Who We Help
Who We Help
“Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.”
– Maya Angelou
Positive Development Psychology is an online 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 online 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 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 teletherapy:
- 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
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 teletherapy:
- 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
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 online 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 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 virtually 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.
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Contact us at Positive Development Psychology to learn more about our therapy services or to inquire about our workshops.