love

Sometimes, parents just want their child to have someone safe to talk to, someone outside the family. It’s a place where kids can share what’s on their mind without feeling judged.

Families also seek help to:

• Improve how they talk to each other
• Work through disagreements
• Handle big life changes, like moving or losing a loved one
• Break negative patterns that keep happening

Basically, if you feel like something’s not quite right, or if your family is struggling, it’s okay to ask for help. Trust your gut. Getting support is a positive step towards a happier, healthier family.