Ensemble Therapy

Join us for dinner next week!

Join us at Cabo Bob's! 🌯 At Ensemble Therapy, we believe that a meal shared is a moment cherished, and we're excited to bring together our community for a special dinner to support our Whole Child. Whole City. initiative. You'll be contributing to a meaningful cause and making a positive impact in our community.

Today is World Gratitude Day! Gratitude is a social emotional skill that we can teach, practice, and learn. If you’re looking for support in this area, click the link in our bio to reach out and learn more about our services.

caption: A 2-image carousel sharing information about world gratitude day and empathy.

September is National Su***de Prevention Month. Knowing the warning signs of su***de means we can help connect people with mental health resources. If you are someone you know is in crisis, call the national line at 988. For ongoing mental health support, click the link in our bio to contact us for services.

caption: A 5-image carousel sharing warning signs of su***de.

With teacher conferences coming up, today we’re sharing key points from Kate’s blog on how to prepare for them. Kate says, “use this time to connect with your child’s teacher, learn about what’s happening with your child socially, emotionally, and academically, and decide on which actions you can perform at home to truly support the learning of your child.”

caption: A 7-image carousel sharing tips on how to prepare for teacher conferences.

Spending time together as a family can help to improve the parent-child relationship which has many mental health benefits, so each month we share free family fun in Austin! Today we’ve also shared an event to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Want to receive a list of free events at the beginning of each month? Click the link in our bio and scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe to our newsletter.

caption: An image sharing information about the Thinkery’s Community Spotlight: Mi Familia - Latine Heritage.

September is National Su***de Prevention Month. In Sarah’s recent blog, she discusses how to talk with your child about su***de, including when to talk, what to say, and how much to say. She also shares warning signs for su***de. Click the link in our bio to read more of her blog.

caption: A quote by Sarah Kelton, Associate Therapist at Ensemble Therapy, which reads, “It has been shown time and time again that the best way to prevent su***de is through open and honest communication.” This quote is placed against a solid background with circles framing the top right and bottom left corners of the image.

Relationships are a crucial part of the therapeutic process. Your child’s therapist spends the initial sessions building a safe, connected relationship. Children often show improvement toward their therapeutic goals when their relationships are nurtured and safe. For more information on the important role relationships play, visit our website! Click on the link in our bio to check out Jaclyn’s blog, “The 3 R’s: Relationship, Relationship, Relationship.”

caption: A quote by Lelia Schott, which reads, “Children need to know there is nothing they have to do to win your connection and protection and nothing they could do to lose it.” This quote is placed against a solid background with circles framing the top right and bottom left corners of the image.

Besides the obvious enjoyment that comes from reading, books that share a counseling concern (bibliotherapy) can be cathartic for children and help them feel less alone when they read about a character going through something similar to them. Today’s book focuses on coping skills. Click the link in our bio to peruse our bibliotherapy guide!

In two weeks, present the flyer on the second page of today’s post to the cashier at Cabo Bob’s on Shoal Creek to help support our Whole Child. Whole City. initiative! You can also click the link in our bio to learn more.

caption: A 2-image carousel sharing information about how you can support our Whole Child. Whole City. initiative.

Today is Mindfulness Day, so we’re sharing some information on what mindfulness is, the benefits, and ways your child can practice it! For more information, click the link in our bio to read our blog on mindfulness for children.

caption: A 3-image carousel sharing what mindfulness is, the benefits, and ways your child can practice it.

One of the services we offer is executive functioning coaching for children and teens. Want to learn more about how this program works? Click the link in our bio!

caption: A 3-image carousel sharing what executive functioning coaching is.

Leah Gilbert is one of our clinical directors. Click the link in our bio to book a session with Leah!

caption: A 6-image carousel sharing a photo of Leah and information about her educational background, work experience, and counseling approach.

In Jaclyn’s recent blog, she discusses navigating the path to successful co-parenting. Today we are highlighting key points from her blog. Want to learn more or read about when you should seek professional help for you or your child? Click the link in our bio!

caption: An 7-image carousel sharing tips for successful co-parenting.

In Colleen’s recent blog, she discusses the way power and control show up in various developmental stages. She talks about the importance of considering your child’s development when responding to power struggles. Today we are highlighting key points from her blog. Click the link in our bio to read more!

caption: An 7-image carousel explaining the psychology behind your child’s vying for power and control.

Play therapy offers a safe place for children to work through difficulties they are experiencing in their life without the threat of real-life consequences. Children organize their experiences, express feelings, and explore fantasies in their world without the worry of judgment. They express and explore themselves through play to reveal what they’ve experienced in the past, how they’ve reacted to these experiences, what they’ve felt about these experiences, and ultimately what they need, want or wish to come of it. This feeling of control helps children grow, mature, and develop in a way that is not always possible in their real life experiences. Click the link in our bio to learn more about play therapy!

caption: An image with a blue background with a quote from Johann Hari that says, “When a child plays, he learns the skills that make it possible to cope with the unexpected. If you deprive children of those challenges as they grow up they will feel panicked and unable to cope a lot of the time.” At the top of the photo there is a rainbow.

Besides the obvious enjoyment that comes from reading, books that share a counseling concern (bibliotherapy) can be cathartic for children and help them feel less alone when they read about a character going through something similar to them. Popular topics include anxiety, friendship, and self-esteem, but today’s book focuses on play therapy and is a great read before your child starts their sessions. Click the link in our bio to peruse our bibliotherapy guide!

caption: A 3-image carousel with a photo of the book “Some Bunny to Talk To: A Story About Going to Therapy” as well as a summary of the book and reflection questions.

Expressive arts, such as drawing, painting, singing, and sculpting, have such a significant power that helps us transcend and connect with parts of ourselves that we may not be able to access in traditional talk therapy. Just as play provides words for our children, expressive modalities can become potential vehicles for communication and expression of one’s self. Want to learn more about how we incorporate expressive arts into counseling? Click on the link in our bio to read Dakota’s blog on this topic!

caption: An image with a blue background with a photo in the middle of an easel and art supplies at our office with a rainbow on the left side.

Often caregivers come to us wondering if therapy is the right fit for their child and if therapy is able to help them meet their goals, so today we’re sharing common concerns for children in therapy. Want to speak with our intake coordinator and discuss further? Click the link in our bio to schedule a call!

caption: A 9-image carousel sharing how to know if therapy is the right fit for your child.

Having a fixed mindset can lead children to believe they are not good enough or able, whereas a growth mindset helps children to realize mistakes are normal, they can learn, and their effort is worthwhile! Today we’re sharing some tips to help foster a growth mindset. Does this sound like something you might want professional guidance with? Click the link in our bio to contact us and learn more!

caption: A 4-image carousel depicting ways to foster a growth mindset.

Sheila Wessels is one of our clinical directors. Click the link in our bio to book a session with Sheila!

caption: A 5-image carousel sharing a photo of Sheila and information about her educational background, work experience, and counseling approach.

Today is national grief awareness day so we’re discussing what grief looks like and how to support your child if they’re grieving. As Dakota says in her blog on grief, “In order to best understand how to support children in their grief, it's important to be mindful of how grief presents across the lifespan and developmental considerations of their understanding, emotional development, and key developmental tasks.” To learn more about how grief presents differently depending on your child’s age, click the link in our bio to read Dakota’s blog. If you’re wondering if your child could benefit from the support of a professional while grieving, visit our website to schedule a call with our intake coordinator.

caption: A 6-image carousel depicting what grief looks like and how to support your child if they’re grieving.

We know the impact that one-on-one counseling can have, and for some clients and caregivers, the opportunity to share in community allows for an even deeper level of healing and understanding. We have a variety of upcoming groups:

Child Parent Relationship Training for Male Caregivers, Mondays at 6:30pm
Prosocial Communication for Middle Schoolers, Wednesdays at 7:00pm
Coping Cat: A Coping Skills Group for ages 8-10, Wednesdays at 5:30pm
Social Communication Groups for all ages, Thursday evenings

Click the link in our bio to learn more about these groups!

caption: A 3-image carousel depicting the benefits of group therapy.

In Jaclyn’s recent blog, she discusses navigating the path to successful co-parenting. She talks about the impact of divorce on children, the importance of prioritizing respectful and open communication, respecting each other’s boundaries,and keeping things as consistent as possible, and when to seek professional help. Click the link in our bio to learn more about thriving together!

caption: A quote by Jaclyn Sepp, Founder and CEO of Ensemble Therapy, which reads, “When a child’s caregivers are co-parenting, every reunion with one caregiver is also a separation from the other. Each ‘hello’ is also a ‘goodbye.’" This quote is placed against a solid blue background with a rainbow at the top of the image.

Tomorrow is Meagan’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Meagan!

Meagan Butler is one of our senior therapists. Meagan, we appreciate the exuberance and authenticity you bring to our team. We hope you have a wonderful day!

caption: An image with a blue background. In the center is a photo of Meagan Butler and there is a rainbow underneath her photo.

We know the importance of taking care of yourself as a caregiver so you can be the best you. Click the link in our bio to check out our workshop on self-care for the caregiver, where you’ll: learn how to become aware of your triggers & why, learn tips to practice consistent self care and how to maintain your own interests/passions, learn how to seek support from others & compromising, practice mindfulness - examining your level of “presence” and how to be more “present” with your family, develop opportunities that build family cohesion, facilitate understanding, and place relationships at the forefront, and learn reasons to be proud of yourself as a caregiver.

caption: A 7-image carousel depicting affirmations for caregivers.

Lucero Speaks is a gamified wellness app for tweens, teens and their crew!

caption: A 3-image carousel depicting how Lucero works.

In her blog on our website, Kate dives into the topic of consequences. She says, “The goal of a consequence is to teach your child responsibility and appropriate behavior.” Kate then explains two terms that are often mentioned when consequences are discussed: natural and logical consequences. In the blog, she discusses how these two responses teach your child responsibility and appropriate behavior, rather than punish them with a behavioral consequence. Want to learn more about natural and logical consequences? Click the link in our bio to read Kate’s blog on the topic!

caption: An image with a quote from Dr. Dan Siegel says, “Too often we forget that discipline really means to teach, not punish. A disciple is a student, not a recipient of behavioral consequences.”

Besides the obvious enjoyment that comes from reading, books that share a counseling concern (bibliotherapy) can be cathartic for children and help them feel less alone when they read about a character going through something similar to them. Today’s book focuses on friendships and is a great read at the start of the school year. Click the link in our bio to peruse our bibliotherapy guide!

caption: A 3-image carousel with a photo of the book “How to Lose All Your Friends” as well as a summary of the book and related social-emotional learning questions.

We know the impact that one-on-one counseling can have, and for some clients and caregivers, the opportunity to share in community allows for an even deeper level of healing and understanding. We have a variety of upcoming groups:

Child Parent Relationship Training for Male Caregivers, Mondays at 6:30pm
Prosocial Communication for Middle Schoolers, Wednesdays at 7:00pm
Coping Cat: A Coping Skills Group for ages 8-10, Wednesdays at 5:30pm
Social Communication Groups for all ages, Thursday evenings

Click the link in our bio to learn more about these groups!

caption: A 5-image carousel sharing information about our current counseling groups.

Suzanne O’Brien is one of our senior therapists. Click the link in our bio to book a session with Suzanne!

caption: A 5-image carousel sharing a photo of Suzanne and information about her educational background, work experience, and counseling approach.

Community Shoutout! At Ensemble Therapy, part of our mission is to create a foundational, safe space for every child where they feel accepted, supported, encouraged to take risks. We believe that The Kindness Campaign supports this mission as well, so today we’re highlighting their work. Click the link in our bio to visit their website!

caption: An image with a blue background. In the center is information about The Kindness Campaign. There is a line of rainbow flowers at the top of the photo.

Play therapy offers a safe place for children to work through difficulties they are experiencing in their life without the threat of real-life consequences. Children organize their experiences, express feelings, and explore fantasies in their world without the worry of judgment. They express and explore themselves through play to reveal what they’ve experienced in the past, how they’ve reacted to these experiences, what they’ve felt about these experiences, and ultimately what they need, want or wish to come of it. This feeling of control helps children grow, mature, and develop in a way that is not always possible in their real life experiences.

caption: An image with a blue background. In the center is a photo of our office with the words, “Ensemble Therapy Service Feature: Play Therapy.” There is a rainbow at the bottom of the photo.

Ensemble Therapy has some new fall offerings we’d like to share with y’all! Please see the attached flyers for our 4 counseling groups beginning in the coming weeks. They are all located at our Spicewood office location in northwest Austin. Feel free to reach out to our intake coordinator, Kristien ([email protected]) with any specific questions:

- Ben Kinsey, LCSW will be leading Pro Social Communication for Middle Schoolers
ongoing, open group
Wednesdays at 7pm

- Mary Hadley, MA, CCC-SLP will be leading Social Communication Groups for Elementary-High School
open group, begins Aug 24 but can join anytime
Thursdays 3-8pm depending on age

- Leah Gilbert, Med, LPC-S, NCC & Kaylyn Evans, MA, LPC Associate, NCC (under clinical supervision of Jaclyn N Sepp, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S, RYT200, NCC) will be leading Coping Cat for 8-10 year olds
anxiety focus
closed group, begins Sept 4
Wednesdays at 5:30pm

- Suzanne O’Brien, LPC, CCST & Rachel Frith, LPC Associate NCC (under clinical supervision of Jaclyn N Sepp, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S, RYT200, NCC) will be leading CPRT for Male Caregivers
Child Parent Relationship Therapy!
closed group, begins Sept 11
Mondays at 6:30pm

Developmentally, children understand and process information in a different way than adults. Children think about the ways of the world in a magical way, a rigid way, and a limited way based on their interactions in the environment and how things appear to them at the time. They cannot express certain complicated emotions through words because they haven’t mastered abstract reasoning. Words are abstract because they are made up of symbols, whereas play is a concrete experience they are familiar with. Because children lack the ability to communicate clearly through words, play is a more comfortable medium that can help bridge the gap between their concrete experiences and abstract thoughts. That’s why play therapy is developmentally appropriate for children! Click the link in our bio to learn more.

caption: An image with a blue background. In the center is a quote from Garry Landreth that reads, "I know so little about the complex intricacies of childhood.Therefore, I will allow children to teach me.” There is a rainbow at the top of the photo.

Happy National Relaxation Day! On this day, we encourage you to find time to engage in self-care. On our website, you can read Ben’s blog that answers the question, “What is Self-Care, Really?” Self-care is portrayed at times in a way that loses its meaning, so Ben delves into the topic and explains how self-care is the act of giving yourself what you need so that you can be your best self. Want to learn more about self-care for caregivers? Click the link in our bio to check out our recorded workshop on the topic.

caption: An image with a blue background. In the center is a photo of our office with words underneath reading, “Happy Relaxation Day.” There is a rainbow on the right side of the photo.