Clinical interventions for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and elementary-school-age children

We help young children struggling with a range of behavioral, emotional, developmental and family challenges. These include anxiety, ADHD, irritability/anger/mood issues, and depression. We also specialize in addressing difficulties that may occur for children in their child-care, preschool, or school setting, such as behavioral challenges, learning issues, special education needs, being “twice exceptional,” and finding the right school or child-care setting. We also work to help improve parenting & co-parenting and address sources of child and family stress, including separation, divorce, grief, loss & trauma.

Below are some brief descriptions of common concerns we specialize in treating.

Bright child – difficult behaviors

You know your child is intelligent, even very bright. He’s great at building with his LEGOs, loves to learn & share his ideas, and has an amazing vocabulary. However, often he doesn’t want to play with other children or even you, at times. And getting him to stop playing to come to the breakfast, dinner table or get ready for bed can be an all out battle. What is going on here?

Paralyzed by anxiety

It’s your daughter’s BFF’s birthday party. She is emphatic that she wants to go. However, once there, she doesn’t want to go inside. After much cajoling, you get her in the door, where she then clings to your leg for dear life. Dropping off at school has been a nightmare, too, and the teacher says she barely talks. What’s happening to her? 

Nagging concerns

You’ve had nagging concerns about your child for a long time now and were just hoping they would go away. But they haven’t. And you knew she was different in some way from the moment she came out of the womb, especially when you compare her to her siblings. “It’s time to get this figured out,” you say.

My child seems different

You’ve noticed that your child isn’t doing what all the other children are doing. This could be on playdates, on the playground, or when you’re at home with him. And even though your pediatrician, partner, or family say it’s nothing or that he’ll grow out of it, you’ve grown increasingly concerned. “I need to know what’s going on, once and for all,” you say. 

Incredibly frustrated

You are at your wit's end: the endless arguing with your child about every little request, transition or activity, day in a day out, has you alternately depressed, anxious or furious. Disagreements with your spouse about how the handle him or her have escalated. Or maybe you’ve both finally thrown in the towel and agree your efforts aren’t working. “We need help now!,” you say. 

School or child-care challenges

You’re so happy that all your hard efforts have come to fruition and your child is starting his first child-care, preschool or school. It’s a very exciting time. He’s a little on the rambunctious side, but smart as a whip and loves to learn. Not long after the first day, you start to get notes or calls from the school: He’s hurt another child; He doesn’t participate in circle time; He’s saying mean things. Your provider and you are initially cautious: “He’s just started; it’s an adjustment.” But after a month or two, the problems continue or have gotten worse. What’s happening? 

We can help

If any of these sound like your situation, please be in touch. Young children’s development and functioning is complex. Sometimes you don’t know what’s going on. Sometimes you’ve been wondering. Sometimes it’s very clear that there are challenges. What you want now is to have a better understanding of what’s going on and how you can make things better.

We love to partner with parents to figure out these these kinds of challenges and create solutions for your child, family, and school or child-care program. We take a comprehensive whole-child and all-environment approach to learn about your child’s challenges AND all his strengths and gifts. Then we work together to improve your child’s and your family’s daily life.

How to get started

In our first phone call, we’ll talk in more detail about what’s happening. We’ll listen to your description and ask some questions to make sure we can be helpful. We’ll review our assessment and treatment process and the fees for our services. If we decide to work together, we’ll schedule an initial parent consultation meeting as soon as possible.