Children sometimes can be overwhelmed with the demands and expectations of their daily routines including keeping up with schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and ever changing social relationships. The main developmental task of this age group is Self-Competence and Confidence not just in academics but in the development of life skills (friendships, handling emotions, and behavioral choices). Each school year, as demands and expectations increase, children may have difficulty adjusting. At the same time many parents feel overwhelmed by the multitudes of options and advice from family, friends, and media resources. Finding the right parenting style that best meets the needs of your child in each stage of development is key- and possible. In my experience children do best when both they and their parents are equipped with real life tools to navigate any issue. My approach is to work with the parents and their child to explore their unique challenges and needs and to create a realistic plan for growth and change.
Common Concerns:
- Anxiety and Depression
- Attention and Focus
- Impulse Control
- Behavioral Issues in the Home and School
- Physical Aggression- Hitting, destroying property
- Difficulty Regulating their Emotions (anger, emotional control)
- Parental Separation or Divorce
- Co-parenting
- Grief and Loss
- Difficulties with Attachment and Bonding
- Exposures to Trauma
- Adjustment to Adoptive or Foster Family
Types of Therapy for Children
- Directed Play Therapy (through the use of books, games, activities, etc.)
- Social Skills Training (communication, relationship skills)
- Emotional Skill Training (Learning about their emotions and healthy ways of coping)
- Evaluation of Developmental of Milestones
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Trauma- focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Parent-Child Interactions Therapy (PCIT)
- Positive Parenting Techniques
- Individual Treatment Plans based on Specific Needs