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Issues Treated
Anxiety and Related Issues
Anxiety is one of the most common and uncomfortable feelings that we can experience at some point in our lives. For some, symptoms persist or become severe enough to significantly interfere with daily living. 1 in 5 children have anxiety severe enough to be considered a disorder. Separation anxiety, specific phobias, social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are not uncommon in children, teens and young adults. Less frequently, young people may present with selective mutism, panic disorder or agoraphobia. These disorders that develop in childhood tend to persist well into adulthood unless treated. Fortunately, anxiety disorders are among the most easily treatable. If frequent and persistent worries are making your child miserable and interfering with his or her daily functioning, please don't hesitate to call or click above to schedule an appointment today.
Depression and other Mood Disorders
Depression can occur in children as early as preschool and roughly 20% of young people will experience a major depressive episode by age 18. These episodes vary in duration and intensity and present very differently in children than they do in adults. Rather than appearing sad, depressed children tend to be irritable, frequently complain of physical symptoms such as head- or stomachaches, verbally lament being bored and no longer enjoy activities that once brought them pleasure. When children persistently hate their lives or themselves and see little hope of things improving, they are truly hurting and need help. If this sounds like your child, please call or click above today to schedule an appointment.
ADHD
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as "a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development." ADHD is further classified as being "Predominantly inattentive presentation" (off task, difficulty maintaining focus, disorganized, etc.), "Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation" (excessive motor activity, fidgeting, talkativeness or hasty decision-making and actions that could lead to significant harm), or a "Combined presentation." True North Therapies employs a host of strategies and interventions including Executive Functioning coaching to remediate ADHD symptoms. Some children present with symptoms significant enough that medications might be considered and a referral to a medical professional can be made. True North Therapies appreciates that the decision to medicate is not one to be taken lightly and fully respects that such a decision lies with the client and his/her parents.
Self-Esteem Issues
"I just want my kid to be happy," is one of, if not the primary, desire of most parents. Children with low self-esteem can view themselves as inadequate or even unlovable which can be excruciating to both the child and parent. When deeply entrenched, low self-esteem can lead to self-sabotaging behaviors that serve to confirm the child's distorted self-appraisal and can ultimately keep him or her from being successful in many facets of life. More seriously, low self-esteem can also be a risk factor for more urgent concerns like depression and eating disorders. When working with children with self-esteem problems, Kevin takes a strengths-based, person-centered approach and strives to foster in them a growth mindset, an ally in combatting children's faulty cognitions and negative self-appraisal. Kevin derives great fullfillment and purpose from working with children with low self-esteem and, more often than not, answers the age-old question, "So, what do you do?" with "I make kids feel good about themselves."
Peer Relationships
Research shows that most best friendships are solidified by the fourth grade. Of course, extenuating circumstances such as frequent moves can complicate this phenomenon, if not make it entirely impossible. Still, even in the most stable environments, many well-adjusted kids from Kindergarten to high school and beyond, frequently report what amounts to a seemingly endless rollercoaster of highs and lows when it comes to peer relationships. Seeing a therapist can help your child learn how to make friends, get along better with peers, learn effective communication skills, resist peer pressure and recognize when a peer relationship is potentially harmful and no longer worth pursuing.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
When he made his first foray into the mental health field, Kevin was fortunate enough to live in New Haven, CT, a hotbed of autism research in the United States. It was working with this unique population that cemented his commitment to the field and helping children and families navigate life on the spectrum. Kevin has had hundreds of hours of specialized training in autism spectrum disorders and has shared his expertise by giving therapist trainings and participating in public speaking engagements locally. True North Therapies treats individuals with ASD across the lifespan in both individual and group settings. If you or a loved one has been affected by autism, please call or click above today to see how True North Therapies can help.