Heart to Heart's Model of Therapy -- HEARTS

Heart to Heart uses a comprehensive team approach to assess and treat a variety of childhood traumas, including trauma originating from abuse, neglect, and foster placement or adoption. While working and teaching in the field of child and family psychology for over 30 years, Dr. Kathleen developed the HEARTS therapy model to address the comprehensive needs of children and families during the trauma therapy healing process. The HEARTS model is a culmination of Dr. Kathleen’s successful work bringing healing to children and their families. Many therapy models try to fit a child into a predetermined box or known therapy. The HEARTS model however, removes the conventional box approach and sees the therapy process as a unique journey that is most successful when tailored to fit each child and family’s specific needs by utilizing many helpful interventions from a variety of models. The entire Heart to Heart team is excited to offer quality care that follows the HEARTS therapy model.

The therapy goals as defined in the acronym HEARTS are achieved using a variety of resources and therapeutic interventions.

Comprehensive Assessment of Needs  

Parent Stress Index 

Attachment Questionnaire 

Trauma Symptom Checklist 

Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire 

SCARED 

MIM Assessment

 Parent-Child 10-15 minute Play Observation

 Teacher/childcare Input

Psychoeducation for Parents 

Parent weekly or monthly Check-ins 

Parent PPT session about trauma

 Parent PPT session about parental role at Heart to Heart (1-3 sessions, in-person or virtual) Teacher/Childcare Provider Contact and email sent with needed resources

Comprehensive Evidence-based Interventions 

Both Directive and non-directive approaches

Child-focused Play Therapy

 SMART room – Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Therapy 

Theraplay

 Group Therapy 

Yoga for client and family 

Nurture groups

 Family Time sessions 

ART – Accelerated Resolution Therapy for trauma, symptoms, and attachment for both parent and children 

Art and Music Therapy 

Sand Therapy

Therapeutic Games 

Child-focused Play Therapy with Parent Involvement

Parent Observing of Child-focused Play Therapy Session via One-way Mirror

 Parent leading Child-focused Play Therapy Session via ear pods directed by therapist 

Parent Check-in with Therapist 

Phase out work with sessions in the client’s home with therapist virtually assisting

Resources 

Therapeutic Games

Therapeutic Books and Workbooks 

Specialized Stickers 

Therapeutic Puzzles

 Personalized Blankets 

Snacks and Water

Bubble Gum 

Choice of Therapy Rooms: Children have the opportunity to use two different rooms during one session – Play Therapy room and SMART room OR the child can use a Sensory Play Therapy room. See website for photos.

Referrals for Further Support 

Help Me Grow 

Occupational Therapy

Speech and Language Therapy

Neuropsychological Evaluations 

Parent Support Groups 

MN Adopt