Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Oakland, CA.

Your intuitive child has likely been different since birth. They seem to respond to things and to life differently than most other kids. Highly perceptive, very emotional, and sometimes too aware and knowing for their age. Your little may bring up topics or reference things that are confusing, perhaps a bit scary, and you may not even know what to say in those moments. They may overwhelm a lot and seem to know things that are impossible to explain. I wager you struggle between wanting to support and encourage your child and your desire to protect them. I understand and I can teach you how to support and guide your child through this. I invite you to email or schedule and let's start.

Many times, child stherapists overdo the family system in their quest to seek effective solutions for emotional, learning or behavioral concerns with young children. And many times doctors overpathologize issues that shouldnt be medicated necessarily. This leaves parents wondering what is the best route for their child? Introducting brainwave optimization technology. A fast, effective, natural, and less expensive way to allow your child's brain to make the optimizing changes it desires to make---on its own! Without any external force, opinion, medication, diagnostic, etc. Contact kevin@kevinflemingphd.com or 877-606-6161

Today it is more complicated than ever to be a teen. With so much going on, it’s common for teens and children feel anxiety, irritability, isolation, low self esteem, and sadness. Teens just need someone to talk to, that isn’t a family member about difficult topics they are experiencing. It’s not that they don’t trust their family, but many times teens need a private, non-judge mental space of their own to gain insight. I have extensive experience working with teens and children, even those resistant to therapy. I specialize with teens managing high academic & athletic achievement. Through therapy teens will learn to manage their emotions, reach goals, and grow into healthy young adults.

Having worked in the elementary schools as well as raising six young children myself, I have extensive experience in working with this group. I use a family systems approach to therapy and prefer to partner with parents in the treatment of their children. If family therapy is not a possibility, I will see children on their own, also creating a strong collaborative alliance with their parents.

Many therapists share they use play therapy in their practice with children, but have not taken further training on its use in therapy. I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, which means I completed 3 years and 3000 additional hours of practice after licensure, clinical supervision, consistent continued education courses, and significant focus in at least two play therapy evidence based practices. I utilize Child Centered Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, Digital Play Therapy, and Prescriptive Play Therapy to address children's needs in addition to creative arts therapies (Drama Therapy, Art Therapy interventions).

When working with children my approach is to meet the child where they are at in their emotional, behavioral, and developmental spheres. Child-centered therapies are utilized including play therapy, sand tray therapy and EFT tapping or EMDR. Play therapy can alleviate a multitude of emotional and behavioral symptoms in children and helps build confidence, social and emotional development and a stronger sense of self. I work to create a therapeutic atmosphere with children that is engaging, active, playful, safe and resourceful. Parent coaching and support is also part of the therapeutic process in order to help accelerate change and strengthen the parent-child relationship.

GRIT Kids exists to allow parents or caregivers to aid their children in the work of self-awareness—at every developmental stage— to better understand themselves and the world around them. Simple behavioral management fails to develop the internal locus of control that is necessary for developing character and self-discipline. Forming a self-identity and learning to live with purpose is a necessary life skill for children to learn in order to live into their fullest self. GRIT Kids Coaches are trained to help you do the work of raising your child with intention so you can see that little person grow into all they are capable of.

After 11 years of working with children, I find it more effective to work with you, the parent. This is not because you are responsible for the way your child is behaving or what your child is going through, but because you have the most positive power and influence in your child's life. If I can use what I know through education and experience to empower you the parent to connect to your child, it will be more impactful and long lasting than if I spend therapy sessions with them. Your child will also find healing through their relationship with you, increasing trust, and strengthening your relationship for the present and future. You will have your Parenting Power back, stronger than ever!

Young people are part of a greater system and when trauma occurs in family systems and attachments are ruptured young people need reparative experiences. These experiences can happen within the safety of the therapeutic space with caregivers and their kiddos. Therapy with kids always starts and ends with play and fun. When caregivers are included there is opportunity to learn how to relate in new ways.