Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Plandome, NY.

Having a troubled child can be very upsetting, whether the child seems worried, sad, angry, or oppositional. My work focuses on alleviating the child's suffering as well as helping the parent learn strategies to feel more effective in dealing with their child's problems. In helping young children, I usually work with the child (through talking therapy and/or play therapy,) the parent (through exploring behavioral and communication strategies) and the parent-child relationship (through assisting the family members to communicate better and collaborate on solutions to the problems.) My approach is eclectic and includes psychodynamic, behavioral and cognitive behavioral elements.

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

When a child is presented for treatment barring organic causes, the first question one asks, " Who has the problem?" Is it the child, parents, school or the interactions of all?" After interviewing the child and parents (conducted in both family and individual sessions), I present the parents with an evaluation. Dependent on the severity of the child's problems and the ability of the parents to mobilize their parenting skills, it is decided to address the presenting problems with individual sessions as well as family sessions. My attempt is to minimize the treatment of the child and enable the parents to learn to parent through "Creative Loving" (a program that Dr. PItta created).

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.

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.

Children are sweet, sensitive, naive and trusting. Many children enter a world where there is more chaos than they deserve. Chaos challenges the ability o function optimally. In working with adults, parents and caregivers, I guide and educate adults in children lives how to Make best available choices while functioning under stress. By doing such, the adult is modeling for the child(ren) effective, strategic and positive ways of coping. As well, I work With children helping them identify, define and express their sometimes complex emotions. By effectively processing feelings children are then able to go on to play , properly develop age appropriately and build a healthy strong self.

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.