Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Hillsdale, NJ.

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!

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!

Dr. Joel and Dr. Sara provide comprehensive and educative consultations with parents to better understand their children's conflicts and self-destructive tendencies. As experienced, licensed and board certified clinical psychologists--who hold advanced degrees and certifications in clinical child psychology, Dr. Joel and Dr. Sara strongly believe that, for children to improve, the initial step has to involve their parents working with compassionate, high-level psychologists who can clarify for and guide them. Although Dr. Joel a and Dr. Sara do not presently accept children as direct clients, they will help you to find appropriate referrals for individual child therapists when necessary.

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.