Child Psychology in NYC.

Williamsburg Therapy Group has a child-centered program that includes play therapy, individual therapy with young children and adolescents, family therapy, parent training/support, and a neuropsychological testing program.

Our programs offer parents and teachers insights into some of the challenges a child might be facing.

Each of our distinguished therapists contains a rich, bountiful knowledge of child development, making them an invaluable resource to children and their families. Contact us to learn more about our Child Psychologists in Brooklyn at Williamsburg Therapy Group. 

What Is Therapy For Children?

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Therapy for children is a highly specialized form of therapy that focuses on interpreting child behavior, defining its causes, and guiding healthier thoughts and feelings.

This process looks different for children of different ages. Younger children’s therapy typically consists of family quality time and play, while older children and teens tend to focus on discussing thoughts in cognitive behavior therapy and applying new skills to activities.

Children represent a completely unique psychology that is highly centered on learning and growth, which means that therapy for a child will be totally different from adult therapy. It is imperative, as a parent, to find a psychologist that is trained and experienced, as well as authorized, to work with children.

What Is A Child Psychologist?

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A child psychologist works explicitly with children and adolescents and studies children's mental, social, and emotional development. They help children cope with life situations such as divorce, death, and family or school transitions.

The children they treat may also have a variety of developmental or learning disabilities. No matter the age, the goal of our child psychologists is to understand, prevent, and help cognitive, behavioral, and social issues in each individual child.

Under the scope of child psychologists, a school psychologist works specifically within a school or educational environment. Their responsibilities include assessing and developing educational plans and programs for individual students under consultative care.

What Age Should A Child Go To Therapy?

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A child can enter therapy at any age, though the therapy will look different depending on age and level of development. The youngest therapy patients are toddlers who have behavioral issues, or who have been through trauma.

At this very young age, therapy always includes the parents, and teaches them new methods for comforting and guiding their child. Therapy at this age will also be very play-focused, and will be centralized on the child's learning and mapping of the world around them.

Children aged 7 to 9 are generally ready for some one-on-one time with their therapist, and may be able to understand and benefit from standard practices like cognitive-behavior therapy. The parents may receive notes or visit with the therapist in order to learn new parenting methods to complement the therapy.

Teenagers can attend therapy that is more similar to standard adult therapy, though it usually involves additional guidance and some differing techniques. 

How To Know Your Child Needs Therapy

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Parents may seek out treatment for their children for a myriad of reasons. Our psychologists work with children on any issues that cause social or emotional distress in a child's life.

Children and young adults with experience life adjustments such as a death or severe illness in the family, moving to a new home or school, or parental separation and divorce can sometimes benefit from the support of a therapist.

Depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and other mental disorders are also common precipitants for parents to seek treatment.

Social difficulties such as low self-esteem, behavioral problems, or experiencing a traumatic event can also be treated with the assistance of psychological intervention.

Learning difficulties and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can significantly impact a child's performance at school and take a toll on their social relationships, self-esteem, and emotion regulation abilities.

Struggles related to academic and developmental issues, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), may also prompt parents to reach out for help.

Childhood Disorders Typically Treated In Therapy

Specialized therapies exist to treat or guide parents and children through certain childhood conditions, including:

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Behavioral Problems
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Disruptive Behavior
• Personality Disorders

The therapies for these disorders focus on addressing and defining the problem in the context of a child’s developing mind.

What is ASD? Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Williamsburg Therapy Group also provides assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions to children as young as two years old. ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition more common in boys than in girls, affecting communication and behavior.

Key indicators used to diagnose children with Autism Spectrum Disorder include:

• Difficulty in communicating and interacting with people
• Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors
• Symptoms that interfere with the individual ability to function properly in school, work, and other areas of life
• Difficulty with self-control and disruptive behavior
• Because ASD can be identified at an early age, evaluating the child's development is essential. At Williamsburg Therapy Group, we use a comprehensive ASD evaluation that looks at the child's early development, strengths, and concerns.

How To Tell If My Child Has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

The symptoms of ADHD can vary, but typically include the following:

• Consistent fidgeting
• Difficulty waiting for their turn with toys, devices, food, etc.
• Acting on impulse rather than thought or instruction
• "Stream of consciousness" when describing ideas

If you think your child may have ADHD, you should visit a pediatrician, psychiatrist, or psychologist for an official diagnosis.

Therapy can be an effective treatment for child ADHD as well, and is sometimes used in lieu of, or in conjunction with, medication.

What To Expect From Child Therapy

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The process of a child counseling or therapy session will vary depending on what the child is experiencing. Some professionals walk the patient through therapeutic situations while other psychologists will try to understand aspects of child psychology like mental health or developmental difficulties.

During each session, our therapists build understanding and connection with the child bringing their vast experience and the highest therapeutic standard.

Some tasks and duties of a child psychologist include:

• Administering psychological tests
• Conducting scientific research on childhood development
• Diagnosing and treating learning or developmental disabilities
• Working with a healthcare team to create a unique treatment plan for a client
• Working with clients to manage behavioral issues

Finding Child Therapy In NYC

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It’s important to find the right child therapist on the first try. While NYC is home to hundreds of well-qualified child therapists, it never hurts to be sure that you’re picking the one that’s right for your child.

Before choosing a therapist for your child, ask yourself the following questions:

• What kind of behavioral issues would I like to examine?
• What are my goals for my child?
• What are my child’s own goals?
• What are my pricing constraints for a child therapist?
• Which organization near me is the most respected in regard to child counseling?
• Which has the most experienced therapists?

Finding the answers to these questions can help you find the right child counseling office near you.

Williamsburg Therapy Group sets itself apart as a reliable source of high-quality, highly-specialized child therapists. Each of our therapists is a doctoral-level psychologist, giving them unrivaled insight into the behavior and thought patterns of your child.

If your primary concern is the quality of care for your child, no one outmatches Williamsburg.

An assessment of the child's development is a crucial step in helping the family and parents understand their child better. It can clarify any questions and concerns they have about their child's behavior or the challenges they are facing. 

An expert evaluation from a child psychologist or child psychiatrist can provide the best plan that accommodates the child and the family.

To read more about Williamsburg Therapy Group Child and Family, click here. Or schedule an appointment with us today.