Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Old Bridge, NJ.

Children, particularly young children, often do not have the ability to express how they feel in words and as a result, express their feelings through behavior-often inappropriate or undesirable behavior such as hitting, defiance, school refusal, and more. Power struggles over homework, getting up on time for school, complying with parental requests are also common problems of children today. Anxious children frequently complain of stomach aches, dizzy spells, and headaches. Working closely with the child and the child's parents, I implement child behavioral techniques and provide the parents' with tools to successfully manage their child's behavior as well as resolve any emotional distress

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.

Our music therapists specialize in reaching young children, including those with autism, ADHD, trauma, William's Syndrome, Down's syndrome, and much more. Our therapists are highly trained and can tailor functional goals to any child. Our individualized music exercises can address attention, self expression, coping strategies, social skills, functional speech, and more!

Wise parents bring young children in for counseling for both preventative mental health, and early intervention before problems become entrenched. I work successfully with young children and their families with eating disorders, behavioral problems, attention deficit disorder, school avoidance and school phobia, difficulties with peers, siblings, and parental relationships. I also work with children challenged or frightened by medical symptoms and problems, and help families to learn strategies to cope and transform the challenges into experiences that lead to strength and family cohesiveness.

Young children in particular need to feel safe and have fun to be interested in psychotherapy. If not, they do not relax and open up. Instead, they spend their sessions avoiding and denying their problems. Often, the therapist and parent spend wasted time pleading, prodding, and cajoling the child to participate in an honest thoughtful manner. My child-friendly methods are purposely compelling to young children. Many are so excited to come to therapy they run up the stairs and and through the hallway to my office; necessitating me to accommodate other tenants by posting signs discouraging such behavior.

As a teacher for the past 10 years, I've worked with students from age 5-17. I worked three years with preschoolers which I really enjoyed. The remainder of the time I worked with K-12. Also, throughout my practice for past 25 years I saw students. I work closely with the parents and I work hard to improve communication between parent and child.

I'm the expert on psychology, in general, but you are the expert on your child and your family. No one has logged more hours or years with your kid! If we work together, we'll put our heads together and collaborate to figure out how to help your particular child move forward at this particular time. Getting help now could enable your child to develop a strong foundation and avoid years of suffering. When kids learn how to understand, cope with, and communicate about their own and others' emotions, they are better equipped to build strong and caring relationships.

My philosophy of therapy and change is that change comes from within. As a therapist, I ask a great deal in asking an individual to change, as change is an incredibly difficult task for everyone. The journey of change requires both the client and myself to work collaboratively throughout this journey. It is for this reason that the rapport between the client and myself is critical. I aim to provide all my clients with the space to explore their underlying feelings, thoughts, and behaviors so that they can engage in change.

As a family therapist, I will work with young children, however, this is always done in the context of family therapy. I try to understand what else is happening in the family, and how it may be impacting the child (children). Is there conflict between the parents? Has there been a loss of a loved one? Young children don't always have the language to express their feelings. Parents may also have unresolved issues from their own childhoods which may emerge. Often, much of the work will end up being with the parents, not because they are "bad parents," but because they are the most important people in their children's lives!

I help with children as young as nine years old learn how to feel their feelings and take personal responsibility for them rather than make others responsible for how they feel. And then how to manage, communicate and release their feelings appropriately. I also help children build higher self worth, be more compassionate with themselves and learn how to make better choices.

Young children often need an emotionally safe environment to thrive. Dr. Spada can support you and your child to explore issues your child is experiencing and teach them positive ways to cope. Dealing with issues that may be coming up for a child right away is critical so that they don't have to struggle as adults. Play therapy and talk therapy can help a child explore and navigate what it is they are feeling.