Being a good child psychologist has been my passion since I started graduate school almost 30 years ago and most of my field training, formal education and professional work has been focused on children. Children participate in therapy in distinctly different ways than adults do. The ability to share past experiences, process feelings and reflect on behavior depends not only on a child’s age, but on her language skills, attention, social experiences, interaction skills and willingness to be there. Similarly, how well therapy “works” depends on many factors, particularly since most children can’t make changes without the support of the people around them, especially without the help of their caregivers.

Working with teenagers is a particular interest of mine because I enjoy their unique perspectives and the challenges that they present in therapy. One of my first priorities is to form a trusting relationship with the teen so that he feels comfortable, respected and safe. Sometimes this relationship forms quickly and easily and sometimes a solid working relationship takes many sessions over a period of months to be established.

My clinical work with adults is varied in a way that balances the therapy I do with children and expands the range of skills I can competently use. Some adults see me to work on their parenting skills, which could involve talking through past or present experiences or adapting techniques to support their child’s unique developmental needs. I also see adults who are managing their own mental health needs, whether that is coping with a specific diagnosis or adjusting to a major life change.