Frequently Asked Questions About The Thrive Group

The Thrive Method is a comprehensive approach developed by Miriam Manela Frankel to help children and families overcome behavioral and developmental challenges. We take a whole-person approach, focusing on addressing the root causes of each person’s challenges so they can adapt, progress, and truly thrive.

The Thrive Method is built on individualized, evidence-based interventions tailored to each person’s unique needs. By combining various therapies and techniques, we empower each individual to achieve lasting changes in their behavior and emotional development.

Who can benefit from The Thrive Method?
The Thrive Method is designed for children, teenagers, and adults dealing with a variety of challenges, including:
– Behavioral issues
– Emotional regulation difficulties
– Developmental delays
– Sensory processing concerns
– Academic and focusing challenges in school

As occupational therapists, our goal is to enable children and individuals to respond to stimuli more adaptively by achieving balance within the nervous system. Rather than focusing only on the person’s communication, we look at the physical signs their body shows. During sessions, we focus on treating these physical manifestations of emotional dysregulation using techniques such as sensory integration, reflex work, and therapeutic exercises. These methods help decrease a person’s automatic reactions to stress. This enables the person to recognize how their nervous system responds to stress and what triggers it. Sessions also focus on teaching practical strategies for self-regulation in overwhelming situations. In addition, we offer parenting guidance sessions on supporting your child when they are dysregulated.

The timeline for results varies depending on the individuals’s specific needs and goals. Some families notice changes within weeks, while others may take a few months. Consistency and active participation are key to achieving success with The Thrive Method.

Yes, The Thrive Method is especially effective for children with special needs. It was designed to address a wide range of developmental and behavioral issues, making it ideal for children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and more.

While The Thrive Method is primarily designed for parents and families, it also benefits adults and other caregivers, such as teachers, therapists, and pediatricians. Our goal is to provide every caregiver with the tools they need to help the child thrive.

Yes, The Thrive Method can complement other therapies you or your child may receive. It is often used in conjunction with traditional treatments, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral therapy, to provide a comprehensive approach to care.

To begin, we recommend scheduling an evaluation. We will assess your/ your child’s needs and develop a tailored plan integrating The Thrive Method. From there, we will guide you through each step of the process.

We have offices in Brooklyn, NY, Passaic, NJ, and Lakewood, NJ. We offer in-person and virtual sessions.

The evaluation includes two appointments, during which we thoroughly assess your child to develop a personalized treatment plan and therapy goals. The first appointment is a 45-minute session with the parents, either in person or virtual. The second appointment is a 1.5- to 2-hour in-person testing session.

Testing will cover a range of areas, including sensory processing, sensory regulation, motor planning, auditory processing, gross and fine motor skills, social skills, and behavioral patterns.

Typically, we recommend a 45-minute therapy session once a week. Depending on the individual’s needs, we sometimes recommend two weekly sessions.

Sessions are usually 45 minutes long, but we sometimes recommend 60 minutes. Parent or caregiver sessions may be scheduled for one hour or more.

We request that a parent or caregiver be present during each session. Parents often play an active role in therapy sessions.

Our goal in treatment is to work with you, the parent or caregiver, to facilitate your goals for your child. All sessions include a measure of evaluation, as we observe your child’s postural and behavioral responses as he or she interacts with the therapist, with you, and with the therapy equipment.

Your full attention to your child and the therapist is needed, so it is best not to bring siblings with you (except in cases of urgent need).

At each session, we provide short activities or recommendations for parents to do at home that are often enjoyable for both the child and the parent. This may include suggestions for communicating with your child and other simple strategies that support and reinforce progress made during therapy at The Thrive Group sensory gym. Children whose therapy is reinforced at home generally progress more rapidly.

The Thrive Group has a two-business-day cancellation policy. You will be charged a cancellation fee (50 percent of the regular rate) for any cancellations and/or missed appointments unless you provide at least two business days’ notice. Please inform the office of cancellations by calling 973-602-7744 or emailing info@thethrivegroup.co. If you reach voicemail, please leave a message.

Pricing for The Thrive Method varies based on the level of support and the therapy duration needed. Please visit our pricing page for more details.

Payment is due at each therapy session.

– Credit/debit cards (3% processing fee)
– HSA/FSA cards (3% processing fee)
– Zelle
– Personal checks

The Thrive Group is an out-of-network provider. We provide superbills and all necessary documentation so you can submit for insurance reimbursement. All payments must be billed directly to Thrive, and your insurance may reimburse you.
You can also request a gap exception from your insurance company. Please see The Thrive Group Insurance Reimbursement Recommendations for helpful guidance.