There used to be a belief that young children were not impacted by stress in the same way as older children or adults. We now know that early experiences matter, and they often have a profound impact on our life.  We learn subtle (and not so subtle) messages from our family, school, and community that have a direct influence on our mental health. Some statements like, “big kids don’t cry” or “you are fine”, while well intentioned can send the message to children to disregard their feelings. This may lead the child to put on a brave face and struggle to cope with difficult emotions on their own. Even young children can begin to experience self-doubt and internalize messages, saying things like, “I am a bad girl”.

Infants enter the world wired for connection. There are a series of interactions referred to as “serve and return” that occur where the baby coos or cries and the parent responds. Parenting is often challenging, and there may be times where it feels like nothing you try is working. You may also feel an overwhelming sense of sadness or worry. That is when seeing a psychologist can help. Infant mental health is closely tied to parental mental health. For infants, therapy involves the therapist and parents working together closely, learning to read the infants’ cues while the therapist also provides support to the parents.

Toddlers and preschoolers are sage communicators; however, they communicate most effectively through their behavior. A child this young will not be able to verbalize what is bothering them. Even many school aged children have not mastered the verbal skills necessary to do this. Therapy with young children is most effective when play is the therapeutic modality used, and when therapy happens in the context of the most important relationships they have, their family. Young children show us what they are thinking and feeling by how they interact with their world. When I work with young children, I include parents/guardians in each session. Together we follow your child’s lead in play and make meaning of what your child is communicating through their behavior.

My approach is collaborative and strength-based. Children are always learning; each interaction is an opportunity for skill building and growth. Early intervention matters and can change the trajectory of your child’s development. Together we will help your child develop skills to promote their mental health and wellness. I am glad you found my practice and look forward to hearing from you.