Child & Family
From my own experience, I would say that parenting is by far the most wonderful thing ever and also by far the most difficult thing EVER! Raising little people requires a love and an endurance that no other fathomable occupation or endeavor on planet earth can match. And sometimes, a little help can go a long way. Didn’t someone say it takes a village??
If your child is exhibiting behaviors that are cause for concern, therapy may be helpful. Examples may include:
- Loss of interest in activities
- Difficulty going to school
- Difficulty making or keeping friends
- Poor social skills
- Seemingly withdrawn or even isolated
- Sadness or frequent crying
- Pervasive fears or phobias
- Irritability
- Distressing dreams
- Excessively anxious or worried
- Panic attacks
- Lack of impulse-control
- Rage and tantrums
- Aggression
- Acting out behaviors
- Stealing, lying
- Failing grades
- Poor motivation
- Low self-esteem
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
In therapy with children, I utilize a simplified version of cognitive-behavioral theory that involves fun and engaging worksheets, activities, and relevant, applicable play. Together we learn anger management and emotional regulation, acceptable social skills, relaxation strategies for stress management, general coping skills, conflict resolution, and effective communication skills (expressing feelings appropriately). I also recommend scheduling AT LEAST one family session for every 4-6 individual child sessions, so that you can stay informed on their progress, learned skills, and so your child has the opportunity to interact with you and practice the skills with my observational feedback:). General family therapy is also an option and may be strongly recommended when family roles, structure, or interpersonal dynamics are determined to be a possible factor in a child’s behavior.
Specific childhood diagnoses that can benefit from therapy with me include ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Social Anxiety Disorder, high-functioning Autism, Depressive Disorders, and Adjustment Disorders (moving to a new state, major life changes, children of divorce, etc.)