As we start a new year under the umbrella of COVID-19, Delta, Omicron, or IHU as parents, educators, and mental health professionals we are pondering the impact of COVID on children from infants to young adults. Lockdowns, cancellations, virtual, and asynchronous learning has shown us that reframing life day by day is our new normal. The impacts of COVID-19 on children ...READ MORE »
Why play? Parents hear the term ‘play therapy’ as a recommendation from physicians and mental health professionals all the time…but how can play be therapeutic? Parents, this is an incredibly appropriate question to ask your provider and it makes sense that you want to know how investing time and money to see your little one play in a therapy room is ...READ MORE »
As a child and adolescent therapist in Washington, DC, I often find that parents are desperate to better understand the thoughts, feelings, and most of all, the behaviors of their developing teenager. Parents often want to build their understanding of this time in development and also crave strategies to help them and their child feel confident and prepared for this ...READ MORE »
Why are family routines important for my children’s well-being? Recent medical, economic, and social crises pose an ongoing threat to what is normal in children’s lives. Many have experienced upsets in routines related to school, out-of-school activities and family life. You and your children have likely experienced these upsets. Leaders of children organizations around the world agree that focusing on having and ...READ MORE »
As a therapist working with adolescents and families, the topics of gender and sexual orientation come up regularly in my work. Times have changed quickly and gender is a very popular topic not only for kids, but also for our broader culture as gender roles are evolving beyond binary terms. Back in the day (actually, not very long ago), we ...READ MORE »
In my previous article, “How to Mother a Middle Schooler: Spoiler Alert, You Already Know!” I spoke of the similarities among the toddler years and tween years. I also addressed how your middle schooler or “tween” has a desire to fit in with peers, (hence they whine, “Everyone has a phone but me!”) and their desire for more independence at ...READ MORE »
It has officially arrived- holiday season 2019! Is it just me or has this year flown by? This time of year can bring upon feelings of excitement, joy, and love. It can also bring upon feelings of anxiety. Through all the travel, family gatherings, and breaks from school/work, some of our children may experience difficulty. As a child and adolescent therapist ...READ MORE »
I’m writing to share some thoughts and information that I’ve gathered on managing technology within your family. I’m a mom of three children (7, 9, and 11), and like many of you, I spent the past summer battling screen usage with my three kids. It’s my most hated fight. I’m also a family therapist in the Washington, DC and ...READ MORE »
Back-to-School can be a stressful and emotional period for both children and parents. This can be true for all families, but if there was a recent separation or divorce in your family, you are likely starting the school year with a ton of new logistics and feelings to consider. Children can be especially anxious at this time. What will they ...READ MORE »
As families experience difficult changes and experiences, children are also experiencing it in their own way. It is important to know that children can come through difficulties such as the death of a loved one, a significant change event , and even trauma in a healthy way if the adults caring for them guide them effectively. As a therapist in ...READ MORE »
