Empowering Your Child’s Growth at PPG
At PPG, we understand that every child’s behavior is a window into their world—a reflection of their challenges, stressors, and experiences. Our mission is to help children and adolescents develop new, adaptive skills for coping with emotions, interacting with others, and converting problem behaviors into effective communication.
Our Holistic Approach
Our practice centers around treating the whole child. This means that in addition to working directly with your child, we actively communicate with and engage the participation of parents and other professionals who may be working with your child, such as:
- Guidance counselors
- School psychologists
- Educational consultants
- Occupational therapists
- Special education teachers
We believe that this systemic approach enables us to better understand your child’s world while helping them feel optimally supported.
Tailored Treatment Modalities
Our psychotherapists are experts in various treatment modalities, and we work creatively to tailor an individualized treatment approach for each child and adolescent. The techniques we employ may include:
- Cognitive-behavioral strategies: Helping children identify and change negative thought patterns.
- Process-oriented play therapy: Using play to help children express their feelings and resolve conflicts.
- Interpersonal skill building: Enhancing social skills and relationships.
- Family communication support: Strengthening communication within the family unit.
Areas of Expertise
The psychotherapists at PPG are skilled at treating a wide range of child and adolescent difficulties, including:
General Difficulties
- Anxiety
- Depression and Mood Disorders
- OCD
- ADHD
- Learning Disabilities
- Autistic Spectrum Disorders
- School Performance
- Parent-Child Problems
- Adjustment Difficulties
Additional Specialties by Age Group
Preschool to Primary School (3 – 9 years):
- Bedwetting
- Separation Anxiety
- Sleeping Problems
- Eating Problems
- Aggression
- Sibling Rivalry
- Attachment Concerns
Middle School (10 – 12 years):
- Oppositional Behavior
- Social Problems
- Low self-esteem
- Peer Conflict
- Bullying
Adolescence (13 – 17 years):
- Impulse Control
- Eating Disorders
- Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
- Social Isolation
- Self-Harm
- Risky behaviors
A Special Note for Adolescent Therapy
Therapy for adolescents differs from therapy for younger children in ways that reflect their stage of development. Adolescents often exhibit behaviors that signal a natural move towards greater independence, confidence, and autonomy. At PPG, we help adolescents find a middle ground between non-productive acting out and passive disengagement.
Balancing Privacy and Family Involvement
Adolescents typically need more privacy and confidentiality to explore their feelings and make changes in their lives. While family involvement is essential to progress, we establish boundaries and limits around confidentiality at the outset to honor the adolescent’s need for privacy while allowing for productive parental engagement.
Addressing Hesitancy
It’s not unusual for adolescents to express hesitancy about starting therapy. Our psychologists work hard to help adolescents feel comfortable by offering a strength-focused, non-judgmental space where they can feel heard and understood.
Key Areas of Focus
Therapy with adolescents often includes discussion of issues related to:
- Identity formation
- Navigating peer relationships
- Balancing academic demands
- Decision making
- Fostering independence
- Healthy communication
Ready to Support Your Child?
At PPG, we are committed to helping your child thrive. Our comprehensive, systemic approach ensures that your child receives the support they need in all areas of their life. Contact us today.
Take the first step in finding help for your child or adolescent. Contact us today for an initial consultation.