family therapy in myrtle beach: thornwell
Thornwell is doing phenomenal work in the Grand Strand. They’re a national nonprofit organization with an office in central Myrtle Beach. Their work is critical in a city like ours where income disparities and quality of life varies so widely.
One of their core goals is strengthening and supporting families and they do this through their Building Families Program.
WHAT IS the building families program?
It is family therapy for anyone parenting kids between ages 3–17 and needing help with common or complex behaviors and situations.
We all know by now that parenting is hard! As children grow the relational, behavioral, and emotional issues can intensify. And unique circumstances can make navigating these changes even harder.
That is precisely why Thornwell offers in-home, virtual and hybrid therapy. It’s designed for an individual or a family to attend together. Families learn tools, strategies and gain resources that will make the family function better.
HOW DOES IT WORK | Building Families is an opportunity to spend 12–15 weeks receiving affordable, personalized, in-home (or telehealth) visits with a local Master’s Level therapist (they call them Family Specialists).
All with the intent of making your family dynamic healthier for everyone – parents (or other caregivers) and kids. They address a number of common issues: anxiety, ADHD, behavioral issues, impulsivity, and the general family dynamic.
how to get connected
Some families are referred by schools, pediatricians, or other mental health providers. Many families come proactively knowing a professional approach is well worth the time and effort. Regardless of how you find Thornwell, here is what you can expect:
• FREE CONSULTATION. Katlyn Pascale, LMSW is the local Family Specialist who conducts these and all other in-person or virtual sessions. She is a licensed clinician who uses attachment-based and trauma-informed methods to nurture trust-based relationships.
• BUILD TRUST. The first few sessions are all about building trust. Each session lasts about a hour. It can be in your own home or remotely (telehealth). Katlyn brings the goodies to make kids feel comfortable: a big bag of games, toys, activities and more. All these options help keep kids interested and engaged throughout the session.
• 2 TIMES PER WEEK FOR 12-15 WEEKS. Yes, that is a lot of time but you’ll reach mini-milestones along the way. When looking at the bigger picture this is actually a small amount of time to invest in changing behaviors and improving relationships.
• TOOLS, STRATEGIES, RESOURCES, VISUALS, INSIGHTS + MORE. Sometimes the solutions are simple – visual charts and improved schedules. Sometimes it’s deeper – learning how to communicate feelings and needs. Other times it requires a diagnosis or referrals for other counseling services (marital, for example).
how much does it cost?
Thornwell is a nonprofit organization and they ensure that finances never hinder services. They accept many private insurances but also have a sliding fee scale based on income and family size. Often families are only paying $5-15 per session.
who should use thornwell's services?
Most families who use Thornwell are facing one of the following:
• child w/anxiety or depression
• school-related concerns
• behavioral issues
• ADHD/impulsivity
• help w/parenting skills
• co-parenting/blended family issues
• big family adjustments
• families suffering loss/grief
• child trauma, separation or attachment issues
• grandparents raising kids
• foster care/adoption related issues
help spread the word!
Personally I can find something on this list that has impacted my family. And after spending time with the Thornwell team (and already getting a little free advice) I’m confident they’d be the perfect solution if we need more intervention.
Many in my close friend group are walking through these things too. And I see it in the chatter of FB mom groups almost daily – the need is everywhere! Thornwell is an excellent option but they’re new in the area and struggling to connect with the families who need their services. We can help Thornwell and local families find one another simply by:
• REMEMBER THEIR NAME AND WHAT THEY DO
• RECOMMENDING THEM TO FAMILY & FRIENDS
• SUGGEST THEM TO THOSE LOOKING FOR RECS IN FB GROUPS + OTHER ONLINE SPACES.
• TELL YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR & PEDIATRICIAN ABOUT THEM. These professionals are in a good position to make referrals but they may not be aware either.
First Presbyterian Church is the host site and a financial partner of Thornwell.
Katlyn Pascale, LMSW with some of the resources, games, activities she provides for kids.
foster care licensing
Another core function of Thornwell is to prevent issues of childhood neglect and abuse. They do this in many ways but one of them is recruiting, licensing and equipping foster families.
The need for foster care parents in SC and Horry County in particular is profound. On any given day there are 1,600 children in the state in need of a foster home. Getting licensed to be a foster parent can feel overwhelming and intimidating. That is exactly why Thornwell guides you through. Read more about their process here.
