Our Approach
Grief
Grief is complex and can feel messy. How we identify and process grief is unique even within our own family unit. The goal of A Walk to Resilience is to partner with children and their families to reduce stress and anxiety related to healthcare, chronic illness, hospitalization and loss. We provide opportunities for therapeutic activities, self-expression, memory making, and funeral preparation/support.
We believe that grief and loss are a part of life and it connects us all. Research and experience has taught us that children cope better when they are given honest developmentally appropriate information and a safe place to process. We believe it is important to embrace and honor the “big” emotions that come with grief, trauma and loss. It is through this process that self-regulation and resiliency can be cultivated. One of the best gifts we can teach children is the gift of self-regulation, as without this we leave children vulnerable to the ongoing impact of stress.
*It is important to remember there is no timeline for grief and we should not expect it to take a linear path!
Resiliency
A Walk to Resilience believes children and families can continue to grow, develop, and overcome in the midst of grief, loss, and trauma. It is important to note that loss does not just have to be about the loss of a person; it can be the loss of expectations, what we thought our life or family would look like, “what should have been,” loss of a physical ability, or even the loss of a pet. It is in these challenging moments A Walk to Resilience believes we can grow our own self-compassion, inner strength, and resiliency.
The Importance of Play
and Medical Play
Children of all ages learn and process through play. Play shapes the cognitive, physical, and social-emotional well-being of children. Play is truly a child’s language! A Walk to Resilience values ALL that play provides, which is why we utilize play both recreational and medical during our individual sessions, as well as in our family sessions.
During medical play, children use medical themes and materials in their play. We will utilize medical play as needed to gain insight into your child's feelings, fears, concerns and misconceptions. Medical play can also allow a child to “play out” and “work through” their feelings. This is often when “big” emotions may arise. These “big” emotions are typically normal and will be embraced and supported throughout your child’s and family's sessions. We frequently take a child directed approach during these sessions and allow children to lead in their play. This technique encourages children to have direct control over their environment and the choices they make. Giving a child the opportunity to gain some control can be vital to healing.
​
Coping Kits
A Walk to Resilience will create coping kits based on each client’s unique need to build positive coping skills, for continued growth and development.
Families will also be provided resources for additional support systems, as needed.
​
Typically, A Walk to Resilience has two main goals when we work with children and their families:
1
To get through the “now” and yes, it may still look and feel messy!
2
To begin laying the groundwork for “later” is arguably even more important than the “now.” This is where self-regulation skills and long-term coping techniques are learned and practiced.
Family Centered Care
A Walk to Resilience subscribes to the core concepts of the Family Centered Care Model.
​
-
Respect and Dignity
-
Information Sharing
-
Participation
-
Collaboration
For more information on patient and family centered care please visit:
Institute for Patient and Family-Centered Care (ipfcc.org)
​
The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes the importance of Child Life Services
Child Life Services | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics (aap.org)
​
A Walk to Resilience also maintains the mission and values of The Association of Child Life Professionals.
About
Hi, I'm Haley Edwards
Haley Edwards is a Certified Child Life Specialist who has practiced for the last 11+ years in a children's hospital setting. She has a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Understanding the World of Children.
​
The majority of Haley’s practice has been and continues to be done within a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. While working closely with children and their families during some of their most traumatic and challenging moments she began to notice the gap that existed between what she was offering as an inpatient child life specialist and what was being offered in the community. Therefore, A Walk to Resilience Child Life Practice: Finding Strength During Challenging Times LLC was born!
​
Partnering together and sharing your family’s personal story can be raw and emotional and may create feelings of vulnerability. We want you to know that we will respect, honor, and meet your family where they are in this unique journey. We are incredibly humbled to support your child and family in the healing process.
