LITTLE STEPSSM
In 1989, the YMCA Counseling Service pioneered a treatment model
utilizing expressive art and play therapy, role playing and other
therapeutic techniques to address the special needs of children (ages
5-17) whose lives have been affected by a family member’s use of
drugs or alcohol.
Little StepsSM offers a structured series of expressive group activities
through which children learn to identify and change the patterns of
thinking, feeling and behavior they have learned in response to their
family member’s substance use. Children realize that they are not the
cause of their family member’s addiction and that while they cannot
control or cure it, we will help them learn to cope with it. Our program
provides education and focuses on the development of healthy coping
skills.
Reasons for Referral
There are a variety of emotional, behavioral, school or family problems
that may be cause for concern. You may want to consider referring a
child to us if you observe any of the following signs, in addition to a
family history of addiction:
• Changes in usual behavior and mood
• Aggressive behavior
• Anger
• Chronic anxiety
• Academic failure
• Depressed mood
• Hyperactivity
• Low self-esteem
• Oppositionalism
• Perfectionism
• Physical complaints
• Separation anxiety
• Social and/or family withdrawal
9 | YMCA COUNSELING SERVICE