Building Confidence, Reducing Distress, Strengthening Relationships

The goal of child therapy is to identify and understand the source of the problem- whether it’s academic, emotional, social, or behavioral- and to work closely with children and their parents to increase their self-confidence, improve their relationships and enhance their feelings of success and accomplishment. CDA psychologists and social workers employ a range of methods to achieve targeted short-term objectives and lasting changes. We work closely with parents, teachers, and other important adults to provide ongoing support and guidance to children. The combination of these efforts helps children to develop their own internal resources, reduce their emotional distress, and build on their intellectual and interpersonal strengths.

Services:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Developmental/Play Therapy
• Social Skills Training
• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
• Family Therapy

Goals:

• Increased confidence and management of school responsibilities and at-home tasks
• Enhanced emotional resilience and reduced distress in social settings
• Improved relationships with friends and family members

Working Through Separation, Managing Stress, Developing Personal Interests

Adolescence presents unique challenges and shifting dynamics, as teens enter high school and move on to college. Increasing academic demands and social pressures, along with opportunities to form new connections and develop passionate interests, make this a combustible, yet potentially deeply rewarding period. Many teenagers and young adults welcome the opportunity to have added support from a therapist as they begin to take on more independence, make difficult choices about college and career paths, and form deeper friendships and romantic relationships. Adolescents and their parents also often need help negotiating their relationship roles during this transitional time. Finding the the right balance between fostering independence and providing support can be difficult for many families.

Services:

• Individual Therapy
• Stress Reduction/Mindfulness Training
• Family Therapy
• Executive Function Training

Goals:

• Increased independence and improved management of academic work and other responsibilities
• Strengthened relationships with friends, romantic partners and family members
• Improved stress reduction and coping strategies

Facing Emotional Challenges, Finding Work/Life Balance, Deepening Relationships

Most adults share a few common goals- to be productive and successful in their work lives, to form and sustain meaningful connections with their friends and loved ones, to find balance in their minds and bodies, and to embrace joy and share happiness. Often there are obstacles to achieving these goals. The reality of stressful jobs, difficult life or family circumstances, or the burden of unresolved sadness or anxiety can prevent women and men from feeling more accomplished and at ease with themselves. For many people, the chance to speak openly with a clinician about short-term dilemmas, personal struggles, relationship issues or career moves can provide welcome relief, and an opportunity to problem solve and build self-confidence.

Services:

• Individual Psychotherapy
• Stress Reduction/Mindfulness Training
• Executive Functioning Training
• Coaching and Professional Consultation

Goals:

• Effective coping skills and enhanced emotional resilience
• Improved personal and professional relationships
• Increased work satisfaction and reduced job-related stress
• Active engagement in wellness activities and personal interests

Negotiating Conflict, Examining Values, Celebrating Joyful Moments

Even well-functioning families can stumble at times when faced with health or mental health challenges, a child’s learning or emotional difficulties, or unexpected life stressors that upset the equilibrium at home. In some families, conflict, stress and animosity can begin to dominate the at-home experience and limit the possibility for renewed growth and reconciliation. Family therapy can help to address the underlying struggles that are disrupting the lines of communication and preventing family members from feeling heard and understood. A parent-focused treatment can help mothers and fathers to develop the tools to handle periods of intense emotional distress and behavioral outbursts, the confidence to trust their own judgment, and the courage to make decisions that reflect their families’ values and aspirations.

Services:

• Family Therapy
• Parent-Focused Treatment
• Parent-Child Therapy
• Separating and Divorce Counseling

Goals:

For family members to:

• Feel listened to and respected, and to develop empathy for one another
• Manage their anger in intense moments, and find more adaptive ways to express frustration
• Recognize and manage situations that increase anxiety, and learn coping skills for managing stress

For parents to:

• Develop a family plan and examine the values that they want to teach their children
• Adopt routines and structure that help their kids develop self-control and respect for others
• Embrace moments of emotional connection and playfulness with their children