Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Essex, MD.

I strive to make my work with young children fun and engaging. I enjoy working closely with parents and caregivers to ensure that we are supporting each child in every possible way. It is equally as important to me to ensure that parents know that they are not alone. Parenting is hard and it doesn't come with a manual. I believe that each family system is doing the best they can with the resources they have. My approach involves identifying small changes that make a big difference, which allows families the benefit of seeing improvement quickly. Whether it's a behavior concern, sleep training, or anxiety, I take a collaborative approach to helping kids and families thrive.

Do you have young children and find yourself having a hard time managing your emotions and setting boundaries consistent with your own values and upbringing? This is the challenge of many parents. We are often given well-intentioned parenting techniques that are difficult to implement. This is not because we are not intelligent, but because it is likely that you have not worked through your own emotional issues to be most effective for your child. Through therapy, we can help you face unresolved issues so that you can be a more calm and effective parent.

Working with young children is a unique skill. As young children are less able to verbalize their stressors than are older children and adults, I utilize non-verbal tools to help them both express their needs and help them to work on solutions. I use sand tray therapy in my office which gives children ownership over their "world" by using figurines and toys to play out their personal situations. I also use art therapy with young children; both free form and structured activities during the session. Playing games with a young child gives me a way to learn how they adapt to rules and limits as well as giving the child a way to experience some fun while in the midst of productive therapy

Through biofeedback and other progressive modalities, we can interrupt that persistent OCD tendency, anxiety, or agitation, and restore sleep to the tired, angry, miserable child. Some things are best done by treating the neurons directly, and not through play therapy. We will work collaboratively with your regular play or talk therapist to ensure all integrates well in the child's care.

When young children are gripped by life stressors that are beyond their control it can be overwhelming for both the care-givers and the especially the child. Carol Corcoran, LCMFT, LMFT has an awesome designated child therapy room where children can explore their fears and pain through play therapy and find new ways to attach to the ones who love them most. The sooner a child is helped through these struggles the better and more effectively they can move on with their lives in healthy, happy ways. To learn more go to: http://www.creatinghealthyconnections.com/newsite/children.html