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Is this you?
Does it ever feel like your child’s big emotions take over the whole house? Are you exhausted by the same daily battles over transitions, rules, or sibling conflicts?
When big feelings hit, traditional "talk therapy" isn't always enough for young nervous systems. Children need a safe, creative, and physical way to process their emotions. If you are looking for a neuro-affirming, deeply engaging way to break out of negative communication loops, you are in the right place.
SUNDAYS STARTING NOVEMBER 1ST
How it works.
Welcome to Meet the Cast, a specialized 6-week group experience designed by the expressive therapists at Capital Children’s Wellness Center.
Rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Role Theory, this hands-on workshop teaches families that we are not just one single feeling. Instead, we are made up of a "cast of characters." In this workshop, caregivers (parents, nannies, special friends, etc.) and children work side-by-side to build high-quality cloth puppets representing their different emotional parts.
By placing these big feelings onto a puppet, children are given the psychological distance they need to talk about their behavior without feeling defensive or ashamed. Adults build their own puppets alongside their children, which models vulnerability, normalizes having "parts," and dramatically reduces the child's shame or defensiveness.
The 6-Week Journey
Each weekly 90-minute session provides enough time to transition from a busy day, complete an art project, and safely process emotional material.
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Week 1: Meet the Director. Introduce the concept that we are not just one feeling; we are a cast of characters led by a "Director" (The Core Self) who is calm, curious, and compassionate.
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Week 2: The Organizers. Identify the proactive protector parts: the ones that plan, worry, follow the rules, or try to control the environment.
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Week 3: The Bodyguards. De-shame reactive, intense behaviors (anger, running away, defiance) by reframing them as protective "Bodyguards" acting out of desperation.
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Week 4: The Tender Ones. Create a safe space to access the soft, vulnerable parts (sadness, fear, loneliness) that the Organizers and Bodyguards are working so hard to protect.
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Week 5: The Puppet Stage. Use aesthetic distance to practice navigating everyday family conflicts without triggering the actual central nervous systems of the participants.
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Week 6: The Cast Party. Solidify the idea that all parts are welcome and have positive intentions, and create a "Green Room" for the puppets to live in at home.
This group meets on Sundays from 10:30-12PM in person on the following dates:
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November 1st, 8th, 22nd, 29th
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December 6th & 13th
Logistics
Who: Children ages [6-12] and one participating parent/caregiver per child.
When: Sundays, starting November 1st. 10:30-12PM
Where: Capital Children’s Wellness Center, Bethesda, MD
Group Size: Strictly limited to 6 families to ensure a safe, intimate environment.
Investment: $150 per week per family plus a one time deposit of $50 to hold your spot. This includes all 6 sessions, high-quality puppet bases, premium art supplies, and materials to take home.
FAQ's
Do I have to participate, or can I drop my child off? This is an interactive parent-child workshop. You will be in the room, getting your hands messy with art supplies, and building your own puppets alongside your child! This shared experience is what makes the therapy so effective.
My child is very active. Will they be expected to sit still for 90 minutes? Not at all. Expressive therapy is movement-oriented. We incorporate theater games, role-play, and somatic exercises. While there are focused art-building times, the environment is dynamic and neuro-affirming.
Can both parents attend? To keep the group size intimate and ensure every participant gets adequate space and materials, we ask that only one parent or primary caregiver attends with the child for the 6-week duration.
Next Steps
Because this group involves active parent participation and expressive arts, we want to make sure it is the perfect fit for your family's needs.
1. Book a Brief Intro Call: Click the button below to schedule a free 15-minute phone screening with our drama therapist.
2. Secure Your Spot: If the group is a good fit, you will receive a secure link to register and pay your workshop fee.
3. Meet the Cast: Join us at the clinic and start building your internal cast of characters!