Children’s Charter offers individual and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced significant trauma. We also offer groups for children and adolescents. Our model of treatment is trauma and attachment informed. Treatment interventions are evidence based and integrate the most up to date research. Clinicians come from a variety of disciplines including social work, mental health counseling, and psychology. We offer services both in English and Spanish.

"Change is Heroic"

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Children’s Charter is proud to offer EMDR Therapy, in English and Spanish, as an approach to treating trauma, depression, and anxiety.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of psychotherapy that helps people process traumatic memories and other distressing experiences. EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic memories can become "stuck" in the brain, causing emotional and psychological difficulties. During EMDR therapy, a patient's eyes move rapidly and rhythmically while they focus on a traumatic memory. The process works by tapping into the natural recovery pathways of the brain which are responsible for managing our responses to stress, memory, and emotions. EMDR helps unlock the brain's ability to process these experiences, aiming to resolve the intense reactions tied to traumatic events. The goal is to help people heal by changing the way the memory is stored in the brain.

Graphic on EMDR Therapy and your brain:

Spanish English

Introduction to EMDR Video:

Neurofeedback

One of the most pervasive impacts of developmental trauma can be seen in our brains. Often, the fear center of the brain becomes stuck in hyperdrive. This constant overactivation hinders the growth of essential life skills such as emotional regulation, relational connection, and learning from experience.

EEG Neurofeedback measures the brain’s electrical activity and mirrors it back to the individual through visual and auditory feedback. In response, the brain forms new neural pathways that enhance balance, connectivity, flexibility, and regulation in the central nervous system.

At its core, neurofeedback brain training works to assist the brain and nervous system in building the skills of regulation and connectivity that are central to experiencing felt safety, building relational trust, and cultivating a sense of agency.

Neurofeedback is not a stand alone service, it is incorporated into existing attachment and trauma centered talk and play therapy at Children's Charter.

Groups

Group programs at Children’s Charter are designed to meet the needs of children with trauma and attachment histories.

Social Skills Group

In our work with the children who receive trauma treatment at our clinic we have observed lagging social skills as a major developmental deficit. We have developed a Social Skills Group with the primary focus of learning to improve social interactions and develop friendships.

Group Details:

• Age range: 6-8 years old
• Duration/Length of meetings: 10 weeks, meeting weekly for 45 minutes
• Location: Children’s Charter Trauma Clinic, Waltham, MA

To make a referral or to learn more about this group, contact Imogene Edson - (781) 894-4325 x23

Email Imogene

Foster Child Support Group

The Foster Child Support Group was created to provide children in foster care with the opportunity to discuss the challenges of being a foster child. The group provides the opportunity to talk to other children with similar experiences and to develop a narrative that addresses important questions asked by foster children.

Group Details:

• Age range: 10-12 years old
• Duration/Length of meetings: 10 weeks, meeting weekly for 45 minutes
• Location: Children’s Charter Trauma Clinic, Waltham, MA

To make a referral or to learn more about this group, contact Imogene Edson - (781) 894-4325 x23

Email Imogene

Child Witness to Violence Group

The We Can Talk About It program offers specialized support groups for children who have witnessed violence at home. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment where children can express their feelings, build coping skills, and connect with peers who have experienced similar challenges. The groups focus on fostering emotional resilience, self-esteem, and healthy communication.

Group Details:

• Age range: 5-10, and 11-13 years old
• Duration/Length of meetings: 12 weeks, meeting weekly for 45 minutes
• Location: Waltham, MA

To make a referral or learn more about these groups, please contact Katie Marcincuk, LCSW - (781) 894-4325 x18.

Email Katie

Payment Options and Referral