Understanding Your Child’s Mind

Exploring the World of Child Psychology

Discover the complexities of child psychology to better understand and support your child’s mental and emotional development.

Parents and clinician in a case consultation.

Explore the World of Child Psychology

Child psychology is a branch of psychology focused on the mental, emotional, and behavioral development of children from birth through adolescence. Child psychologists help identify and address various developmental challenges, such as autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. Understanding how our brains work is essential for promoting healthy development and wellness for children and families. As shown in this video by Dr. Marcy, one skill psychologists teach is how to speak kindly to ourselves and let go of past mistakes. Click play to learn how!

Key Features of Child Psychology

Diagnostic Assessments

Comprehensive evaluations to identify developmental and psychological conditions early, ensuring timely intervention and support.

Therapeutic Approaches

Utilizing evidence-based therapies to address emotional and behavioral issues, promoting mental well-being in children.

Importance of Early Intervention

Early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with developmental and psychological challenges.

Parental Guidance and Support

Providing parents with the tools and knowledge to effectively support their child’s unique needs and foster a nurturing environment.

What Child Psychologists Do

Join Dr. Willard as she explains what a child psychologist does for families and kids. A child psychologist is different from a counselor or a social worker, although they all have important roles in our community. Dr. Willard explains how child psychologists traditionally come from a scientist-practitioner model, which means they are scientists first and practitioners second. It is a child psychologist’s responsibility to give evidence-based information and recommendations. Listen to explore whether a child psychologist is right for your family.

Insights and Advice for Parents

Central Coherence in Childhood

Ever wonder why some children miss the forest for the trees? This article looks into central coherence, the fascinating ability to grasp the big picture and tie details together into a coherent whole. Discover the signs your child might be struggling, what causes these challenges, and practical strategies to help them see the whole picture. Read on to unlock their potential.

Emotional Problems in Childhood

Is your child struggling with big feelings? Keep in mind…some level of emotional distress is completely normal. Popular culture gets carried away with thinking that every form of struggle must be avoided. It is important to support your child while allowing them to endure some of the inevitable upsets and setbacks in life. This guide offers insights into recognizing and supporting your child in their emotional health, highlighting key differences between everyday emotional struggles and the profound impact of trauma. Discover practical strategies and when to seek professional help to empower your child on their path to well-being.

Cognitive Distortions in Childhood

Does your child often turn minor setbacks into major crises? You are not alone! This article explores common cognitive distortions in children, those sneaky thought patterns, that can make molehills feel like mountains. Discover how to identify these distortions and gain practical strategies to help your child develop a more resilient and positive outlook. Read on to empower your child to navigate challenges with greater ease and confidence.

Scripted or Echoed Language in Childhood

Does your child repeat lines from movies or videos, leaving you wondering if it’s just a phase or something more? Dive into this comprehensive guide on scripted language in children, uncovering the signs, underlying reasons, and effective strategies to support their communication skills. Learn when to seek professional help and empower your child to engage more fully in conversations and social interactions. Even if it’s tough now, things can get better. Learn how.

Functional Communication

Ever wondered why some children struggle to express themselves, leading to frustration, tantrums, or challenging behaviors? This article delves into the important concept of functional communication in children, the ability to clearly convey wants and needs. Discover how recognizing the signs of communication difficulties and implementing practical strategies at home can empower your child to communicate effectively. Uncover the vital link between functional communication and other developmental milestones, and learn when professional support can make a significant difference. Help your child find their voice.

Narrative Coherence

Does your child tell stories that do not make sense? Are their narratives a confusing tangle of details? Uncover why coherent storytelling, or narrative coherence, is an important part of language development. This insightful article reveals the tell-tale signs your child might be struggling and provides actionable strategies to nurture their inner storyteller. Learn the six essential elements of a strong narrative and discover when it might be time to seek professional support. Read on to empower your child with the gift of clear and confident communication.

Adaptive Skills in Childhood

Ever wonder why some kids seem to breeze through daily tasks while others need a little extra nudge? This article dives into the world of adaptive skills, those essential abilities that help children navigate life from brushing teeth to making friends. Discover why some bright kids might still struggle with everyday independence and learn practical ways to support your child in their journey toward maturity. Get ready to unlock the secrets to fostering independence and confidence in your little one.

Fluid Reasoning in Childhood

Does your child shy away from new challenges? Perhaps they get frustrated with unfamiliar puzzles or struggle when learning a new math concept? These could be signs of challenges with fluid reasoning, which refers to the amazing ability our brains have to tackle brand-new information. Discover why this skill is so vital for learning and how you can help your child adapt and thrive.

Perseverating in childhood

Does your child perseverate? You will know this is happening because your child is driving you nuts! Your child might get stuck on an idea, request, or even a past event, repeating it endlessly. It might feel like a reel, playing over and over, on an infinite loop. This persistent behavior, known as perseveration, is more common than you might think and can stem from various factors, from anxiety to intense interests. Discover effective, positive parenting strategies to help your child navigate this challenge and foster healthier coping mechanisms. Uncover why kids perseverate and what you can do to help.

Understanding Focusing Problems in Childhood: A Guide for Parents

Is your child constantly bouncing between activities? Do you find yourself repeating instructions over and over? If you have ever wondered why your child struggles to pay attention or control their impulses, this article is your roadmap to understanding and supporting their unique way of experiencing the world. Read on to learn how you can better understand and support your child!

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Unlock the potential in your child’s future with expert guidance from Marcy Willard, PhD. Whether you’re seeking answers or support, our specialized services in child psychology are here to help. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can assist your family in navigating challenges with confidence and care.