Psychotherapy, Psychoanalysis, and Evaluative Services.

Treatment of Children & Families

Human biology research has taught us that primary emotions, such as anger, fear, sadness, joy, disgust, and surprise are innate and expressed within the first few month of life. However, throughout development, children experience a myriad of emotions based on life’s challenges which can lead to changes in their social, emotional, behavioral, and academic presentation. This can be a difficult transition for many children and their families. DWW clinicians specialize in the treatment of children and families and are trained in a range of evidence-based treatment modalities such as Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Family Systems Therapy, Supportive Therapy and Expressive Art Therapies.

Privacy in therapy is very important, especially with teenagers. Additionally, parental involvement is also essential to successful treatment and progress. Adolescent clients, clinicians and family members will work together to determine how family will be involved in the adolescent’s treatment. It is our general policy to maintain confidentiality in treatment with adolescents between the ages of 13-17 who are not emancipated. Clinicians will request permission from the adolescent prior to releasing information about treatment. Parents or guardians do have the right to general information, but not necessarily the specifics of what is discussed in session. If we feel that your child is in danger, or is a danger to someone else, we will notify the parents or guardians of our concern and we will work collaboratively to get the support and care that your child needs.

Play Therapy

Imaginary, symbolic, or pretend play is a natural part of a child’s development. It gives others an understanding of children’s organizational skills, their ability to be empathic/sympathetic, as well as their cognitive and social development and capacity. Play, as a clinical technique, has been used for many, many decades. Psychodynamic play therapy is what we most subscribe to in our practice. It is often the best way in which children can communicate their inner most thoughts, feelings, and fantasies, and are able to express themselves in a way that feels safe—through play! In the words of Judith Yanof (2013), “The opposite of play is not work but reality; and in pretend, children are considerably freer to express conflicted or forbidden aspects of their feelings and their stories.” (You can read her full article under our “Resources” section). Our role as therapists is to ascertain the meaning of your child’s play, be it a representation of his or her past, current life, or a life he or she wishes to have, as examples. Through observation, listening, and interpretation, children begin to heal, learn, and accept.