Group Begins March 6, 2025

Navigating the challenges of Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infection (PANDAS) can be overwhelming for families. Our Parent Therapy Group is designed to provide a supportive and understanding environment for parents of children and adolescents diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS. This group aims to address the unique emotional and relational challenges that arise during this crisis while fostering resilience and connection among participants.

The primary goal of the Parent Therapy Group is to create a safe space where parents can share their experiences, concerns, and fears related to their child's diagnosis. Participants will be able to connect with others who understand the complexities of PANS/PANDAS, helping to alleviate feelings of isolation and stigma. Through guided discussions and therapeutic activities, parents will gain valuable insights into coping strategies, communication skills, and self-care practices to enhance their emotional well-being.

In this group, we will explore a range of parental concerns, including:

Enhancing Parental Communication and Organization: Learn effective strategies to improve communication, coordinate treatment plans, and develop structured schedules for better co-parenting support.

Fear of Misdiagnosis: Discussing strategies for effective communication with healthcare providers to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment. This concern will not oppose medical advice from a licensed physician. We process the diagnoses and treatment plan and align the parenting team with the medical team.

Concern for Child’s Safety: Sharing experiences and techniques for managing potential self-harm or aggressive behaviors.

Impact on Sibling Relationships: Understanding the emotional toll on siblings and learning how to foster healthy family dynamics.

Parental Guilt and Emotional Toll: Addressing feelings of guilt and anxiety while promoting self-compassion and emotional resilience.

Navigating Treatment Options: Sharing information about various treatment modalities and supporting each other in decision-making.

Financial Strain: Exploring resources and strategies for managing the financial impact of treatment and caregiving.

Social Stigma and Isolation: Building a supportive community that reduces feelings of judgment and isolation.

Coping with Uncertainty: Developing skills to manage the unpredictability of PANS/PANDAS symptoms and their effects on family life.

The group will meet weekly for 90 minutes, facilitated by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist-Associate specializing in Child and Adolescent Family Therapy. Each session will include:

Check-Ins: An opportunity for parents to share their current experiences and feelings.

Thematic Discussions: Focused discussions on specific concerns, providing a platform for sharing coping strategies and insights.

Skill-Building Activities: Engaging in therapeutic exercises that promote self-care, emotional regulation, and effective communication.

Resource Sharing: Providing information about available resources, as well as educational advocacy.

This group is open to parents living in the same household and have children and adolescents diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS. This is a small, closed group, meaning that the same three couples will meet each week and open to all parents regardless of their stage of the journey. Whether you are newly navigating this diagnosis or seeking ongoing support, you are welcome to join our community. The cost of this group is $75 per couple.

Participants will leave each session feeling more empowered, connected, and equipped with practical strategies to support their child and themselves. By fostering open communication and collaboration among parents, this group aims to enhance the overall emotional well-being of families affected by PANS/PANDAS.

If you are interested in joining the Parent Therapy Group or would like more information, please get in touch with Chris. If you would like to know more about PANS/PANDAS and the family system, here is a link to a recent white paper: https://chrisputnam.co/chris-white-papers  Together, we can navigate the complexities of PANS/PANDAS and build a supportive community for families facing similar challenges.