Social Work
Social Work in Chicago, IL. Call us for a Free Screening
What Social Work is:
Social Work provides relationship-based, play-based therapeutic support for children and their families. The focus is on nurturing emotional growth, flexibility, confidence and regulation through connection, curiosity and developmentally attuned play. Each session is tailored to the child’s individual interests, style of communication and unique developmental needs.
Therapeutic Approach
Using the DIR/Floortime Model — Developmental, Individualized and Relationship-based — therapy supports children by meeting them exactly where they are and gently building on their natural abilities.
Key elements of DIR/Floortime approach include:
- Fully play-based & strength-based intervention
- Follows each child’s natural curiosity and lead
- Builds trust through warm, consistent relational connection
- Supports emotional regulation, flexibility and social engagement
- Encourages meaningful collaboration with families and caregivers
This approach focuses on understanding how a child relates, communicates, moves, processes sensory input and interacts with their environment so support can be individualized and responsive.
How Social Work supports families:
Social Work is most effective when it includes the child’s whole system of support. Families are seen as essential partners and collaboration is woven throughout the process.
Caregivers are supported with:
- Understanding their child’s emotional and developmental profile
- Strategies to help with emotional regulation and daily routines
- Guidance around social-emotional growth
- Space to ask questions and reflect
- Consistency between home and therapy
The goal is to ensure children experience support not only in sessions but in their everyday environments.
Why families choose Social Work:
- A developmentally attuned, relationship-based model
- An emphasis on connection, trust and emotional safety
- Play-based sessions that honor each child’s individuality
- A supportive, collaborative partnership with caregivers
- Focus on real-life generalization — not just skills in session
- A warm, responsive therapeutic space where all feelings are welcome
