Child & Adolescent Therapy
Kids
In my practice, these are some of the most common issues that younger children struggle with:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Dyslexia and other learning challenges
- OCD
- Anxiety and depression
- Gender issues and LGBTQ
- Divorce, blended families, nontraditional families
- Tantrums, sensory meltdowns, impulse control, etc.
- Bullying
- Phobias
- Bedwetting
- Making friends, social interactions and relationships
- Communication skills
- Grief
Adolescents
Older kids may struggle with the same issues as younger kids, but I find that kids in middle school or high school are most likely to need help with:
- Substance: drug and alcohol abuse
- Anxiety and depression
- Gender issues/LGBTQ
- Bullying
- Divorce, blended families, nontraditional families
- Impulse control
Common issues I can help with:
These are some of the most common issues I encounter routinely in my practice.
Autism and Asperger Syndrome
I work with these kids to help them to learn social skills, to identify emotions in themselves and others, and to learn to read social cues and interactions. We work on managing behavior (such as stemming and perseverative behaviors) and helping them integrate with family, school and daily life. I help with challenges such as self-destructive behavior, potty training and eating issues. Behavioral therapy and DIR Floortime are useful approaches when working with autistic children. I find both methodologies to be effective and one doesn’t preclude the other.
Dyslexia and other learning challenges
Kids with learning challenges often have issues with self esteem and frustration. Some also experience depression and behavioral problems. I help these kids understand their strengths and help them become less self-conscious and more confident.
LGBTQ & gender identity
I help kids work through their issues related to gender and sexual identity. I’m very familiar with the challenges these kids face in their daily lives.
Other Services
I offer other services to further support the children and adolescents I see in my practice.
Parent Coaching
I work with parents and families to help them integrate strategies I’ve developed to help their child. The parents are an essential part of the solution as they take the reins in implementing the strategies into the child’s daily life. Read more about Parent Coaching
Special Education Consultation
I work with parents who are overwhelmed by a recent diagnosis or buried under recommendations from specialists. I can help them sift through the information, distill it into a more manageable pile, and figure out an effective course of action. This can be especially useful when you’re working with a school system to determine what type of educational, behavioral or occupational therapy services your child needs.
