My services are available to children ages 4-17. A typical session lasts 45 minutes. Generally, I see the primary caregiver first to collect an accurate developmental/social history and to understand the presenting problem. Depending on the age of the child, they may be present during this interview.

I strongly recommend a recent physical exam (to be performed by an MD) to rule out any medical causes for behavior. I cannot prescribe medication but would be happy to communicate and work in tandem with any pediatrician as long as parents, or primary caregiver sign a release to exchange confidential information.

Successful therapy usually involves a very active role for parents, primary caregivers and children. I look forward to working with you and your children as a team.

Regardless of the age of the child, I believe in giving them a respectful and confidential relationship. While it is well within the parents' rights to have access to records, I prefer to report on progress and meet regularly, so that we can review goals, set new ones and notice any changes.

When working with children and adolescents, I utilize play therapy, art therapy, family therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and narrative therapy, which has proven to be successful in most cases.

The initial focus of the therapy is on building a relationship between a child and the therapist. This relationship is a very important tool in the therapeutic process because a child or adolescent will more readily talk about their intimate feelings when they feel respected and accepted. In the sessions the therapist uses specific techniques to assess how a child or adolescent experience their world and how they communicate and react to the events and people in their world. Children are lead to become aware of what they are feeling and opportunities are given to express these feelings. Awareness is a very important process in therapy, because without awareness change is not possible. Throughout the therapy the child or adolescent is empowered and supported to learn more about who they are, to talk about things that are frightening or painful, to be self supportive and to experiment with new behavior.