EP79: How to Choose the Right Treatment Program for Your Child w/ Dr. Jenna Blum

Episode 79 of the Unspoken Words podcast features Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Jenna Blum exploring the power of intensive group treatment for Selective Mutism — and why it works as a springboard that propels children and teens further, whether they're just starting treatment, midway through, or looking for one final push. Drawing on nearly ten years of CommuniCamp, the SMart Center's intensive group treatment and parent education program, they explain why these few days can do what weekly therapy alone often cannot: create frequent communication opportunities, real-world exposures, and a sense of community that builds confidence one step at a time.

The episode emphasizes that parents are the most instrumental part of progress — that 15-plus hours of parent education help families understand the whys behind their child's mutism, learn how to talk to their child, and carry skills home long after camp ends. Dr. E and Dr. Jenna explore the social identity shift that happens when a child realizes they're not alone, why comfort, connection, and confidence must precede communication, and why meeting a child where they are on the Social Communication Bridge® is never a regression but the true starting point for growth.

Through real-world examples — restaurant and store exposures, the buddy process, and teens who form lasting friendships across states and countries — they show how progress looks different for every child.

The heart of the episode turns to what a group setting uniquely reveals: hidden whys like ADHD, autism, and processing challenges that one-on-one therapy can miss, and how those insights translate into IEP and 504 supports at school. The episode closes with practical guidance on choosing any intensive program, and a reminder that courage is not always loud.

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Chapters:

(03:26) Why Group Treatment Is a Springboard—And How Parents Drive the Progress

(14:20) Meeting Kids Where They Are on the Bridge Without Rushing Them

(16:50) The Social Identity Shift: Why Realizing "I'm Not Alone" Changes Everything

(22:02) Real-World Exposures and the C's That Make Communication Possible

(32:33) What a Group Reveals About the Hidden "Whys"—And Carrying Gains Into School

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: https://selectivemutismcenter.org/resources/

Ask Dr. E a question of your own!

Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum

Explore our SMart Center success stories!

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Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here.

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Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program

Learn more about our 6-week, virtual social skills series, which are skills-based groups designed to help children, teens, & young adults build social communication, comfort, and connection with similar aged-peers in a supportive setting.

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For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠

This podcast was produced and published by New Edition Productions (neweditionconsulting.com)