Blog

4 Ways to Build Trust With Your Foster Child

Dec 8, 2022

Adolescents and young adults in foster care can have difficulty bonding with their foster families. In some cases, they feel uncomfortable around adults and other authority figures due to early childhood trauma. Havenwood Academy offers mental health treatment for girls struggling with trust issues. Our residential program uses talk therapy, brain spotting, neurofeedback, and other…

Read More

How to Help Your Adopted Child Overcome Feelings of Rejection

Dec 5, 2022

Adopted children sometimes feel guilty, betrayed, or angry when transitioning to their new family. The loss of their loved ones and the effects of early childhood trauma can interfere with their ability to accept the change. According to the Children’s Bureau Express (CBX), rejection is often caused by “children believing the crisis was their fault;…

Read More

Reactive Attachment Disorder in Adopted Teens

Nov 28, 2022

Many adopted teenagers struggle with trauma related to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). According to StatPearls Publishing, an estimated one to two percent of children develop attachment-related issues like reactive attachment disorder (RAD). In many cases, this is caused by trauma or untreated mental health issues resulting from ACEs. If they experience poor mental health symptoms…

Read More

Improving Your Foster Child’s Self-Esteem

Nov 25, 2022

Foster children face unique challenges throughout their childhood and young adulthood. In some cases, their early childhood experiences can interfere with the development of healthy self-esteem. Adolescents in the foster care system often experience one or more traumatic events in their lives or in the foster system. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including traumatic events, can…

Read More

How Early Childhood Trauma Can Impact Your Child’s Sleep

Nov 21, 2022

Children who regularly do not get enough quality sleep can experience health and behavioral issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unhealthy sleep habits can cause “poor mental health, and problems with attention and behavior.” Havenwood Academy offers comprehensive treatment programs for teen girls struggling with mental health and behavioral issues…

Read More

What Is Brainspotting and How Can It Treat Your Child’s Trauma?

Nov 18, 2022

Children who live through adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma often have difficulty coping with everyday stressors. Behavioral issues and other problems can sometimes develop as the child tries to find ways to manage emotional distress. Adopted and fostered children have a higher risk of experiencing early childhood trauma that affects their emotional development. Trauma-focused…

Read More

Neurofeedback Therapy Can Decrease Your Adopted Child’s Anxiety

Nov 15, 2022

The brain controls and influences behaviors, thoughts, beliefs, and actions. Teenagers who exhibit behavioral issues or have difficulty managing certain mental health symptoms may benefit from neurofeedback therapy. According to BMC Psychiatry, in research studies, neurofeedback “improved attention, decreased hyperactivity, and increased academic and social skills.” Havenwood Academy uses evidence-based therapies like neurofeedback to provide…

Read More

The Importance of Modeling Healthy Social Relationships and Boundaries

Nov 8, 2022

Children often look to caregivers for advice and imitate their behaviors. Adolescents and teens who do not have consistent parental guidance may have difficulty establishing healthy personal and social boundaries. Adopted and foster children have a higher risk of experiencing parental neglect. Behavioral and attachment issues like reactive attachment disorder (RAD) can develop if children…

Read More

The Relationship Between Early Childhood Trauma and Behavioral Issues

Oct 29, 2022

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and early childhood trauma can significantly impact a child’s physical and emotional development. ACEs increase the risk of mental health disorders, making it essential that parents educate themselves about the possible side effects of early childhood trauma, how it can manifest in adolescence and young adulthood, and how to mitigate negative…

Read More