Terri: An excellent film about Teens

This film is authentic, touching and wise. I have worked with a lot of teens and this feels real. This film would be great for clinicians, parents and teens--the best teen film since Juno.








http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110720/REVIEWS/110729996/1001/reviews

Couple's Counseling

As a couple's therapist, I've worked with nearly every couple configuration you can think of (including gay/straight.)

Couples' exist along a continuum from traditional monogamy to experimental.

No matter where they are along the continuum,what works best for most couples are: balance, tolerance, compromise, clear and open communication, mutual problem solving, trust and forgiveness.


I find these to be the primary components to a successful relationship.

What is Psychotherapy for Children?

I am asked that question frequently.  The following is a brief description of how I approach my work with children and their families:  In my experience, the first place to start with therapy is with a parent (ideally parents) and child together. From that first session I can learn a lot about the interaction between parent and child and begin making suggestions to improve the relationship, increase communication and decrease conflict.

It is very important to give the parents hope. I actively appreciate what they are doing right and gently suggest ways of improving their interactions with their child/children.

I also focus on whether the parents are both in agreement about house rules, discipline, and all aspects of their child's life. When I find serious disagreement between the parents, I suggest a parenting session with just the parents present to help them sort out their differences and work on presenting a united front to their child/children.

This work is very rewarding because its focus is on prevention. I was first inspired to work with younger clients when session after session, I heard an adult say, "Steve, I wish someone had known what kind of emotional pain I was in when I was a kid."

What are the questions you have about therapy for children?

What do you wish others had known about you when you were younger?

For an appointment to discuss these issues further, please call: 203-624-7530.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Childhood Depression--Can it be diagnosed? Can it be treated?

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/29/magazine/29preschool-t.html


One of the points that I most agreed with in this article is the absolute necessity of direct parental participation in a child's therapy.


The parents need to understand the child's concerns; the most effective way to facilitate communication between parent and child; and, the importance of practicing the new behaviors at home between sessions. The article calls this Parent-Child-Interaction-Therapy.

One of the biggest obstacles to a child's successful psychotherapy is for one or both of the parents to feel that the therapy is unnecessary. Children are very sensitive to what their parents think and will not take the therapy seriously if mom or dad do not.

Have you taken one or more of your children to a psychotherapist?

What concerns you the most about your child/children?

Issues People in their 20's Face

This is an excellent article about the issues that people in their 20's face. From my personal and professional experience, the article is spot-on accurate.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/magazine/22Adulthood-t.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

After reading the article, what questions come to your mind?

Are you 20 something?  If so, do you agree with the author?

Are you the parent of someone in their 20's?  What are your struggles?  What are your victories?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Returning to School Issues (Parents and Children) #2

Some reflections on parenting and children (kids, teens and college students) returning to school or preparing to go to school for the first time.


This time of year can be exciting and stressful. I encourage parents to be proactive and to set a tone of optimism and hope. It may sound a little corny but telling your child that they are going to have the best school year ever is a good idea. Having some one on one time to find out how they feel about going to school is a good way to find out what are their hopes, anxieties and concerns. The goal is to open up a channel of communication and to prevent problems before they occur. Another goal is to plan in one on one time on a weekly (make this a long-term goal) basis to touch base with your child's thoughts, victories, and concerns. If you have more than one child, then it is important to do this with each child--not all at once.


If your child talks about an issue they want help with, it is important to come up with an action plan to address that issue. Your children will be more likely to open up and really talk about what is bothering them if they believe you take their problems seriously, and work with them to resolve their problems.

What are the problems that you are facing?
Who do you turn to for advice when you need help?
If you have more than one child, which one are you most concerned about?

I look forward to hearing from you.  Don't forget to share your victories too!

Back To School Parent and Child Relationship Issues

School will be starting for most families soon. What is on your mind as you prepare for your children to return to school?

I am struck by how difficult certain transitions are: First Grade, Middle School Years, 9th Grade--first year of HS, Senior year of HS and of course the "empty nest" emotions and turmoil of the first year of college.

My heart goes out to all parents as school is about to start.  Where are you in this challenging process?