Do ever wonder if your child's tantrums are “normal”? Do your child's teacher's describe him/her as more active than other children his/her age? Does your child seem to be overly aggressive with other children? Do you feel you have tried everything to get your child to act the way you want with no or little success? You are not alone! Many parents feel this way and these feelings are what have landed families just like yours on my doorstep. I have worked with children and families for over 15 years in clinical, home and school settings. The bond between parent and child is a special one and it is an honor to play a role in strengthening that bond. I specialize in working with young children (birth - 7), however I enjoy working with all ages up through Elementary school age. Because young children learn and grow in the context of a relationship with their primary caregivers, I view therapy as a whole family affair. I encourage the key players in that child's life to be involved in therapy and involve parents and direct caregivers in the therapy sessions as much as possible. I use a variety of methods including: child-directed play, parent-child therapy, and intentional skill building activities. I work with each family to tailor an approach that will meet your individual needs. For more information about what play therapy is and why it is used, click HERE.
*A note about Infant Mental Health. People often ask why a baby would need therapy. English Psychologist, Donald Winnicott, is famous for saying that there is no such thing as a baby - there is only a baby and someone else, meaning a baby cannot exist without a caregiver. The term "infant mental health" is really describing the relationship between the caregiver and the child. All human relationships are complex and the relationship between parent and child is no different. Problems can arise for a variety of reasons including adoption, postpartum depression or even simply a difference in temperament between the caregiver and child. Many new parents feel at a loss when they bring a new baby into their home, and I can help make that transition easier.