ABSTRACT
As a comprehensive set of postural principals for therapists working with children, the ORCA-Stance sets a rich and expansive frame for the development of a real relationship with child clients. Openness to the uniqueness of the specific child one is working with and openness to one’s own experience in the work allows for vulnerability and cultural humility in the process. A respectful therapist meets the child at their developmental level, offers radical acceptance, and works at the child’s pace. Openness and respect are the foundation for perspective-taking, which is key to not making assumptions with clients who are children. Staying curious helps therapists to listen more closely to, and to make space for, individual differences within their child clients. Accountability to power sets the foundation for the clinician to honor the children who are their clients while also avoiding the perpetuation of dysfunctional power dynamics. Identifying and addressing power dynamics in the system is integral to establishing healing spaces for children, which is necessary for positive therapeutic outcomes. Children’s emotions, experiences, and symbolic worlds are revealed and validated through the four postures of the ORCA-Stance. A case study is examined and best practices suggested.
