GIL INSTITUTE PARTNER REFLECTIONS

It is important to acknowledge that the field of mental health is undergoing important challenges, both due to the crisis of mental health in childhood (reported increases in depression and anxiety), as well as the global events that have impacted individuals in a persistent manner. The last two years has seen manifestations of community despair and vocal interest in making mental health services more accessible and affordable.

The broader context of mental health is more positive: There is keen interest in trauma and the impact of trauma (Dr. Bessel vanderKolk’s book, The Body Keeps the Score, has been on the best-selling list for months!). In addition, Dr. Porge’s and Deb Dana’s work on polyvagal theory, Warner et al.’s work on somatic integration, ongoing attention to complex trauma, the meteoric rise of EMDR treatment approaches and specialization for children, the legitimizing of expressive therapies for trauma treatment, and the continued attention to brain changes that occur with trauma, have grown our understanding and sensitivity to trauma-informed treatment.

Gil Institute clinicians are committed to providing quality, state-of-the-art, trauma-informed mental health services. In order to best serve clients along the developmental continuum, we have developed an integrated model that includes evidence-based and practice-informed approaches. We have distinguished ourselves in the treatment of traumatized children and their caregivers with special attention to establishing or strengthening parent-child attachment; the use of expressive therapies such as sand, art, and play; and utilizing a systemic lens when working with families. We provide therapy in a variety of languages (Spanish, English, French, Farsi) and we make every effort to provide a culturally diverse group of therapists.

In the past two years, a cohort of Gil Institute clinicians participated in the basic training in EMDR as well as ongoing consultation with EMDRIA teachers and consultants. We also invested in training by the SMART program in order to equip our clinicians to do purposeful sensory integration work. These two models are congruent with other methodologies utilized at Gil Institute, including Theraplay, Circle of Security and Animal-Assisted Therapy.

We are one of the few group private practices to specialize and prioritize the treatment of childhood trauma and our clinicians strive to provide the best services possible to current victims of child maltreatment, as well as adult survivors.