Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Pottstown, PA.

Youth Connection is an intensive program for those individuals who suffer from addiction, but are also faced with the challenges of young adulthood. Teenagers and young adults, 18 – 25 years of age, who suffer from drug or alcohol addiction often find themselves dealing with additional pressures. They may have trouble with their workload at school, associate with delinquent peers, suffer from a lack parental supervision, or just generally exhibit feelings of inadequacy, poor self-image, or even depression. They have not learned the necessary skills that would otherwise enable them to cope with everyday life situations.

Our therapists have extensive backgrounds working with families and children. Each therapist has been trained specifically in a form of therapist with children and is prepared to address various issues such as, behavioral issues, grief and loss, ADHD, life transitions, divorce, social anxiety, self esteem, trauma, addiction issues, etc. Each of our therapists provides a safe, warm, and empathetic environment for children and families to relax and heal.

In our current over-scheduled, over-pressured world, families are confronting problems they have little capacity to do anything about. We can tend to cope by getting stuck in a narrow range of behaviors and responses even if they are not helpful. A child who has learned to have temper tantrums when she is angry, and her parents who have learned to punish or pamper her, are stuck in maladaptive, non-growthful environments—‘a bad play’. It’s like playing the same part in the same play on the same stage day after day. A key component in this play is often our children’s behavioral, emotional and leaning difficulties that are so disruptive or dysfunctional - all we want to do is stop it. As pare....

Dr. Jemail has worked with children and families for over 35 years. She has expertise in diagnostic work of learning differences, depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, autism spectrum disorders, coping with parental separation and divorce, attachment disorders, peer issues, cutting and self mutilation and behavioral problems including aggression, stealing, biting, and bullying. Her work with children involves family work. She has expertise in neuropsychological testing and provides second opinions to parents and school districts in DE and PA. She will do school observations and provide consultations in the school as needed.

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!

Unlike adults, young children have not fully developed their ability to communicate uncomfortable feelings. Often children will act out when they feel angry, worried, or sad. I specialize in helping children with grief and trauma in a safe and understanding environment. Children express their difficult feelings through story telling, playing, and drawing. I work with the parent and the child to develop coping skills that help the child to feel happier and express their emotions in a healthier manner. I was trained to address grief and trauma after Hurricane Katrina with children in New Orleans.

When working with young children, my natural passion and connection for children guide every therapy session. In my practice, I help children to feel seen as the beautiful, resilient and joyfulness that they are, which allows me to build a bond with your child so can open up to me through play and creative expression. I create a space where your child feels comfortable expressing their need for love, which allows me to tell you (the parent) how your child loves.

We understand that managing your personal life and addressing the needs of your child can be burdensome. We offer an an online treatment record that you have access to anytime, anywhere. Because your child's health information can be cumbersome we let you keep access to their RECORDS even when your no longer with us. We also provide pre-visitation updates prior to their scheduled appointments.

Our approach to helping and counseling young children is focused on establishing positive rapport and trust. We accomplish this through validation of a child's feelings and emotions. We also believe in creating a very warm and caring environment, and work through the use of art and music to make a child feel comfortable. Counseling children requires time and patience, as each child is unique. Most importantly, we work closely with parents, as change is families occurs in a system, requiring all family members to work together on change.

As your child's therapist my job is to help your child identify their strengths and take pride in who they are. I will create a safe environment for them to express themselves using play, art and games through which they can learn about their emotions and to express themselves in healthy ways. In addition to helping your child, I know that It can feel scary, sad and lonely when your child is struggling. I have had a great deal of experience in empowering parents to be the best supports to their children as they can be. I can do the same for you!