Who We Help
Who We Help
“Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.”
– Maya Angelou
Positive Development Psychology is a therapy practice that works with children, adolescents, young adults and their parents on many facets of mental health and well-being. We believe that all individuals are unique and should be celebrated for their gifts. Our practice meets each young person where they are, and provides support and skills to address the challenges they face.
Child Therapy
We understand the difficulties that come from seeing your child overwhelmed by their emotions. Quite often, children have a hard time understanding their feelings and managing their behavior, which manifests into obstacles at school, home and during social interactions. As children get older, they may get stuck in unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to distressing emotions. The sooner they are given the appropriate tools, the more positive the outcome.
A child can thrive when they feel they have a strong team around them. As such, we encourage parent or caregiver involvement to support the child’s therapy. Depending on various factors, including the child’s age, ability to engage in therapy, and the problems to be addressed, parent-based interventions might be the recommended approach. Where applicable and with parental permission, Positive Development Psychology can also consult with a child’s school and other providers. Through in-person or virtual therapy sessions with a psychologist, you and your child will have a trusted outlet and support system providing professional help beyond a parent’s skill set.
Adolescent Therapy
As teens develop, it is common for them to seek more independence and share more with friends than with their parents. With a collaborative and comforting approach, Positive Development Psychology provides adolescents with a safe space and the skills and techniques needed to manage whatever challenges they face.
What adolescents can gain from therapy:
- A safe space to express themselves and open up about stressors
- The ability to identify and build upon existing strengths
- Problem-solving skills
- Communication skills
- Strategies to cope with challenges
- Support navigating various circumstances as they seek more independence
While teenagers typically meet independently with their psychologist, parents and caregivers are provided with guidance regarding how to best support their teen. Positive Development Psychology can also consult with the adolescent’s school and other providers with parental permission.
Young Adult Therapy
At Positive Development Psychology, we pride ourselves on building a trusting and supportive relationship with those on the brink of adulthood. Understanding the unique complexities facing young adults today allows us to provide compassionate guidance and practical skills. With permission, your psychologist can also consult with your parents or other family members who can best support your treatment, as well as with other providers.
What young adults can gain from therapy:
- A collaborative, therapeutic relationship
- Problem-solving skills
- The ability to manage emotions, evaluate thoughts, and reduce problematic behaviors in anxiety-producing, new, or challenging situations
- Action-oriented coping strategies
Parenting Support
There’s no handbook that truly prepares you for parenting, and it can be even more complex if your child has anxiety or behavior challenges. Children often lack the skills needed to manage their emotions and behaviors, and parents are not always equipped to best support them.
As a parent, it can be incredibly difficult to see your child in distress, and not knowing how to respond in these moments can leave one feeling confused and powerless. This is where a professional therapist can help both you and your child.
Parents often collaborate with their child’s psychologist to support treatment. Particularly with younger children, adult involvement in teletherapy is encouraged and necessary. There may also be times when parents find themselves more immersed in treatment, such as when parent-based interventions, like Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) or Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), are recommended. No matter the level of parental involvement, the goal is to create a collaborative, transparent and team-like approach so that a child feels fully supported.
Positive Development Psychology can provide parents and caregivers with the tools needed to manage their own emotions and responses during stressful interactions. In our in-person or virtual therapy sessions we offer a non-judgmental space to talk about parenting challenges.
We help parents support their child’s treatment and gain skills in many areas, including the following:
- Helping an anxious child
- Reducing disruptions to family life and routines
- Understanding emotions and behaviors
- Responding to oppositional behavior and increasing compliance
- Listening and validating feelings
- Communicating more effectively
- Setting realistic expectations
- Addressing conflicts and strengthening the parent-child relationship
- Setting clear limits
- Implementing rewards and consequences
Community Educational Workshops
Positive Development Psychology has extensive experience working with schools and other organizations through workshops, webinars and training. We are available to present on a wide range of topics related to youth mental health and parent education. Examples of presentation topics include Supporting Anxious Children and Teens and Addressing Childhood Disruptive Behaviors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age groups does Positive Development Psychology work with?
Positive Development Psychology provides therapy services for children, adolescents, and young adults. We tailor our treatment strategies to meet the unique developmental needs of each age group and offer parent-based interventions when appropriate.
How can therapy benefit my child?
Therapy can equip children with coping strategies to manage stressors and navigate challenges effectively. Depending on the goals and focus of treatment, benefits may include improved emotion management, better communication and problem solving skills, and increased self-esteem.
How can adolescents benefit from therapy at Positive Development Psychology?
Therapy provides adolescents with a supportive space where they can discuss their concerns and challenges freely. Adolescents can benefit from therapy by learning to navigate complex social and emotional landscapes. They can learn tools to further develop their ability to problem solve, manage their emotions, create healthier thinking and behavioral patterns and cope with challenges.
How can parents support their child's therapy?
Parents can support their child's therapy process by maintaining open communication with the therapist, as well as reinforcing learned strategies and providing a supportive environment at home. It is also beneficial for parents to model healthy coping strategies and emotional responses. Parental collaboration and involvement is often key to achieving lasting changes and beneficial outcomes in therapy, particularly for young children.
What types of workshops and educational services do you offer?
We offer a variety of workshops and educational services aimed at enhancing understanding and skills related to child and adolescent mental health. Topics include managing anxiety, addressing disruptive behaviors, and supporting emotional development. These sessions are available for schools, community groups, and parents, providing valuable insights and practical tools for supporting young people
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Contact us at Positive Development Psychology to learn more about our therapy services or to inquire about our workshops.