Monthly Magic is a publication of The Real Work. It offers Science-Backed, Neuroaffirming News from our therapy collective and is written by real therapists, never AI.

Past Issues of the Monthly Magic

Past Issues

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Past Issues

Past Issues ✳︎ Past Issues

Enjoy Learning with Us? Read Our Therapist Blog for More Research-backed articles written by real people!

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Am I helping or enabling? The Accommodation Dilemma Faced by Parents of Neurodivergent kids
Am I helping or enabling? The Accommodation Dilemma Faced by Parents of Neurodivergent kids

Let’s say you’re asking your kid to brush their teeth and it's an immediate meltdown. You hold the line and insist...and 25 minutes later you’re exhausted and so is your kid...but you know they know how to brush. When our kids are attempting to navigate our expectations or are struggling with a task or demand, we as parents are faced with a tough judgement call: would helping or removing the demand support them, or would it interfere with their ability to develop independence? How do we tell?

This month I spoke with Real Work Therapist Janelle Stuvland, LPC, who works primarily with neurodivergent kids and parents here, to help unpack this dilemma and to learn what helps parents navigate this.

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The Neurobiology of Mixed Feelings: Back-to-School Reflections from The Real Work
The Neurobiology of Mixed Feelings: Back-to-School Reflections from The Real Work
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How to respond if your child asks “am I fat?”
How to respond if your child asks “am I fat?”

When a child asks, "Am I fat?", they're often asking a much deeper question about belonging, safety, and self-worth. In this research-informed guide, therapist Mick James explores how parents can respond in ways that foster a healthy body image, reduce weight stigma, and strengthen connection. Learn practical, developmentally appropriate strategies for talking with children about body size, health, and self-esteem without shame while helping them build a lifelong relationship of trust with both their bodies and the adults who care for them.

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Helping Boys Understand Brains, Emotions, and Anger: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Perspective
Helping Boys Understand Brains, Emotions, and Anger: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Perspective
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Does your child have a special interest? Do they perhaps want to connect with others around it in a low-pressure setting? The Real Work is rolling out our series of special interest groups! The first series is below. Don't see your kiddo's interest
Does your child have a special interest? Do they perhaps want to connect with others around it in a low-pressure setting? The Real Work is rolling out our series of special interest groups! The first series is below. Don't see your kiddo's interest yet? Head to our website and tell us what you'd like to enroll them in! SCIENCE SERIES! WINTER 2025 – SPRING 2026 NEXT GROUP GATHERING: December 7 from 3-4 pm SUB TOPIC: Outer space Upcoming gatherings/subtopics: January (date TBD): Animals and insects February (date TBD): Dinosaurs March (date TBD): Rocks, minerals, plants, nature April (date TBD): Engineering and physics Day/time of group: Our special interest groups are hosted once/month. Generally, they will take place on Sunday afternoons from 3-4 pm. Location: In person at our office in downtown Beaverton! Age range: At this time, the group is open for neurodivergent kids ages 5-12. Format of group: There will be a facilitator present (Gabi) as well as 1-2 volunteers associated with the Real Work. Group gatherings will be one hour in length. There will be some materials provided related to the monthly topic, and your child is encouraged to bring their own items to show and tell too! Parents and/or caregivers will be asked to stay present for the duration of the group. Special interest topics: Every 3-6 months we will offer a different “series” for our special interest groups (for example, science, video games, vehicles, etc.) Within each series, there will be a “subtopic” each gathering with the hope that kids with very niche special interests know where to find each other. However, your child is welcome to join any/all of the gatherings they would like to! Other important information: At this time, we are able to host 5 families per group meet up. We will cap registration after the first 5 families register. Upon registering, you will pay a fee of $30 and sign a consent form. (Please email Gabi at gabi@realworkwellness.com if you would like to attend but finances are a barrier). Upon registering for the group, you will receive more information from Gabi, the facilitator. Please email any questions you have to Gabi at gabi@realworkwellness.com.
Fall looks good on us @therealworkpdx
#playtherapy #childdevelopment #therealworkpdx #therapyforkids #occupationaltherapy
Part of being a collective means our therapists contribute a lot of their own inspiration and items to our practice! Shoutout to Amber for bringing in some amazing books from her home to find a new home at The Real Work ❤️
Part of being a collective means our therapists contribute a lot of their own inspiration and items to our practice! Shoutout to Amber for bringing in some amazing books from her home to find a new home at The Real Work ❤️
Yes we are “testing” these during Consultation Group it’s a very important job 😆
Yes we are “testing” these during Consultation Group it’s a very important job 😆
✨ Meet Heather FD ✨ Play Therapist & Clinical Supervisor Heather brings 16 years of experience as a play therapist and clinical supervisor, working with children ages 2–14 and their families. In therapy, Heather specializes in: 💛 Supporti
✨ Meet Heather FD ✨ Play Therapist & Clinical Supervisor Heather brings 16 years of experience as a play therapist and clinical supervisor, working with children ages 2–14 and their families. In therapy, Heather specializes in: 💛 Supporting children through grief, loss, and big life transitions 🌱 Helping parents break cycles of intergenerational trauma 🌟 Building lasting connections with neurodivergent kids 🤝 Guiding parents and children to discover the relational magic of play In addition to her work with families, Heather also provides supervision, consultation, and training for play therapists! If you're a therapist, stay tuned here for training opportunities with Heather here at The Real Work in Beaverton! We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Heather’s wisdom, warmth, and playfulness to our team! 🌿
WE HAVE OUR OWN STICKERS HOW CUTE IS THAT? now accepting ideas for other affirming stickers we should have on hand here at The Real Work! Comment your ideas!
WE HAVE OUR OWN STICKERS HOW CUTE IS THAT? now accepting ideas for other affirming stickers we should have on hand here at The Real Work! Comment your ideas!
Meet Janelle Stuvland, MA, LMFT Associate If you’ve been looking for someone who deeply understands how to support kids and families through big transitions and emotional storms, Janelle might be just who you need. She works with children ages 3-12, teens, and their caregivers, specializing in anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation, behavior challenges, ADHD, and life changes like moving, divorce, or loss. Janelle uses play therapy, attachment-based and trauma-informed approaches, nonverbal expression (art, sand trays, toys) and parent coaching to build connection, safety, and resilience. She believes every behavior is communication, and works with parents to help them feel confident and supported. When she’s not in the therapy room, you’ll find her exploring the outdoors with her two kids, playing word games, trying things she’s not yet good at (because growth!), and indulging in puns (though her kids may or may not approve😆). 📍At The Real Work therapy collective in Beaverton, Oregon; online/in-person options; available for kids/teens (in person) and parents online/in person on Mondays & Wednesdays. If you want someone who meets you where you are with warmth, honesty, and a playful spirit, Janelle could be the one to walk alongside you and your child.
Baby squirrel rescued from the nature-based play therapy space at The Real Work! Shoutout to therapists Collin, Gabi, and Bonnie, and Bonnie’s daughter for the rescue of “Young Fredle” the baby 🐿️ 💜
Does your child have a special interest? Do they perhaps want to connect with others around it in a low-pressure setting? The Real Work is rolling out our series of special interest groups! The first series is below. Don't see your kiddo's interest
Fall looks good on us @therealworkpdx
#playtherapy #childdevelopment #therealworkpdx #therapyforkids #occupationaltherapy
Part of being a collective means our therapists contribute a lot of their own inspiration and items to our practice! Shoutout to Amber for bringing in some amazing books from her home to find a new home at The Real Work ❤️ Yes we are “testing” these during Consultation Group it’s a very important job 😆 ✨ Meet Heather FD ✨ Play Therapist & Clinical Supervisor Heather brings 16 years of experience as a play therapist and clinical supervisor, working with children ages 2–14 and their families. In therapy, Heather specializes in: 💛 Supporti WE HAVE OUR OWN STICKERS HOW CUTE IS THAT? now accepting ideas for other affirming stickers we should have on hand here at The Real Work! Comment your ideas!
Meet Janelle Stuvland, MA, LMFT Associate If you’ve been looking for someone who deeply understands how to support kids and families through big transitions and emotional storms, Janelle might be just who you need. She works with children ages
Baby squirrel rescued from the nature-based play therapy space at The Real Work! Shoutout to therapists Collin, Gabi, and Bonnie, and Bonnie’s daughter for the rescue of “Young Fredle” the baby 🐿️ 💜