Programs Building Families
Building Families
Parenting is hard and children don’t come with instructions. Luckily, the Building Families program offers in-home and telehealth Family Therapy plus free parenting workshops to support every family as they work towards thriving together. Our Master’s Level therapists, known as Family Specialists, are trauma-informed and adoption competent. They use an attachment-based framework called Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) to help caregivers meet the needs of the children they care for. Family Specialists partner with you to develop a personalized plan for your child and your family to work towards the positive changes you hope to see– relationally, behaviorally, and emotionally.
Fun activities are used throughout our program to keep your child engaged, while also teaching important skills. And, you can breathe a sigh of relief as you receive guidance, too.
You’ll learn nurturing, attachment-based parenting techniques that reduce stress within your home, increase your parent/child connection, and teach appropriate behavior in a manner that supports your child’s development.
We also understand how busy modern families are, so we come to you – providing therapy in person and/or via telehealth in the comfort of your home.
If you’re ready to feel confident that you are meeting your child’s needs in the best way possible, we’d love to talk with you!
Are you a professional working with a child/family seeking services?
Are you interested in participating in one of our Parenting Series or Workshops? Check out our upcoming events!
we accept These commercial insurance Providers
in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina:
we ALSO accept ThIS commercial insurance Provider in South Carolina:
we accept These medicaid providers in South Carolina:
we accept ThIS medicaid provider in GEORGIA:
Serving Families in 3 States
Interactive Workshops for Parent/Child
Connecting the Hearts of Parents and Children through Playful Interaction
You will support your child in learning how to:
You will leave these sessions with practical tips and ways to strengthen your relationships and family. There is no cost to attend, and your entire family is welcome to participate.
Do you ever wish you knew a more positive way to handle your child’s challenging behaviors? You’re not alone!
Gather with us and other parents just like you as we learn practical parenting strategies that work in real life
Thornwell’s Building Families program regularly hosts a free, 8-week parenting series across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to help you:
Our interactive classes are available both in-person and virtually and are led by our Family Specialists who are all masters level therapists.
How does this work?
Building Families emphasizes the unique nature of each family, so first, we spend time listening. After completing a full assessment, a personalized treatment plan for your child is developed with your input.
Your Family Specialist will meet with you up to twice a week typically for an 8 to 15-week period of time. Sessions are typically one to 1.5 hours in length, based on your family’s needs. Twice a week is a bigger commitment, however, our experience has been that for many families this level of support helps positive momentum be more quickly gained.
Referrals for community resources and home and life management skills are also focused upon, as needed, to support stability and self-sufficiency.
What are the counseling sessions like?
During visits to your home (in person or via telehealth), family activities, games, and role-play are just some of the methods used to keep your child engaged while working on identified skills. Parents are always a valued part of the process and are expected to participate.
As appropriate, your Family Specialist will also assess your child’s behavior during school and community-based visits, and support you in identifying and developing skills that will benefit your child in both of those settings.
The Building Families program emphasizes nurturing parenting principles and teaching, not punishment, as we seek to support you in decreasing
inappropriate behavior and increasing your family’s connection and healthy communication.
What is a family specialist?
A Family Specialist is a qualified Masters level therapist. Our therapists are all licensed or pursuing their state licensure and have experience working with children and families. Our therapists are Adoption Competent and have additional training in the Teaching-Family Model, as well as Trust-Based Relational Intervention. Several of our staff are TBRI Practitioners and bring continued TBRI emphasis to our work with children and families. Our program is attachment-focused and trauma-informed.
Your Family Specialist will demonstrate ways you can positively teach your child more appropriate behaviors from a developmental framework. Your Family Specialist will work alongside you to identify your family’s strengths to help you meet your goals.
How do I get started?
Click HERE to request a free consultation. Building Families is generally able to work with families that meet the following criteria:
- Children between the ages of 3 and 17 living in the home.
- Parent or guardian with legal custody of the child willing and able to participate.
- This program is voluntary. Court-ordered referrals are not accepted.
- Stable home environment in which to meet with your therapist.
- After receiving a referral or request for services, a Family Specialist will reach out to you to schedule an initial consultation to obtain basic information, answer your questions, review your concerns and goals, and determine if our services are appropriate to meet your needs.
We’re here to walk with you towards a more hopeful future as you reduce stress in your home and gain confidence in knowing that you are meeting your child’s unique needs effectively.
How much does counseling cost?
Our program has a very affordable sliding scale fee based on income and household size.
Some insurances are accepted.
Your specific fee will be discussed during our complimentary consultation.
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
- Make sure your healthcare provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
- If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
- Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059.
Do you do in-home counseling or virtual Telehealth sessions?
Both!
For Families within our 15-mile drive radius, in-home therapy is provided. We do, at times, integrate the use of telehealth sessions as it assists us in best serving the scheduling needs of a family.
For families outside of our drive radius and up to 50 miles from our site locations, we offer a fully virtual telehealth option.
How long will it take to see results?
Progress through the intervention depends on your specific goals and the nature of your family’s dynamics at the time you begin services.
We believe that every family experiences a unique and often complex set of circumstances leading them to request services.
Some families begin to see results quickly, as both the parent and child make efforts toward changing past behaviors and implementing more effective patterns of communication. The process of making significant, long-lasting change typically takes several weeks to several months.
After completion of the Building Families program, your Family Specialist is able to provide follow-up and the opportunity for refresher services for up to one year. This ensures you are supported as you continue to pursue your family’s goals.
Ready to begin?
Do you work with other professionals when serving families?
Absolutely! If you are a professional who would like to make a referral click HERE.
We often partner with pediatricians, school personnel, psychiatrists, private practitioners, occupational therapists, pediatric specialists and community- based services. With parental consent, we can work together by providing updates and partnering towards shared goals.