Mental health therapy for children ages 0 to 12 and
their grownups
Ghosts and Angels: A Quick History
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In the 1970s, child mental health therapists coined the term "ghosts in the nursery" to describe the way that past trauma and stressors of parents impact the experience of raising children.
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By the 2000s, child therapists realized "angels in the nursery" are just as important for understanding parenting. Angel moments occur when parents draw on past experiences of feeling safe and loved and pass that to their children.
Together, these ideas highlight some important truths:
Parents have the power to break cycles in their families and create healing for their children.
And therapy can help.
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Sara Jerome, LICSW, CMHS, MSW
Child Psychotherapist
It’s nice to meet you!
I’m Sara Jerome, licensed independent clinical social worker and designated child mental health specialist. I provide mental health therapy for children ages 0 to 12 experiencing stress, significant transitions, the effects of trauma, or other emotional and behavioral needs. I work virtually with clients in Washington State.
I also work with parents and caregivers to reduce the stress of parenting and increase the connectedness you share with your child. My approach aims, in particular, to support cycle breakers: Parents with stress and trauma themselves who are working to break cycles in their families.
Finding a child therapist often feels overwhelming…
I appreciate the bravery and vulnerability it takes to reach out in support of the child you love so dearly. I recognize that many families experience considerable stress and frustration before mental health services are started, while others have been in therapy a long time and feel the process is not working. Things may feel quite hard right now. I also believe the hard times can be an ideal moment to work on healing.
I work with:
Behavioral needs
Parenting needs
Trauma including intergenerational trauma
Bonding
Depression
Anxiety
Stress
Transitions
Methods I use:
Play therapy
Art therapy techniques
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Creative tools such as sand tray, drawing, games
Infant mental health interventions
Contact Me
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