There are many reasons for parents to bring their child to see a child psychologist. Through my work with children and their families as a child psychologist, I have found that parental concerns usually fall into two different categories. The first and most common category is academic concerns. The second category is emotional concerns, which includes behavioral and relational problems. It is very difficult to treat these concerns separately because many times there is significant overlap. This is why a thorough initial assessment is, in my opinion, the most important part of child therapy. It can be frustrating for parents to be patient during the process, when their child is struggling in one or more areas of his or her life. The good news is that once the problem is identified, significant improvements usually can be made.
Parents play the most important role in child therapy. Although I believe meeting with the child alone is a necessary part of child therapy, I have found that my work with parents can make the greatest difference in a child's life. In addition to my private practice, I work as a child psychologist with children and families in Oakland at Westcoast Children's Clinic. My patients range in age from young children to older adolescents who suffer from a wide variety of problems. Many of these kids suffer both academically and emotionally, have had significant traumas, and have experienced great loss.
I understand getting help for your child can feel like a daunting process. I encourage you to call me to set up an initial consultation or to discuss what would be the best form of treatment for your child.
