Safe and respectful. We believe that the physical, emotional, and spiritual well being of our client (family) is the most important component in treatment.
Philosophy
We provide families safe and effective attachment therapy that is derived from a systemic perspective involving assessment and interventions in the spiritual, emotional, physical and social realms. The family is considered part of the treatment team and all decisions about treatment take into account their needs, opinions and most of all, safety. Our treatment is never coercive. The entire family’s well being is our utmost concern. The goal of treatment is to provide positive relationship changes in the individual and their family.
The Beatitude House philosophy of treatment is anchored in the knowledge and belief that our Lord Jesus Christ is the ultimate source of healing and we are His instruments.
Description of process
Intake/Admission- A family’s suitability for treatment at Beatitude House is determined after the application packet has been received. We spend a good bit of time on the phone trying to determine if there is a mutual fit for treatment.
Our application packet consists of:
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Symptom checklist
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Child biography and parent autobiographies
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School history and reports
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Medical history- past and current medication, treatment history and all prior diagnoses
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Developmental history from conception-this includes birth family history
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Disruptions and moves the child has gone through
This presents us with a good beginning picture of the client/family before they arrive. We continue discussion with the parents for concise explanations concerning attachment history. If a client does not have attachment/relationship issues or attachment disorder, referrals will be suggested elsewhere. The risks and benefits of this kind of emotional treatment are discussed openly. If a child or other family member would not be safe during the treatment then other options are explored.
If the family does not appear motivated for the difficult work in store, other possibilities are discussed such as marital counseling in their hometown.
Assessment
We review all the information with the parents on the first day of the intensive. This enhances the joining/rapport building process. A systems approach to treatment allows us to continue 
to assess all members of the family; their needs and behavior and how they impact one another and how that affects the unit as a whole. Assessment of the progress, which has occurred (or lack of) during treatment, is a critical part of moving forward towards what ever may next be indicated. This progressive approach insures greater success and is ultimately most respectful of the client(s).
Treatment Planning
Assessment and subsequent treatment planning and modification unfold throughout the entire intensive. The basic road map is planned out with the parents at the start and then revised as needed. Treatment planning involves the child at the start of the intensive (depending upon resistance) by asking them how their life is going, are they interested in working on it, and in what areas do they think they need help. This starts a problem list or contract, which we add to as the issues go deeper. Ongoing contracting occurs during all phases of the intensive in order to promote honesty and instill feelings of ownership regarding the outcome of their treatment.
Treatment Techniques
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Sentence Completion Form-to assess functioning, identity and resistance.
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Problem list-created by child and therapist for rapport, assessment, contracting and evaluation
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First year of life cycle- discuss what the child needed and didn’t get, even before birth.
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Reclining Cradle Hold –simulates mother/infant interactions, healthy touch.
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Psychodrama -carefully monitored role play utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Exposure Therapy
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Cognitive Restructuring
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Inner Child Metaphor
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Narrative Therapy – storytelling: returning to joy from the six difficult emotions.
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Book and video therapy for child and parents
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Contracting/joining- ongoing part of assessment and treatment planning
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Attunement- synchronizing containment and a safe structure for expressing painful emotions.
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Affect regulation- enhances attunement and interactive quietness.
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Physical and emotional feeling identification and expression.
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Amends Process- apology, forgiveness and acceptance practice.
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Parent/child communication and reciprocity- synchronized storytelling.
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Marital/communication counseling.
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Parent’s childhood work.
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Attachment Parenting- daily feedback regarding family interactions between sessions.
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Educating parents about resources and how to create and utilize support in their community.
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Homework for parents and child.
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Child’s respect and compliance practice in home of trained therapeutic respite provider.
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Parents observing and practicing in same respite home.
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Prayer before, during and after treatment.
Safety/risk management plan
We spend a lot of time with parents prior to treatment on the phone and e-mail so they arrive understanding what the treatment is and what it is not. We discuss the risks of deep emotional trauma recovery in clear terms and the importance of safe attachment figures in that recovery. Treatment is always delivered by myself with my wife (parent trainer) assisting.
When parents are not in the treatment room participating, they are watching via closed circuit TV in the next room. Holding is always done in a nurturing, cradling fashion and is transferred over to the parents during the intensive. Treatment is never coercive or done against anyone's wishes. We encourage the family's hometown therapist to join the family so they can learn how to best support the family back home. We are available at any time (24hrs.) during the intensive if an emergency occurs.
Evaluation/follow up
To evaluate progress the symptom checklist is used after treatment with the before and after results rated. The problem list is reviewed with family at the end of treatment in order to evaluate progress in problem areas. We follow up the intensive with a month of scheduled weekly phone contact, which is included in the fee. We encourage non-scheduled informal contact as needed for support.
We are not a residential treatment center
