More about our work with children and families.

At the core of most child and family, therapeutic approaches are the belief that a child develops in a system of influences from parents or other family caregivers, siblings, peers, schools and other community organizations. Each part of this system can either hinder or foster a child’s development. For this reason, clinicians may want to meet with the child and parents (or caregivers) individually and with the family together. A referral for marital counseling or parent coaching may also be a recommended part of your child’s care plan. A clinician may seek permission to talk with other providers or school teachers, counselors, or administrators.

Your child’s individual therapist often acts as the coordinator and guides the family through this comprehensive approach. Individual therapy with your child is usually the primary treatment and, depending on your child’s developmental abilities, may involve the use of games, art, and play as a way of communicating in addition to talking. These methods allow the therapist to facilitate rapport, to enhance communication, and to help your child develop an improved relationship and coping skills.