MILIKA CENTER FOR THERAPY & RESILIENCE

Therapy for Medical Illness & Injury

Building Resilience in the Face of Medical Trauma

In-office sessions in Encino, CA and online across California.

Sick asian child girl who have IV solution bandaged smiling and  hugging her mother with love in the hospital
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Healing with Empathy: Pediatric Medical Illness and Trauma Therapy

A medical diagnosis can disrupt a child or teen's sense of normalcy and trigger a range of emotional responses. They may experience fear, anxiety, confusion, sadness, anger, grief or medical trauma symptoms in response to their diagnosis and the associated treatments and procedures. 

At MILIKA, we are dedicated to supporting your child or teenager as they navigate the complexities of a medical condition and recover from any associated trauma. Our mission is to provide compassionate care and effective healing strategies tailored to their unique needs.

How Can Therapy Help My Child Who is Diagnosed with a New Medical Condition?

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Common Family Stressors in the Context of a Pediatric Medical Condition/Injury

Disruption of Daily Routine

Managing a child's medical condition often requires frequent hospitalizations, medical appointments, and treatments, disrupting normal routines and activities for the entire family. Parents may need to juggle caregiving responsibilities with work, household chores, and other obligations.

Impact on Siblings

Siblings of a child with a life-threatening medical condition may experience a range of emotions, including anxiety, guilt, and sadness. They may struggle to understand the situation and cope with changes in family dynamics, while also grappling with their own fears about the sibling's health.

Changes in Family Dynamics

The focus on the sick child's needs may lead to shifts in family dynamics, with siblings feeling neglected or experiencing jealousy or resentment. Parents may struggle to balance attention and support among all their children while navigating the challenges of the medical crisis.

Uncertainty about the Future

The unpredictable nature of the child's illness can create feelings of uncertainty and anxiety about the future. Families may grapple with fears about the child's prognosis, potential treatment outcomes, and long-term implications for their quality of life.

Decision Making Burden

Parents may face difficult decisions regarding their child's medical care, treatment options, and end-of-life planning. Navigating complex medical information, weighing risks and benefits, and making decisions in the best interest of the child can be emotionally challenging.

Here's How MILIKA Can Support Your Child & Family:

Trauma-Informed Therapy

Our team uses a wide range of evidence-based techniques such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Exposure Therapy, Mindfulness-based Interventions, Play Therapy, and Art Therapy to help children process their emotions and trauma experiences, reduce anxiety, and build coping skills.

Parental Support and Involvement

We understand the vital role parents play in their child's emotional health. Our clinicians work closely with parents, offering trauma-informed support and guidance to foster healing, communication, and coping within the family.

We also understand that pediatric illness affects each family member uniquely. That's why we offer individual therapy sessions for parents and siblings, empowering them to cope with the challenges and emotions that arise. 

Empowerment and Resilience Building

Our goal is to empower children to navigate their medical journey with resilience and self-confidence. Through therapy, children learn to identify their strengths, develop healthy coping skills, and cultivate a positive sense of self-worth and agency.

Collaborative Care

We work collaboratively with healthcare providers involved in your child's medical care to ensure coordination and continuity of support. By advocating for your child's emotional needs within the healthcare system, we strive to create a cohesive approach to care.

Children with injuries on examination by doctor Pediatrician psychologically supports boy in wheelchair. Surgeon applies bandage to child's injured arm Traumatology examines child's broken leg Vector

WHAT IS PEDIATRIC MEDICAL TRAUMA?

Pediatric medical trauma refers to the emotional and psychological distress experienced by children and adolescents as a result of medical procedures, treatments, hospitalizations, or diagnoses.  It is also referred to as "Iatrogenic Medical Trauma." This type of trauma can occur in various medical settings, including hospitals, clinics, emergency rooms, and doctor's offices.

Pediatric medical trauma can arise from a wide range of experiences, such as:

Diagnoses and Prognoses

Receiving a serious or life-altering medical diagnosis can be overwhelming for children and their families, eliciting a range of emotional reactions, including shock, grief, anger, and fear of the unknown.

Invasive Medical Procedures

Painful or uncomfortable medical procedures, such as surgeries, injections, or blood draws, can be distressing for children and adolescents, particularly if they are performed without adequate explanation or preparation.

Hospitalizations

Extended hospital stays can disrupt children's routines, separate them from their families and support systems, and expose them to unfamiliar and sometimes frightening environments, leading to feelings of fear, anxiety, and loneliness.

Chronic Illness

Children living with chronic illnesses or medical conditions may experience ongoing stress, uncertainty, and limitations on their daily activities, which can impact their emotional well-being and quality of life.

Traumatic Events

Children may also experience medical trauma as a result of traumatic events such as accidents, injuries, or medical emergencies, which can have lasting effects on their physical and emotional health

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ABOUT US

Why Work With Milika Center For Therapy & Resilience

Here at Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience, we understand that seeking help for ​mental health concerns is a courageous and transformative step.

Whether you're facing stress, anxiety, depression, significant life changes, or are on a ​quest for personal growth, know that you are not alone. Our team is here to offer support ​and expert guidance every step of the way. Together, we can work towards building ​unshakable resilience, fostering self-awareness, and unlocking the potential for positive ​change.

As the MILIKA Founder and Clinical Director, I am committed to fostering a safe and ​nurturing environment where individuals can embark on their journey towards healing ​and personal growth.

Thank you for choosing us as your partner in your mental wellness journey. We are so ​honored and excited to be here for you and help you unleash your inner resilience!

 

Warmest Regards,
Dr. Kanchi

Meet The Team

Evoto

Clinical Director
Kanchi Wijesekera, Ph.D.

Evoto

Clinical Psychologist
Venus Mirbod, Psy.D.

440D9543-AAF5-4873-BD4C-B95025590F53

Care Coordinator
Hailee Strong, M.A.

If your child has been diagnosed with a medical condition or is experiencing medical trauma symptoms, know that you're not alone, and help is available.

Contact MILIKA to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced therapists or psychologists. Together, we can support your child and family through this challenging time, promoting healing, resilience, and well-being.

 

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[Editable version] Copy of Kanchi Wijesekera_90 Minute Wireframe (2)

ABOUT US

Why Work With Milika Center For Therapy & Resilience

Here at Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience, we understand that seeking help for ​mental health concerns is a courageous and transformative step.

Whether you're facing stress, anxiety, depression, significant life changes, or are on a ​quest for personal growth, know that you are not alone. Our team is here to offer support ​and expert guidance every step of the way. Together, we can work towards building ​unshakable resilience, fostering self-awareness, and unlocking the potential for positive ​change.

As the MILIKA Founder and Clinical Director, I am committed to fostering a safe and ​nurturing environment where individuals can embark on their journey towards healing ​and personal growth.

Thank you for choosing us as your partner in your mental wellness journey. We are so ​honored and excited to be here for you and help you unleash your inner resilience!

 

Warmest Regards,
Dr. Kanchi

Meet The Team

Evoto

Clinical Director
Kanchi Wijesekera, Ph.D.

Evoto

Clinical Psychologist
Venus Mirbod, Psy.D.

440D9543-AAF5-4873-BD4C-B95025590F53

Care Coordinator
Hailee Strong, M.A.

Ready to get started?

Ready to get started? Start your journey towards resilience and mental well-being today by contacting us to schedule a consultation.