Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Chestnut Ridge, NY.

I have a doctorate in child psychology, and have been a school psychologist, both diagnosing learning problems and doing counseling. I work closely with the parents, and in many cases would not treat the child directly. I usually focus on and get to know the parent, how I can best support them as a parent, as a spouse, and as a person in the world. And, I work with parents so that we are a team together helping you to do the best thing for your child or children.

As a family therapist, I will work with young children, however, this is always done in the context of family therapy. I try to understand what else is happening in the family, and how it may be impacting the child (children). Is there conflict between the parents? Has there been a loss of a loved one? Young children don't always have the language to express their feelings. Parents may also have unresolved issues from their own childhoods which may emerge. Often, much of the work will end up being with the parents, not because they are "bad parents," but because they are the most important people in their children's lives!

Whether your child is experiencing anxiety, frequent tantrums, challenges in school, changes in their mood, friendship difficulties, trauma, low self-esteem, or they are processing family changes, I can help. I have extensive experience working with children in mental health clinics and in school settings. I’ve completed intensive postgraduate clinical training in Child and Adolescent Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. I have advanced training in Play Therapy, and I hold certificates in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and the Creative Arts Therapies. But most importantly, I can help your child express their feelings, uncover bravery, and begin to heal.

Research shows that cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for children with anxiety or depression. Children can learn to manage their anxiety by learning skills to change fearful thoughts and avoidant behaviors. During sessions I use the curative benefits of play therapy to foster learning and development. Play therapy can help children express what is troubling them if they lack the verbal language skills to express their feelings. Structured play therapy allows children to learn and practice problem-solving and social skills. Many issues can be confronted in play therapy and resolutions will be rehearsed and mastered into strategies your child can use after therapy ends.

Children are our future and we want to make sure we can do everything to help them to be happy, healthy, well-adjusted individuals. At Mars and Venus Counseling Center, we see children and their parents as young as one year old. Our services include: effective parenting techniques for your child’s unique personality, anger management, behavior modification, divorce support, anxiety, depression, overcoming fears, social development, and issues at school. Depending on the age of the child, we often incorporate play therapy to communicate with children in their own language. We use puppets, dolls, clay, drawing, as well as a variety of therapy games to help children identify what is upsetting

Being a young human can be difficult. There is a lot to learn and so much newness to navigate with a brain and body that is still developing. We're here to support you and your child through these challenging but exciting times. Our experienced therapists offer creative arts therapy telehealth sessions to children 12 years old and older to help them express and manage their feelings more effectively. We can help. Get in touch with us today.

Therapy for young children, often involving play or art, can be highly beneficial in addressing a variety of emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges. It provides children a safe space to express their feelings and understand their experiences. Therapists help children learn to manage emotions, improve social skills, and cope with difficulties like bullying, trauma, or parental divorce. They can also aid in early detection and intervention for conditions like ADHD or anxiety. By fostering emotional resilience and self-esteem at an early age, therapy can contribute to healthier development and overall well-being in children.

Small children aged 3 to 8 typically do not participate in family therapy because the vast majority of therapists consider such children too young to articulate their feelings or understand complex patterns of behavior. Butler thinks otherwise, as she perfects her skills using an approach called narrative therapy. Often described as “post-modern,” narrative therapy allows clients to put away old, tired versions of the stories they tell themselves [and everybody else] about their lives. Playing more to the clients’ strengths than their weaknesses, the approach urges clients to see themselves as much more than the presenting problem and to identify ways in which they are already taking steps

I do not treat young children because for many problems it is best to teach parents skills for effectively responding to their children's emotional and behavioral needs. I teach what is called Parent Effectiveness Training Skills. This involves helping parents reinforce behaviors in children they wish would occur with greater consistency. Train the parent!

Wise parents bring young children in for counseling for both preventative mental health, and early intervention before problems become entrenched. I work successfully with young children and their families with eating disorders, behavioral problems, attention deficit disorder, school avoidance and school phobia, difficulties with peers, siblings, and parental relationships. I also work with children challenged or frightened by medical symptoms and problems, and help families to learn strategies to cope and transform the challenges into experiences that lead to strength and family cohesiveness.

Many times, child therapists overdo the family system in their quest to seek effective solutions for emotional, learning or behavioral concerns with young children. And many times doctors overpathologize issues that shouldn’t be medicated necessarily. This leaves parents wondering what is the best route for their child? Introducing brainwave optimization technology. A fast, effective, natural, and less expensive way to allow your child's brain to make the optimizing changes it desires to make---on its own! Without any external force, opinion, medication, diagnostic, etc. Contact kevin@kevinflemingphd.com or 877-606-6161.

I work with chilldren 8 and up. At Resolution Counseling Center, we take a family-centered approach that relies on a strong partnership with parents. We acknowledge you as the expert on your child and the one with the power to create a healthier home and school life for them. I'll help through a thorough assessment of what's going on, play therapy and child-oriented methods, a customized plan for your child's wellness, and parent-only feedback and strategy sessions along the way. I'll walk with your family until things are in a better place--reach out anytime.

I offer counseling typically to children 12+ If the child is younger than 12, and needs support for entering middle school, or peer/ social skills with my experience K-12, and graduate school age, please inquire re: need! As a family or with a sibling I would treat younger as well. As always just inquire with more information on how I can assist !

Young children today struggle with understanding what is right and what is wrong. If there should be any psychological medications, I will find the right solution for you referring you to one of our team members at Hudson Valley family Counseling. The in-take form will determine what direction we should take for a happier and healthier personal life for your children

The most malleable of us all. Therefore, that segment of our society that can be most easily molded, sculpted. Since the sculptist is almost always the parents their cooperation in the therapy process cannot be emphasized enough. They are makers or breakers of it. That is why the creation of a trusting alliance with them is critical. However, respecting the boundaries and confidentiality too of the child's work (therapy) with myself. The child is allowed to express, within reason, their individuality. Encouragement is given for adaptive risk-taking and self-soothing mechanisms. I create, a safe, predictable, environment.

Often times children are struggling with issues in their own life and cannot communicate their need for help. It is a parent's job to recognize when something is not right. Helping children identify problems and work through them is a skill that lasts a lifetime. My work with children is based on trust. Only when they feel safe will they begin to reveal their inner thoughts and fears. This is achieved mainly through play therapy and parent child sessions.