Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Portland, OR.

A basic tenet that I bring into the counseling room is that there is no such thing as a bad kid, but rather a kid who is behaving badly due to maladaptive circumstances beyond his or her control. A child's misguided attempt to attract attention through misbehavior is frequently punished rather than recognized as a cry for help. I will work together with you and your child to identify the underlying causes of your child's acting out behaviors, and help you develop parenting and communication skills that will allow you and your child to communicate and discuss fears, concerns and needs more safely and effectively.

Sometimes kids, like adults, can benefit from therapy. Therapy can help kids develop problem-solving skills and also teach them the value of seeking help. Therapists can help kids and families cope with stress and a variety of emotional and behavioral issues. Many kids need help dealing with school stress, such as homework, test anxiety, bullying, or peer pressure. Others need help to discuss their feelings about family issues, particularly if there's a major transition, such as a divorce, move, or serious illness. Significant life events — such as the death of a family member, friend, or pet; — can cause stress that might lead to problems with behavior, mood, sleep, and appetite.

I have completed play therapy coursework and I utilize non-directive play therapy techniques with children. This approach allows the child to have control in the therapy room which helps the child develop control outside of the room. If the child needs another approach I adapt to that child. EMDR can be helpful in helping some children resolve traumatic events in their 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.