therealworkpdx

02/16/2026

High masking children are often described as mature, compliant, and self-controlled.

But appearing functional is not the same as being well.

Children who camouflage heavily may:
• Hide confusion
• Suppress movement
• Avoid asking for help
• Monitor their tone and facial expressions
• Work intensely to avoid being “too much”

Over time, chronic masking can contribute to anxiety, shame, and autistic burnout.

If your child crashes after school, it may be nervous system fatigue rather than oppositional behavior.

Our latest Monthly Magic Newsletter explores masking in children and includes a practical after school regulation menu to help families respond with support instead of escalation. Learn more at the link in bio

02/06/2026

March Special Interest Group for Neurodivergent Kids! At this time, the group is open for neurodivergent kids ages 5-12. Finally… a space where your kid just gets to be their neurodivergent self. No agenda, no “goals,” no skill-building… just a safe space for neurodivergent kids to hyperfocus on the thing they love with other kids who are just as passionate as they are about their beloved special interest.

02/05/2026

February is here, and our Drama Therapy Group starts March 1.

If your child could benefit from practicing social and emotional skills in a creative, low-pressure environment, this group may be a strong fit. Groups are kept small, and enrollment is intentional.

Once spots are filled, registration will close.

Learn more or reach out now while there is still time to join.
https://realworkwellness.com/drama-therapy-group

02/05/2026

Our upcoming Drama Therapy Group is designed for children ages 5–7 who learn best through play, imagination, and movement.

This group can be a great fit for kids who
• have big feelings that come out as shutdowns, meltdowns, or silliness
• struggle with transitions, flexibility, or peer dynamics
• feel anxious or overwhelmed in group settings
• have a hard time using words when emotions are big
• benefit from creative, body-based ways of learning

Drama therapy supports emotional expression, social learning, and confidence through storytelling, pretend play, and movement. Children are not asked to perform or act for an audience. Participation is flexible and guided with care.

The group is facilitated by Mick James, who creates a warm, structured, and developmentally supportive environment where young children can practice social and emotional skills at their own pace.

The group begins March 1, and enrollment is limited.

Learn more and see if this feels like a fit for your child:
https://realworkwellness.com/drama-therapy-group

02/03/2026

Spring outdoor groups are here with NO enrollment free and now with weekly pricing!

01/22/2026

Monthly Magic is published for The Real Work!

Learn from some of the best and most cutting edge child therapists practicing in a thriving collective in Portland Oregon!

01/21/2026

We’re excited to introduce Mick James, LPCA (she/they), the newest therapist to join The Real Work. Mick works with adolescents and adults and brings a thoughtful, creative, and deeply affirming presence to therapy. Their work is especially supportive for clients navigating identity exploration, body image concerns, eating disorders, trauma, and emotional overwhelm.

Mick’s approach is trauma-aware, fat-affirming, and HAES®-informed, with a strong foundation in LGBTQIA+ affirming and sex-positive care. They integrate traditional talk therapy with expressive and drama-based approaches, offering teens more than one way to understand and work with what they’re experiencing, especially when talking feels hard.

Mick may be a good fit for your teen if they are:

Struggling with body image, food, or self-esteem concerns

Exploring gender identity, sexuality, or other aspects of who they are

Feeling emotionally shut down, overwhelmed, or unsure how to express feelings

Carrying a lot of pressure, shame, or perfectionism

Resistant to traditional talk therapy but open to creative or experiential approaches

Needing a therapist who is affirming, nonjudgmental, and attuned to safety and consent

Mick is currently accepting new adolescent and adult clients. If you’re curious whether working with Mick might be a good fit, you’re welcome to schedule a free initial inquiry call through our website. As always, we’re happy to help you think through clinician fit and next steps.

01/20/2026

Next Special Interest Group: Dinos! 2/8 3:00-4:00 at The Real Work: 4775 SW Watson Ave
Sign up at link in bio or on our website!

What is the format of the groups?
There will be a facilitator present (Gabi) as well as 1-2 volunteers associated with the Real Work. Group gatherings will be one hour in length. There will be some materials provided related to the monthly topic, and your child is encouraged to bring their own items to show and tell too! Parents and/or caregivers will be asked to stay present for the duration of the group.

As described above, this will be a low pressure space to simply hang out, connect, and hyperfocus in the company of other neurodivergent kids. The facilitators will not be “teaching skills” but skills may be learned naturally. The facilitators will be there to host the groups, connect and interact with kids who would like to, and provide opportunities for kids to connect with each other when appropriate.

Currently, we are capping group meet ups at 5 families.

Learn more about the group facilitator, Gabi, on her bio here!

What are the days/times of groups?
Our special interest groups are hosted once/month. They take place every SECOND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH from 3-4 pm. They are one hour in length.

What are the topics of groups?
Every 3-6 months, we will host a different “series” of special interest topics. Within each series, there will be a more specific topic of the month. We are hoping this will allow kids who have very niche special interests to connect, while also offering the opportunity to attend the whole series for those interested.

Right now we are in our SCIENCE series!

Other topics to look forward to include video games, vehicles, and creating/building… you can sign up to be notified when the next series of special interest groups is announced!

We decided which topics to offer based on your feedback (thank you!) If you’d like to share what your child’s special interest is to inform future topics, you can email Gabi at gabi@realworkwellness.com.

01/19/2026

At our animals and insects special interest gathering, we worked on a puzzle, read all about animals, colored, and played an animal-themed scavenger hunt bingo!

We also had some fun sensory activities with sand and miniature animals, and lots of stuffed animals to squeeze!

01/18/2026

If you are wondering whether play therapy might help your child, you are not alone.

Many children communicate through play when words feel hard to find, and play can be an especially helpful way to communicate about tough situations, relationship struggles, stress, or trauma.

Play therapy offers a developmentally appropriate space where feelings, experiences, and questions can emerge safely and at the child’s pace.

Research shows that play based therapy can support emotional regulation, relational connection, and resilience, especially during times of stress or transition. Progress is often subtle and meaningful rather than immediate or dramatic.

Choosing support can be a way of meeting your child where they are with curiosity and care, and providing them with positive associations with mental health care! This sets them up for success and support throughout their life!

If you are considering play therapy and want a thoughtful conversation about next steps, The Real Work is here to support you. Check out our website for more information about how play therapy helps kids heal, grow, and develop resilience.

01/07/2026

Ever wondered what it feels like when a child gets to speak in their own language in therapy? Meet Kimia Amirifar, LPC! In Kimia’s playroom at The Real Work, toys, art, and imagination provide ways for kids explore big feelings and develop new skills, but the most important part of the playroom is THE RELATIONSHIP between therapist and child!

What often stands out to parents is how grounded and relational Kimia’s work feels. Children practice expressing needs, navigating boundaries, and exploring emotions while being closely supported by an attuned adult. Parents are part of the process too, receiving guidance that helps skills from the playroom carry into everyday life. This kind of caregiver-inclusive, relationship-based care is strongly supported in trauma-informed and attachment-focused research, which shows that kids do best when regulation and connection are built together (Perry, 2006; Siegel, 2012). It is thoughtful, developmentally appropriate support that fits real kids and real families.

Kimia has 4 new openings for Play Therapy with kids ages 3-10 🌸 Please email us if you're interested in her support! admin@realworkwellness.com

01/06/2026

Play therapy works by creating a safe, attuned therapeutic relationship in which your child leads through play and the therapist reflects, supports, and sometimes gently guides the process. The therapist observes your child’s play behaviors and themes to understand their inner experience, unmet needs, and areas of stress or conflict. Over time, children learn to regulate emotions, solve problems, and develop healthier ways of relating to others. Your child might use toys, art materials, puppets, sand, or symbolic games as tools for expression. Each medium is an avenue for communicating thoughts and feelings that may not be easily verbalized. Learn more at ORAPT (Oregon Association for Play Therapy) and