Affect regulation is the capacity to recognize and tolerate strong emotions.
Children and youth do not have the same needs and abilities as adult clients. To that end, I use specialized interventions targeted at helping children and adolescents recognize their emotional experiences and learn ways to tolerate and express their emotions. I have been trained in the SMART (Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment) approach to trauma treatment. SMART helps children and caregivers improve emotional, behavioural and interpersonal/social functioning. For more information about SMART, visit www.traumacenter.org/clients/SMART.php.
ARC (Attachment, Self-Regulation, Competency) is a comprehensive framework for the treatment of complex trauma in children and youth. ARC is recognized as a promising practice by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. The three core domains (attachment, self-regulation and competency) are addressed in a non-linear, flexible fashion over the course of treatment to meet individual client and caregiver needs. To learn more about the ARC framework, go to http://www.traumacenter.org/research/ascot.php.
Both the SMART program and ARC model were developed at The Trauma Center at the Justice Resource Institute in Brookline, MA. The Trauma Center was founded by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a leader in the fields of trauma research and treatment. When working with children and teens, caregivers and family may be involved in the assessment and treatment processes. Particularly with children, it is important that caregivers be involved throughout treatment.