Child Psychotherapy

It is common for children to experience occasional problems as they grow and mature. They encounter problems with parents and peers as they attempt to establish a personal identity and practice relating to others. They experience conflict with teachers as academic and behavioral demands increase. Psychotherapy offers children the opportunity to identify, discuss, and understand problems and to develop necessary coping skills. It also provides the opportunity to address parental concerns, educate parents regarding their child’s unique needs, and assist them in meeting these needs in appropriate, effective and safe environment.

Signs that a child may benefit from seeing a psychotherapist include:

• Developmental delay
• A significant drop in grades, particularly if your child normally maintains high grades
• Excessive school absenteeism or tardiness
• Problems in transitions (following separation, divorce, or relocation)
• Learning or attention problems (such as ADHD)
• Behavioral problems (such as excessive anger, acting out, bedwetting or eating disorders)
• Episodes of sadness, tearfulness, or depression
• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Being the victim of bullying or bullying other children
• Overly aggressive behavior (such as biting, kicking, or hitting)
• Sudden changes in appetite (particularly in adolescents)
• Insomnia or increased sleepiness
• Mood swings (e.g., happy one minute, upset the next)
• Development of or an increase in physical complaints (such as headache, stomachache, or not feeling well) despite a normal physical exam by your doctor
• Management of a serious, acute, or chronic illness
• Signs of alcohol, drug, or other substance use espcially with teenagers
• Bereavement issues
• Therapy following sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or other traumatic events