Specialties
Emotional and Behavioral Concerns
Not listening, problems adjusting, anxiety, sadness, poor behavior, perfectionism- these are some of the issues that may be affecting your child. I will help you understand what your child’s behavior is communicating and how to respond in ways that help. I will teach you how to address challenging behaviors so that your child behaves better, and so that your relationship with your child also becomes stronger and healthier. Together, you and I will figure out what your child needs, and get your child back on track.
Trauma and PTSD in Children
If your child has been traumatized or experienced something very scary or upsetting, it is natural to be worried. I can advise you how to help your child at home, and I also offer children’s trauma therapy,
The right help can turn a frightening and upsetting event into a manageable, far less painful memory, leaving your child empowered as they move forward in their life.
If you are preparing to adopt a child who has been traumatized or experienced attachment disruption, pre-adoption parenting preparation can equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to support your child and promote the bonding process.
Attachment Issues in Children
The parent-child bond is unique and special. But what if the relationship you have with your child is unhealthy or has been disrupted? You may find your child pushes you away and resists affection unless they want something. They may lash out at you unpredictably or do bizarre or disturbing things. You can learn how to create a secure attachment with your child. I can work with you to help you understand your child’s behaviors better and develop new ways of relating with your child.
Learning Challenges
Reading, writing, math, and study skills form the basis of academic success. If your child is struggling with learning, I can work with you to implement a plan to turn things around. The right approach can make a big difference, not only for your child’s academic achievement, but also for their confidence and self-esteem. If more of the same has not been working, consider trying a customized approach designed by a psychologist.
Performance Anxiety in Youth
Being skilled and being able to show your skill in a performance situation are two very different things. Some children become anxious when it is performance or game or exam time, holding them back from being able to fully show what they can do. I teach strategies to help children bring their best in performance situations. Your child can learn to recognize their body cues that signal stress, and then lower their anxiety using visualization and positive self-talk.