Children & Families:
Children, Parenting, New Baby

Is your child having difficulty succeeding with school or making and keeping friends?

  • Are you concerned about changes you see in them or in yourself as a parent?
  • Are your attempts to get along running into dead ends?
  • Are you overwhelmed by the task of parenting?
  • Are you concerned about negative influences on your child?
  • Is your child’s behavior concerning or alarming?

Initially, my work with pre-teens and teens begins with a meeting with parents so I might understand clearly what you would like to have happen for your child.  I would like to gain your perspective on what is currently happening as well as about your child’s development so far.  Results of previous evaluations and relevant school records can be very helpful.  I will then meet with your child for one to three diagnostic sessions.  Generally, I then meet with parents and present my findings and make treatment recommendations. I may make parenting recommendations, let you know what to expect and tell you how you might best enhance your child’s treatment. 

My recommended treatment for your child and family may include the following:

Counseling:  This could include emotional support, advice, game play, art therapy, and/or education leading to better understanding, self acceptance and behavioral change. I sometimes make specific outside treatment assignments focused on skill building. Sometimes this involves psycho-educational groups with children with similar difficulties. I am much in the role of teacher and mentor for your child as a counselor.

Psychotherapy: A shared process of self exploration involving facilitating your child’s understanding of their emotions and motivations.  Psychotherapy is relational process involving self reflection and a shared thinking process. In this more developmental approach children have an opportunity to gain the self awareness they need about themselves in relationships. Children can resolve negative and unproductive thinking and behavior patterns with this new found knowledge. 

Family Therapy: Generally my work with pre-teens and teens involves my working with them alone so that they can take on increasing responsibility for creating solutions in their lives. The goal is to help them to grow into happy and healthy young men and women.  Parents can communicate progress on my voice mail or via email. It can be helpful for families to join their child periodically in session to facilitate an understanding of their child’s growing knowledge of themselves.  If there is a urgent crisis in the family, a referral for crisis intervention will be made. 

Medical intervention:  I will help your child receive medicine to address any neuro-chemical imbalances with a referral to a qualified medical practitioner.  This happens when I believe symptoms will not resolve with out it.  Understanding how your child’s current health impacts his or her life is critical to our work together. Rarely does medication alone fully resolve clinical symptoms. 

No treatment or Technical Parenting Coaching:  Your child’s difficulties may be related to normal developmental challenges which I feel will resolve with time and understanding but do not require treatment at this time.  Treatment may involve specific parenting interventions based on your child’s developmental needs.  Periodically I do classes for groups of parents who are interested in knowing more about a particular developmental stage.

Meetings with teachers or school officials:   It can be necessary to meet with teachers and school officials during the diagnostic process in order to gather relevant educational and behavioral information.  Intervention recommendations may be made to school personnel during the diagnostic phase. There is of course no guarantee of follow through on their part.

My assessment and recommendation may include a referral to another professional.  It is important you get the treatment you and your child want and need.  I use specific, efficient, and effective clinical approaches.  Your treatment may be short term (1-20 sessions) or longer term (20 sessions or longer).  Occasionally there are simple or quick solutions but this is the exception. I can help you and your child navigate the path.  Much will depend on desire to change and willingness to follow through. My goal is to engage their curiosity and strengths.  

If you have questions or are interested in making an appointment please contact me at: (425) 820-7100

Or email me at sue@suemorelandmsw.com