MISSION STATEMENT:

The Open Mind For Psychotherapy & Accurate Differential Diagnosis

I wish to be clear that my practice/intervention style is based on the foundations of classical analytic education and training but as years, of experience, exposure to real life, and ongoing training, my views on theory and practice have become eclectic, and now draw on many different philosophies, styles of treatment technique, and metaphysical concepts that go beyond family history and personal trauma.

I see individuals, families, adults, and children in whatever configuration of session appears relevant to the current needs presented. This means I may see a married couple individually & jointly, children with one or both parents and individually, or siblings with each other and without their parents - and then with their parents - based on the issues, needs and desires of the client, in conjunction with my recommendations.

Treatment is a work in progress. It deals with the essential issues of trust, communication, and the mutual ability to work through other issues as they appear. The treatment relationship is the microcosm of a life lived, needing to be explored and understood with a new perspective, and released so that one may move on to new experiences of life, love, work, and play.

Critical to any diagnostic evaluation is a medical/psychiatric history to understand/rule out biological issues that occur in even extremely young children. Mood disorders may occur as a result of genetic family history and must be considered especially in dealing with young children who present with oppositional/angry to irritable or sad moods. Just as adults are reviewed for medical interventions when indicated, children must be allowed the same options for respite from extreme pain and distress stemming from physical disorders. Behavioral interventions for children who suffer from early childhood mood disorders, or other physically based issues - attention deficit disorders, hyperactivity disorders is, in my opinion, a cruel, chronic punishment that withholds much needed treatment.

When properly prescribed, appropriate medical intervention rapidly eradicates the problem targeted and facilitates further interventions - if needed. The alternate issue of concern is that when children's difficult symptoms disappear, the parents often feel that no further treatment contact is needed - and this is not true. If children are on medication for any issue, the parent(s) need to maintain contact with the therapist physician/pediatrician to monitor and/or discontinue medication, as well as to have the contact if their services or anothers services are ever needed in the future.

Another issue of great concern in my practice is the empowerment of children. Children are well able to articulate what they think, feel, want, fear, and enjoy - even from a very early age. Interference with a child's developing capacity to have his or her own thoughts, feelings, ideas, and desires - whether one agrees or disagrees with them (within generally socially accepted norms) - I see as a destructive pattern of behavior and a lack of respect for another's individuality and developing identity.

Issues of parental alienation and, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse are well understood and identified in my practice. I always attempt to therapeutically mediate any and all disputes between parents and children, when at all possible, to reach a consensus - but my primary concern is always the best interest of children.

The major tenets of long-term intensive treatment are:
1. That which is not resolved is repeated.
2. The end of analysis is forgetting - all trauma is resolved and repressed.
3. The ability to love, work, play - unambivalently - has been accomplished.

These are the goals that I strive to achieve with/for all those whom I see in treatment, with the hope that the relationship and work yields the success and pleasure.

MISSION STATEMENT  REGARDING PROVISION OF SERVICES   - JAN. 2011

Please be advised that the openmind.us is not a Public Service non profit service. Fees are charged for services.

 Clients who have concerns about their children, high conflict divorce situations, parental alienation issues, court/litigation induced stress/depression, concerns about the navigation of their court cases, understanding of events related to the interpersonal dynamics of their cases and a variety of other issues  are free to call for a brief consultation, without charge. Meetings, extensive review of materials, collateral contacts as per written permission from clients and approval by clients is an essential part of the forensic consultation and evaluation process, on the part of the client and the client's family.

 Clients who have attorneys retained are encouraged to discuss my case support with their attorneys and discussion and approval by the attorney is a condition of case involvement, as my role is case support in the areas of case analysis/navigation and working in concert with client and attorneys in a variety of roles.

 Forensic Consultation and case navigation is a long, complex, difficult process filled with many problems to be resolved. The goal of such consultation is to work through those difficulties to remain energized, focused and realistic, responding to issues rapidly as they arise.

 All case discussions and material shared are treated as confidential as per names of those who write to us and provide extensive personal material. However, issues which arise from discussions relevant to the court process, impact on those involved and complexity of personality of clients and their expectations are a subject of writing, though the identity of specific individuals is not  disclosed.

Among the problems that Forensic Consultants and Experts encounter is the expectation that there are “instant answers” or that professionals who are concerned with children and family issues should work without charge. Despite the fact that we do a great deal of work for limited fees or fees that are charged are on a sliding scale basis, there is extensive time and work involved in managing these cases and a payment schedule is expected and mutually agreed upon with the client.

 Discussion of client's expectations, participation in the forensic consultation process and significant contact as to work and verbal communication is essential to the case navigation process.

 The client receives both a memorandum of understanding and a Bill of Client Rights. Similarly there are expectations of the client which are written and which appear on the web sites and are provided to the client on retention. Work agreed upon is mutually defined and agreed upon. Either client or Forensic consultant are free to leave at any point in the case if there is a breakdown in communication and or goals of work. The client's material is maintained as confidential unless it is deemed to be of danger to self or others and the concerns are discussed with the client.

 Jill Jones-Soderman

MSW, MSHS

Law and Expert Witness Testimony

Forensic Consultation/Litigation Navigation