Child Psychotherapy

At times children can behave in ways that confound and worry their parents and teachers. Sometimes their behavior is symptomatic of transient issues that have arisen in response to temporary stressors; however other times their difficulties do not resolve on their own and become more concerning.

In these circumstances these children frequently present with problems in school, social difficulties, argumentativeness and oppositionality. While some children experience intense emotional states, others may appear more withdrawn, making it harder to identify their suffering. Symptoms can include separation anxiety, school refusal, hyperactivity, negative attention seeking, disproportionate worry, or temper tantrums.

Therapy can help children explore and overcome these problems. While some children are able to articulate their feelings, most tend to be unaware of the underlying issues that affect their feelings and behavior. These children are often more comfortable expressing themselves through imaginative play, which can then be understood with the help of their therapist.

Because I recognize that  parents are the most important people in the life of a child, regular communication with parents is critical to successful therapy. Private consultations with parents, once or twice a month, provide opportunities for me to provide feedback, discuss your ongoing concerns, and offer parenting suggestions.