family therapist
Child Therapy...
As much as we try to protect our children from harm, there are many difficult circumstances facing school-aged children today. As parents, you may at times feel overwhelmed with the challenges of raising children in our fast paced and stressful society. Whether you are raising children as a single parent, married couple, or blended family, there will be times when you may need guidance or support in coping with your child’s behavior. Given the stressors facing families today, many parents find that taking children to see a child therapist individually, or getting family therapy, can greatly help in navigating the paths of childhood and adolescence.
Some common issues facing school age children are: conflicts with siblings, school issues, bullying, learning disabilities, eating disorders, childhood anxiety, insomnia, childhood trauma related to death or illness in the family, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, separation anxiety, and adjusting to divorce or blended families.
Some children are born with a more anxious or sensitive temperament, others are born naturally strong willed or oppositional. These children can be challenging for parents who may not know how to adjust their style of discipline or care-taking for their child’s specific needs. Often working with a therapist who specializes in child therapy given parents an objective perspective on what is happening, and how they can best respond to the child’s behavior.
I use an attachment-focused style of therapy incorporating family systems perspectives, positive discipline as opposed to punishment, and cognitive-behavioral strategies. I also incorporate family therapy into the work with children when there is a need for improved communication and behavioral management between family members. When working with children, I use a variety of play therapy techniques including:
- Sand Tray therapy
- Art Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Storytelling
- Creative Visualization
- I also specialize in using EMDR with children who have been affected by childhood trauma.
Signs that you and your child may need help:
- Behavioral problems occurring at school or home
- Academic challenges
- Isolation from peers, shyness, school anxiety
- Learning or attention challenges
- Children who are highly sensitive or “Spirited” (see http://hsperson.com/books/the-highly-sensitive-child/)
- Children who are depressed, withdrawn or frequently angry
- Exposure to child abuse or Domestic violence, having one or more parent who is addicted to drugs or alcohol
- Families going through challenging transitions (birth of a sibling, entering new school, moving, job loss)
- A death or other loss of someone close to your child or family
- Separation or Divorce
- Adopted children
If you are not sure whether or not to seek help for your family or your child, I offer a free 30 minute phone consultation to help you assess your situation and make recommendations.