Anita Baruah, MA LMFT CMHS RPT

12/06/2023

As we take a look back on our year of interoception learning, we wanted to bring back one of our most popular posts from the month of January, and perhaps the year!

Co-Regulation is NOT ‘coddling’. Co-regulation is NOT ‘reinforcing an undesirable behavior’. Co-regulation is offering empathetic kindness to another human being. So the next time your child, your student, or your client is having a difficult moment, know that when you offer co-regulation in a way that is meaningful to them, you are teaching them that they are deserving of empathy and kindness.

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09/19/2023

Yes, I know the counterargument- that some elements of society don't want NT children to grow up as outspoken critical thinkers either.

But for autistic children, there are literally billion-dollar industries devoted to making them assimilate through compliance. It goes far beyond what the general population have to put up with. Chris Bonnello - Autistic Author

[Text on white background:

Professionals’ goals for most children:
Red stick-figure with clipboard: “One day, this child will have the confidence to stand out from the crowd, explore their own unique personality, and be a critical thinker who isn’t afraid to speak out.”"
Far too many professionals' goals for autistic children:
Same stick-figure: “After enough compliance therapy, this child will be indistinguishable from their peers.”
Something is deeply wrong here.]

08/07/2023

Week Five! Being curious about your child's behaviors and emotions strengthens secure attachment.

It’s week five of Summer Of Connection!

08/07/2023

Play is so powerful! When is the last time you played with your child doing what they wanted to do without asking questions even if it's boring? That's where connection lies.

It’s week four or Summer Of Connection!

07/20/2023

Accepting New Clients!

Olympia Therapy PLLC has openings for clients of all ages in Auburn, Tumwater, Montesano, and Lander, WY! In person and some telehealth spots available.

Anita Baruah, MA LMFT CMHS RPT has in person openings in Auburn for kids from 18 months to 10 years and takes Aetna, Amerigroup, Coordinated Care, HMA, Lifewise, Molina, Premera, and Regence insurances.

Janny Ho has in person and telehealth spots available for both Auburn and Tumwater for people aged 16+ and takes Aetna, Amerigroup, Coordinated Care, HMA, Lifewise, Premera, and Regence insurances.

We also have an LMHCA who has in person and telehealth spots in Auburn and Tumwater for all ages. Fees are $70 individual/$110 family.

07/20/2023

It’s week three of Summer Of Connection!!

07/20/2023

It’s week two of Summer Of Connection!

07/20/2023

Summer of Connection Week One!

* We have to model healthy behaviors to avoid our own burnout. When we are constantly stressed and anxious, our kids will be too. We have to make time for rest and relaxation, even if it's just for a few minutes each day. Take mindful moments

* Boredom motivates children to be creative and problem-solving. It helps them to learn to manage their emotions and develop their inner resources.When they come up with new and creative ways to entertain themselves, they learn their likes and dislkes. They learn they are problem-solvers, and capable without us.


* They need unstructured play. This means letting your children play outside, read a book, or just lounge around and relax. Unstructured play allows children to explore their interests and to learn how to entertain themselves. 

* Learning  how to cope with boredom, teaches them how to regulate their emotions and to be more resilient in the face of challenges, enhancing thier self-regulation and emotional resilience.

* Rest is essential for children and teens. They need time to relax and to recharge their batteries. Without enough rest, they can become irritable, and anxious, and have difficulty paying attention. When children and teens are constantly busy, they don't have time to process their emotions or learn how to manage stress. This leads to problems with behavior, mood, and learning. It's also okay to say no to activities. If they are already feeling overwhelmed, our job as a parent is to be the limiter for them. This will give them a chance to rest and recharge.

* Be patient  and understanding, and provide them with the support they need.

Enjoyed this playful bite? You can still sign up for the Summer of Connection series! Weekly emails with video, helpful tips and guidance from a child/play therapist parent loving life with you.
www.playfulwisdom.net

02/22/2023

I will be running a Circle of Security Parenting Group on Fridays from 1-3pm starting March 24 through May 12, 2023. This is an attachment theory based parenting group that is great for parents of neurotypical children from 0-6 years old but I really enjoy having parents of neurodivergent children up to 10 years old in the group. You can get more information from https://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/ including videos for parents to introduce them to the program.

I am ND Affirming and use IPNB and Sensory Processing psychoeducation as an add-in to the program to help parents understand how ND children (and adults!) may communicate their needs in a different ways that NT kids.

If you would like to register or refer any of your clients or clients' parents, please direct them to https://tinyurl.com/ymwe3jh9.

Circle of Security International

Early Intervention Programs for Parents & Children An accessible step-by-step process driven by decades of attachment research Learn More What is Circle of Security Parenting™? Our goal is to engage each parent's wisdom by illustrating how attachment needs are expressed by