When seven year-old Ryan first entered the play therapy room, he was noticeably fearful and anxious, withdrawn into the corner of the room. He did not make eye contact or speak. In fact, he did not speak or look at his therapist for 7 weeks.  

Ryan began play therapy services due to a history of trauma, abuse and neglect. He coped by dissociating and withdrawing from the world, sleeping most of the day at home. His teacher reported that he was explosive and mute; he also could not recognize letters or read.

His therapist remained gentle and patient. Through play therapy, Ryan was able to act out and process the trauma he had experienced. Over a period of six months, he was able to regain a sense of control and self-efficacy in his life.

Ryan also attends the Phoenix Center's after school program for young children. The first few weeks, he aimlessly played with clay, making nothing, not speaking or making eye contact; he seemed zoned out. 

In the after school program today, young Ryan proudly shows off his artwork with a grin and sparkles in his eyes.  He engages with children and adults at the Phoenix Center as well as at home and school.

When his therapist entered the waiting room to greet Ryan after 6 months of weekly sessions, she found him copying a quote onto the chalkboard.  Obviously very pleased with himself, he read aloud...

This true story of Ryan's tremendous progress illustrates the growth and healing that is possible after abuse and trauma. His progress is evidence of the significant impact of high-quality mental health services for children and families. For example, he attends Phoenix Center services twice a week (and will attend day and overnight therapeutic camps this summer) all at no cost to his grandmother. Because Ryan's family is uninsured, there is nowhere else in the community where he could access intensive bi-weekly mental health services at no cost. 

When a child like Ryan is unable to access mental health care in childhood, there are often great costs and risks to the child, family and society down the road. The child is more likely to turn to alcohol or drugs as a teen to self-medicate their unresolved history of trauma.  Not receiving adequate mental health care is also correlated with increased violence, substance abuse, and health care and criminal justice costs for society.

But there is hope, research shows that high-quality mental health care and just one caring adult can change the trajectory of a child's life forever. 

Right now, there are many other deserving kids like young Ryan in our community and over 33 children on our waiting list.  This spring, we ask that you consider a recurring monthly gift to help support ongoing care for children in need. Through our secure website, you can now sign-up to make a tax-deductible, recurring monthly donation that fits within your family's budget - Just $10 dollars a month makes a huge difference. If 25 people commit to $10 a month, that is an additional $3,000 in support of children who have critical mental health care needs.

Thank you for your continued support so we can continue to grow and help more deserving, talented children in need. 

This Spring, we successfully wrapped up two wonderful parenting groups: 

Child-Parent Relationship Training (CPR-T) & Caring for Children who have Experienced Trauma, which is offered in collaboration with the Hill Country Children's Advocacy Center. 

Below, parents reflect on their experiences:

"This class has truly helped me to be more aware of what is beneath the surface in my son's mind, heart & soul." - Parent

"Reflective listening means that I really listen..." - Parent

This "opened up a whole pattern of 'I've got time.'" - Parent

"I have learned so much concerning trauma and children.  It made me rethink how to be a better caregiver." - Parent

Summer Groups & Events 

Art by a 9 year-old child in our after school program

Children's Art Exhibit

Marta Stafford Fine Art

Reception July 23, 2014 from 6-8 pm 

The Phoenix Center received a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts to plan a public exhibit of art therapy works from the Phoenix Center.  

The exhibit will be held at Marta Stafford Fine Art in Marble Falls and will be open to the public July 22 - 23, with a reception from 6 - 8 pm on July 23, 2014. The theme of the exhibit is the use of mandalas in art therapy with works created by children ages 4 - 17.  

In addition to viewing the children's art, visitors will enjoy the juxtaposition of several local Hill Country artists who will create art in response to the same theme as the children.  The exhibit will also seek to educate the public about the benefits of the arts and art therapy in improving mental health, in particular in children who have experienced trauma.

We hope that you will save the date and attend the show to show your support and view the talents of the many children of the Phoenix Center.  

Thank you to Marta Stafford, Marta Stafford Fine Art & The Texas Commission on the Arts for their generous support of this project.   

Summer Parenting Workshops 

Child Parent Relationship Therapy - Summer Group

CPR-T, also called Filial Therapy, is a research-based, 10-week parenting group that teaches parents of 3 - 9 year-old children how to use some of the same skills play therapists use to help children experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral problems. Another CPR-T group will be offered at the Phoenix Center on Wednesdays, beginning May 28th during the summer of 2014. The group is free of cost and sign-up is beginning now.  Please call or email the Phoenix Center to register at info@phoenixcentertexas.org.

Camp Phoenix 2014

Sign-up has also begun for Camp Phoenix 2014 sessions.  All of our therapeutic camp sessions are free of cost & are staffed entirely by mental health professionals and masters level Interns offering a ratio of 1 adult to every 2 campers.   Children make tremendous progress through equine therapy and our innovative therapeutic camp curriculum.  For the 2014 camp dates and a camp application, please visit our website or click here.