FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What type of training do we have?

Firecracker staff therapists and contracted therapists either possess their LMSW or their LLMSW.

• LMSW – Licensed Master Social Worker
• LLMSW – Limited Licensed Master’s Social Worker [those who possess this license type are provided weekly supervision by a LMSW]

Which types of therapy models we use most frequently? 

Firecracker therapists, contracted therapists, and some interns are trained in evidence-based treatment models, such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), Somatic Experiencing Trauma Therapy, Sensorimotor Therapy, and Play Therapy.

• Firecracker therapists will additionally pull from various therapeutic models and practices such as CBT, CPT, ACT, DBT, Art therapies, etc.
• TFF therapists believe that therapy is about meeting their clients where they are at and finding + using tools that will aid in the healing process of each client because there is not a “one size fits all” model.

How involved are parents?

Parent involvement in therapy varies from case to case. Some kiddos will prefer their parents to be very involved and even sit in on sessions for comfortability while other kiddos will prefer to have sessions alone. While on the other hand you see parents who don’t want to sit in because they don’t want to experience any secondary trauma or hinder their child’s therapeutic process.

Generally parent involvement will be evaluated by therapist and client. Parents are always encouraged to learn basic concepts, ideas, coping skills, and relaxation practices that kiddos are being introduced to in therapy so that the pieces can be brought home and utilized there. Your therapist will do their best to provide handouts and/or have check-in phone calls (or emails) to relay this information. 

What does therapy look like?/What do I do? (video) 

How long does therapy last?

Usually it is suggested that therapy occurs once per week and each session will last anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour. At the discretion of the therapist assigned, younger kiddos (typically ages 3 -6) may be seen for a shorter amount of time meaning anywhere between 30 minutes to 45 minutes on a biweekly basis.

1. 1. • Therapy itself can also last for as little as 12 weeks or as long as a year +. This will be at the discretion of the therapist assigned and will be assessed through treatment plan tracking, client self disclosure, etc. Healing is a journey that we cannot put a real time frame on and each person will take as much or as little time as they need to move forward in their healing journey!
      • While we don’t start new therapy relationships with clients past the age of 18, we do continue to see current and returning clients up to the age of 24.
        

What is a ‘returning client’?

A returning client is a client who has participated in mental health therapy sessions at The Firecracker Foundation while they were under the age of 18.