Caitlin Day, MSW, LSW
I was drawn to this work because of a deep value for being truly seen and known. The opportunity to help others see and know themselves through therapeutic support is a privilege. My approach is relational and rooted in interpersonal neurobiology, with a focus on attachment. I work collaboratively and gently, because I believe in letting you and your family lead the way in your healing. I don’t think you need fixing - you might just want tools, new perspectives, and another person to carry your story alongside you.
I see children (3+), adolescents, and adults. My focus is often working with those exploring the impact of unique family-building and/or parental separation and loss. I incorporate art, play, and creative expression in my work, as well as elements of somatic work, dialectical-behavioral therapy, skill-building, and resourcing. For children and adolescents who are interested, I often utilize both non-directive and directive play and creative expression in sessions. I take an active approach and incorporate education and resources that fit your unique needs. I see myself as a partner in enhancing your skills, helping you gain insight, and empowering you toward change.
It is important to me to individualize our sessions and bring my own vulnerability and authenticity into our therapeutic relationship. I carry multiple parts of myself, and I understand that you do too. I am a Columbus native, a dog lover, a sister, a daughter, a partner. I am also a donor conceived person. I can understand the delicate balance of honoring our histories and seeking connection within families. Through empathic and relational care, I hope to help you feel more present, more empowered, more understood, and more stable.
I received a Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Wittenberg University. With experience in child welfare, domestic violence, youth programming, and school-based mental health, I have worked with those impacted by parental separation and loss for over eight years. I use my personal and professional experience, supplemented with continual training and consultation with others with lived experience, to support individuals and families as a part of their mental and behavioral health journeys.
I am excited to meet you.
For a free 20 minute consult or to schedule an appointment, please email me at caitlin@encompassadoptees.org.
Areas of Focus/ Specializations
Working with youth & teens, and families — Helping families increase coping skills in dealing with big emotions and difficult experiences
Attachment and trauma-informed parenting support
Developmental, interpersonal, and generational trauma
Support for adoptive and recipient parents of DCP — knowing when and how to share your child’s information, empowering your child in knowing and holding their own story, holding space for the many emotions accompanying these experiences
Support for adults who have experienced parental separation, DNA discoveries, and/or surprises — Navigating the impact on self-perception, coping with DNA discoveries, identifying and integrating the complex emotions related to identity, navigating relationships with family
Processing grief and loss
Benefits of using play in therapy - for youth
Children learn to understand the world and communicate through play. Using imagination and metaphor as a lens for understanding, we can gain insight into children’s inner worlds and help them feel and/or find the words to process the hard things. When children have experienced attachment injury, parent-child play can help rebuild healthy attachment and trust and make communication safer.
Offers sensory experiences and movement
Aids in developement of coping strategies and problem-solving skills
Practicing social skills and frustration tolerance (sharing, mirroring, impulse control, etc)
Builds empathy, kindness, and respect for others
Allows for a fuller expression of feelings and processing of trauma (especially those that are preverbal and/or difficult to find language for)
Increases capacity for healthy attachments
Strengthens family relationships to understand and communicate with their children — play is a great equalizer
“It’s wonderful to be loved but its profound to be understood.”