Ryther - Healthy Children, Stronger Families

Jason & Sue, Kids in Motion Facilitators

Ryther’s New After School Group Helps “Garrett” Succeed

“What’s the first rule of Kids in Motion?” A few children sitting in the circle raise their hands, and one of Ryther’s therapists Jason Franklin, MA LMHC CMHS, calls on “Garrett”: “Be safe! Don’t be crazy and, like, crash into things—respect other’s space.” Jason and his co-facilitator Susan Prescott, MSW LICSW, nod in agreement and move on to the second rule. Ryther’s Kids in Motion (KIM), a new program being offered to children ages 8 to 12 and teen mentors in the community, is a therapeutic group that focuses on developing cooperation, impulse control and concentration. The evidence-informed curriculum incorporates experiential activities, theatre games, exercise and teamwork to build a range of therapeutic skills in a supportive, fun and creative environment.

While KIM can target ADHD symptoms, it really is for any kid who needs extra help with coping skills, relaxation techniques, feelings identification or expression, social skills or communicating.

When Garrett first started KIM, he was very anxious, shy and quiet. His parents were afraid he would get overwhelmed by more rambunctious kids. However, by the time KIM fi , he became a leader. He experienced what being more confident and advocating for himself looked like and learned to tolerate frustration. His mother and teacher both noticed this change in Garrett and attributed it solely to KIM as it was the only program or therapy he participated in. But it didn’t feel like therapy to him.

Children performing "body sculpting" exercise

One of the activities that really helped Garrett was “body sculpting”—an exercise where volunteers freeze in space and the other participants label their positions with descriptive words or stories. By recognizing what body language is communicating to others, kids experientially learn to identify feelings and social skills in themselves. These activities work with all different types of learning styles. By seeing what anxiety or shyness looks like in other people, Garrett could work on his own traits.

Ryther therapists Jason and Susan tailored their interactions with Garrett based on goals set with his parents. Jason noted that “Parents always give great feedback. If a child has certain strengths or challenges, we can adapt the program to help each kid succeed. Parents love it.”

Whether it’s more respect for physical boundaries, increased impulse control, better social skills and self-esteem or another goal, children come out of KIM having fun and being motivated to return each session.

Ryther offers Kids in Motion, developed and facilitated by Jason Franklin, MA LMHC CMHS, in the fall and spring of each year for an hour and fifteen minutes a week for 8 weeks. The next group starts September 30. For more information, call Jason at 206.517.0295.