The Sunflower Children's Center caters to children and young adults who have special needs.
For children who have difficulty in communicating or those who find it hard to tell their feelings face-to-face, a play telephone is provided. For those who are hyperactive, a sandbox and a sink with water is also available to calm them.
For aggressive children, an inflated bag, swords and boxing gloves are available so they can release their anger and for the abused and lacked nurturing, stuff toys and dolls are for them.
Psychometrician Rosemond Ruiz said more than the element of play, the activity becomes a form of communication to children who require special attention and understanding.
The center is also painted with pastel colors or colors that are pleasing to the eye. Criselda Marzo, an associate child therapist for four years now, said the interior design of the building was deliberate to erase public stigma that the center caters only to children with psychological problems.
"The common notion is we cater to children with autism or ADHD (attention deficiency hyperactivity disorder)," Marzo said but dispelled this when she revealed that majority of their patients are victims of sexual and physical abuse.
Marzo added that many parents or guardians who want to seek consultation at the center shy away for fear that therapy and counseling is expensive.
She said rates at the center are affordable as they cater mostly to average-income families.
More than their financial capacities, the center requires cooperation and openness from parents and guardians to ensure that whatever is advised during counseling sessions are carried over at home.
"We are here to help, but parents also have a responsibility," Ruiz said, adding that counseling of the parents are included in the program for the therapy of children with special needs.
There are currently 12 therapists in the center, said Rev. Fr. Geraldo Costa, head of the Sunflower Center.
Colleagues, acquaintances and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) refer most of the clients.
To further strengthen the ties between the two agencies, the center, represented by Saint Louis University president Rev. Fr. Jessie Hechanova and the DSWD through Director Porfiria Bernardez signed a memorandum of agreement, whereby children in need of special attention referred to them will in turn be referred to the Sunflower Center.
Therapists at the center will conduct the counseling, evaluation and testing of the children and the DSWD on the other hand, will monitor the progress of the therapy.
The Sunflower Center is located at Home Sweet Homes, along Gov. Pack Road. (RO)
