Children and adolescents sometimes feel alienated, unhappy, worried, confused, angry, sad, and depressed. These feelings often manifest as different behaviors in youngsters vs. adults; and therefore the problems may be difficult for parents to detect and understand.
DOES YOUR CHILD…?
- Show diminished interest in everyday activities
- Withdraw socially from other kids and family members
- Spend too much time with video games and social media
- Show a change in sleeping or eating habits
- Express self-doubt, self-blame, and a sense of worthlessness
- Worry excessively
- Experience a sense of panic
- Have trouble concentrating
- Seem disorganized
- Act impulsively
- Exhibit disruptive and oppositional behavior
- Exhibit risky behavior, including indications of substance use or self-injury
- Express suicidal thoughts or behavior
HOW CAN I HELP?
In addition to psychotherapy with adults, I have a specialty of working with children and adolescents. It is important first for me to evaluate your child in order to understand the problem. Therapy itself consists of individual sessions as well as parent and family sessions as needed. The goal of my work is to help youngsters learn how to monitor their own thoughts, feelings, and behavior; attain a greater sense of self-control and self-esteem; and develop strategies and resilience for coping with adversity.
A particular focus in my work is helping youngsters who have been bullied. Victims of bullying suffer tremendously. Over time, victims of bullying can be the same individuals who bully others. Thus early intervention is crucial.