Connected Treasures

IMG_20170220_173028701.jpgGreetings!  My name is Katherine Wheeler.  I have been working as a professional social worker for almost 20 years.  (Don’t let that number fool you… I’m still young!)  In that time I have played many roles in my desire to serve others; Everything from mental health counselor and intake coordinator, policy and procedure development, caseworker for at-risk youth, medical social worker, mentor, advocate, trainer, to crisis management.  I have worked with whole organizations and individuals.  My passion is people.

While I am still available to assist you with your short term needs such as long-term care placement, resource gathering and referral, grief and loss, or medical coaching and prevention of hospitalization, as a TBRI Practitioner  (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) I am able to use that passion to bring hope and healing to children and families struggling with undesired (and often perplexing) behaviors.

What is TBRI? 

Developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross at the TCU Institute of Child Development, Trust-Based Relational Interventions® TBRI® has emerged as the  intervention model for a wide range of childhood behavioral problems. It has been applied successfully in a variety of contexts, and with many children for whom numerous other interventions have failed (e.g., medications, cognitive-behavioral therapies.) TBRI® is based on a solid foundation of neuropsychological theory and research.

TBRI® was designed for children from “hard places” such as abuse, neglect, and/or trauma. Because of their histories, it is often difficult for these children to trust the loving adults in their lives, which often results in perplexing behaviors. TBRI® offers practical tools for parents, caregivers, teachers, or anyone who works with children, to see the “whole child” in their care and help that child reach his highest potential.

Why use it?

TBRI® is a holistic approach that is multidisciplinary, flexible, attachment-centered, and effective. It is a trauma-informed intervention that was specifically designed for children who come from ‘hard places,’ such as abuse, neglect, multiple home placements, adoption,  difficult births,even prolonged or early hospitalizations.  TBRI® consists of three sets of principles: Connecting, Empowering, and Correcting.  When TBRI is used with children, synapses are created in the brain, the limbic system and pre-frontal cortex begin to work correctly, children become able to self-regulate and negotiate their needs with words.  In as little as one month parents report significant reduction in unwanted/disruptive behaviors, increases in verbal and auditory processing, and increases in their feelings of hope and love and bonding within their family.  Teachers report drastic reduction in classroom disruptions, increased focus, and shorter, smoother transitions.

Where is it used?

TBRI is being used in homes, schools, orphanages, residential treatment centers, child welfare, family court, and other environments.  It is designed for use with children and youth of all ages and risk levels. By helping caregivers understand what should have happened in early development and giving specific tools, caregivers are able to see a restoration of the whole child.