In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Pamela Newman, LCSW-C, owner of PRN Counseling, a boutique therapy practice offering customized mental health services for ages 8 to 98. Founded in 2012, PRN Counseling focuses on fostering emotional well-being, especially for those with special needs.
Introduction:
Frances Shefter, host of Stress-Free IEP® and managing attorney of Shefter Law, introduces this episode’s guest, Pamela Newman from PRN Counseling. PRN Counseling offers customized mental health therapy for individuals, families, and couples in the DMV area. The discussion focuses on customized therapy approaches and the importance of integrating mental health in the context of IEPs (Individualized Education Programs).
Customized Mental Health Therapy:
Pamela Newman explains that PRN Counseling adapts therapy based on the specific needs of each family or individual, particularly for children with special needs or learning differences. Their approach is flexible, avoiding a one-size-fits-all model, and is tailored to the specific dynamics and challenges of each client.
Integrating Parents in Therapy:
Pamela emphasizes the importance of involving parents in the therapy process. She mentions that many parents often have no idea what their children are working on in therapy, which can hinder progress. PRN Counseling regularly checks in with parents, ensuring they understand what their children are working on and how they can support that process.
Collaboration with Schools:
Pamela discusses her collaboration with schools, working alongside counselors, psychiatrists, and other professionals to support children. She often writes notes for 504 plans and IEPs to help ensure that children struggling with anxiety or depression can successfully access the curriculum. She also encourages parents to engage with the school to ensure consistency across home, school, and therapy environments.
Student Advocacy in IEP Meetings:
Pamela and Frances discuss when it is appropriate for children to participate in IEP meetings, advocating for themselves. They agree that it depends on the child’s maturity and comfort level, but that it’s beneficial for students to understand and participate in the process of developing their IEPs, even at a young age.
Balancing Mental Health and Academics:
The conversation touches on the pressure students often feel to excel academically, especially in high-pressure environments like the DMV area. Both Pamela and Frances agree that mental health is more important than grades, advocating for a balance between emotional well-being and academic success. Frances shares that she prioritizes her daughter’s mental health over perfect grades and discusses the unrealistic expectations placed on students in competitive academic settings.
Therapy for Families:
Pamela describes how PRN Counseling works with families, often encouraging parents to seek therapy for themselves in addition to their children. She highlights the importance of self-care for parents and how it affects the whole family dynamic. Pamela also mentions that she often facilitates family sessions when teenagers struggle to communicate with their parents, helping them express their needs in a supported environment.
Self-Advocacy and Understanding IEPs:
Pamela explains the importance of teaching children, even younger ones, to understand their IEPs and advocate for themselves. She works with children to break down their accommodations and explain what they mean, encouraging them to take ownership of their educational needs.
Conclusion:
The episode concludes with a focus on mental health and advocacy. Pamela encourages parents not to delay seeking therapy when needed, as early intervention can prevent larger issues later on. Frances and Pamela emphasize the value of mental health support in helping children thrive both in and out of school. Information on reaching PRN Counseling is provided, and Frances reminds listeners that prior episodes of the podcast are available for viewing and listening across multiple platforms.
Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. In each podcast, Frances interviews inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need.
Customized Therapy Approaches with Pamela Newman, LCSW-C
Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 75
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Pamela Newman, LCSW-C, owner of PRN Counseling, a boutique therapy practice offering customized mental health services for ages 8 to 98. Founded in 2012, PRN Counseling focuses on fostering emotional well-being, especially for those with special needs.
Introduction:
Frances Shefter, host of Stress-Free IEP® and managing attorney of Shefter Law, introduces this episode’s guest, Pamela Newman from PRN Counseling. PRN Counseling offers customized mental health therapy for individuals, families, and couples in the DMV area. The discussion focuses on customized therapy approaches and the importance of integrating mental health in the context of IEPs (Individualized Education Programs).
Customized Mental Health Therapy:
Pamela Newman explains that PRN Counseling adapts therapy based on the specific needs of each family or individual, particularly for children with special needs or learning differences. Their approach is flexible, avoiding a one-size-fits-all model, and is tailored to the specific dynamics and challenges of each client.
Integrating Parents in Therapy:
Pamela emphasizes the importance of involving parents in the therapy process. She mentions that many parents often have no idea what their children are working on in therapy, which can hinder progress. PRN Counseling regularly checks in with parents, ensuring they understand what their children are working on and how they can support that process.
Collaboration with Schools:
Pamela discusses her collaboration with schools, working alongside counselors, psychiatrists, and other professionals to support children. She often writes notes for 504 plans and IEPs to help ensure that children struggling with anxiety or depression can successfully access the curriculum. She also encourages parents to engage with the school to ensure consistency across home, school, and therapy environments.
Student Advocacy in IEP Meetings:
Pamela and Frances discuss when it is appropriate for children to participate in IEP meetings, advocating for themselves. They agree that it depends on the child’s maturity and comfort level, but that it’s beneficial for students to understand and participate in the process of developing their IEPs, even at a young age.
Balancing Mental Health and Academics:
The conversation touches on the pressure students often feel to excel academically, especially in high-pressure environments like the DMV area. Both Pamela and Frances agree that mental health is more important than grades, advocating for a balance between emotional well-being and academic success. Frances shares that she prioritizes her daughter’s mental health over perfect grades and discusses the unrealistic expectations placed on students in competitive academic settings.
Therapy for Families:
Pamela describes how PRN Counseling works with families, often encouraging parents to seek therapy for themselves in addition to their children. She highlights the importance of self-care for parents and how it affects the whole family dynamic. Pamela also mentions that she often facilitates family sessions when teenagers struggle to communicate with their parents, helping them express their needs in a supported environment.
Self-Advocacy and Understanding IEPs:
Pamela explains the importance of teaching children, even younger ones, to understand their IEPs and advocate for themselves. She works with children to break down their accommodations and explain what they mean, encouraging them to take ownership of their educational needs.
Conclusion:
The episode concludes with a focus on mental health and advocacy. Pamela encourages parents not to delay seeking therapy when needed, as early intervention can prevent larger issues later on. Frances and Pamela emphasize the value of mental health support in helping children thrive both in and out of school. Information on reaching PRN Counseling is provided, and Frances reminds listeners that prior episodes of the podcast are available for viewing and listening across multiple platforms.
Learn more about Pamela Newman, LCSW-C:
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Stress-Free IEP®:
Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. In each podcast, Frances interviews inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need.
Watch more episodes of Stress-Free IEP®:
Connect and learn more from your host, Frances Shefter:
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