Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in San Mateo, CA.

Children have not yet learned how to shield themselves from conflict, negativity, etc. Therefore, they are akin to "sponges," soaking up whatever they are exposed to. I provide children with a healthy, authentic space in which they can connect with their feelings through play and discussion. I also work with parents on styles of communication (those they might use with their children as well as their spouse/coparent) that may be inadvertently affecting children.

I help hardworking adolescents and teens in managing negative emotions while navigating the challenges of school and personal life. I believe that attaining a sense of engagement in life, striving for excellence in academics, feeling loved and supported, and experiencing reduced distress is achievable for you. In collaboration with my teen clients, we explore their motivations and cultivate hope. Together, we devise solutions to handle negative emotions while reshaping your inner dialogue into a supportive one. Feel free to contact me now for a free 15-minute consultation. You are welcome to ask me any questions about how I approach counseling and see if we are a good match.

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.

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.

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!

At this time, I do not offer therapy for young children, however, I can offer specialized support for women (mother's or caregiver's) who are caring for young children. I am rostered with UCSF Benioff as a Child-Parent Psychotherapist and I can support you in what may come up for you around your parenting role in your individual session with me. Motherhood/Caregiving is difficult and sometimes we just need a safe space to discuss what is going on for us. I do offer video sessions.

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).

I provide a 10-week structured parenting program to help the parents of children who have been diagnosed with ADHD, who are behaving in oppositional, out of control and defiant ways. You will learn the origins of problematic child behavior and the ways in which you may be unwittingly reinforcing it. I will work to help you improve your relationship with your child by teaching you how to powerfully shape your child's behavior with praise instead of punishment. I will also teach you how use punishment more effectively when it becomes necessary.

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

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.

In my practice I work with young children with a variety of difficulties from controlling their anxiety, anger and tantrums, to getting along better with friends and siblings and parents. I also help them with school difficulties that include failing grades, and behavior issues. I work with the child, parent and often the teacher to remember what Erikkson taught that "behind each behavior is a feeling". My goal is to help the child access their feelings, and in a safe place, explore their feelings and behavior while learning tools to help contol them so they can live happy and fulfilled lives.

Many times, child therapists 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 shouldn’t be medicated necessarily. This leaves parents wondering what is the best route for their child? Introducing 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.