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

Nurturing Emotional Insight: Help Your Child Understand Their Inner World

Does your child struggle to express their feelings or connect with others? Uncover the hidden reasons behind these challenges, from autism neurotype to ADHD. This article offers clear signs to watch for and practical strategies to nurture emotional insight in your child. Discover how to help them understand their inner world and build meaningful relationships today.

A Guide for Parents: Formal and Unusual Language

Does your child use words that seem too advanced or unusual for their age? Do they sound like a little professor, sharing facts, or struggle with everyday conversations while excelling in specific topics? This article explores the signs and causes of formal and unusual language in childhood, including social communication challenges, giftedness, and autism neurotype. Discover practical strategies to help your child develop more reciprocal communication skills and learn when to seek professional support. Read on to discover how to best support your child and their unique communication journey.

When Your Child Talks More Than They Listen: Expressive Language Discrepancy

Does your child talk constantly yet struggle to truly listen? This common scenario, known as expressive language discrepancy, means that the ability to talk is significantly stronger than the ability to understand what others are saying. Discover the signs, potential contributing factors, and practical strategies to support your child. Learn when to seek professional help and explore valuable resources to navigate this communication challenge. Read on to gain insights and empower your child in their journey toward balanced communication.

Navigating Restricted Interests: A Guide for Parents

Is your child deeply focused on a narrow range of topics? This article explores what restricted interests are, how to spot them, and what these special coping skills might mean for social development in childhood. Learn practical ways to help your child broaden their horizons and understand when it is time to seek professional support.

Your Self And Your Grouchy Parts

Ever feel like different parts of you are pulling in different directions? You are not alone! Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy offers a fascinating way to understand your inner world, seeing your mind as a community of parts each with good intentions. This article explores how IFS helps you connect with your core Self, a place of wisdom and calm, to heal past wounds, resolve internal conflicts, and live a more integrated, fulfilling life, much like the effortless harmony found in nature. Discover how this powerful approach can transform your relationship with yourself and bring greater peace to your daily life, without resistance.

Navigating the World: Understanding Spatial Intelligence in Children

Unlock the secrets of spatial intelligence, a vital skill for every child. Discover how your child navigates their visual world and the fascinating ways they learn from what they see. Explore common challenges and empowering strategies to nurture this unique cognitive ability in your child. Come dive deeper and find out how you can help your child thrive.

Understanding Perspective-Taking in Children and Teens: A Guide for Parents

Explore how your child can build stronger social connections! Does your child struggle to connect or understand others? Discover vital insights into perspective-taking, a crucial life skill for every young mind. This article offers clear signs of difficulty, engaging examples, and practical strategies to foster empathy and build strong friendships. Dive in and empower your child in their social growth today!

Unlocking Faces: Supporting Children with Unique Facial Recognition Styles

Ever wonder why some children struggle to remember faces, even familiar ones? This article dives into the fascinating world of facial recognition, exploring unique styles and common challenges children face. Discover the underlying reasons behind difficulties with remembering faces and learn practical ways to offer support. If you are curious about unlocking the mysteries of visual memory and helping children thrive socially, this is a must-read. Come explore how understanding these differences can make a significant impact.

Rekindle Connection: Navigating Parent-Child Relational Challenges

Feeling overwhelmed by constant arguments, defiance, or a disconnect with your child? You are not alone. This article, written by a child psychologist, unpacks this challenging dynamic, offering insights rooted in both professional expertise and personal experience. Discover common signs of strain, debunk harmful myths that often hurt your bond, and learn actionable steps to rekindle connection and foster a more peaceful family life. Do not let guilt or frustration define your parenting journey. Read on to find understanding, support, and practical strategies.

When Trauma Looks Like ADHD: Understanding the Overlap and Finding the Right Path

If your child is struggling with behaviors that look like ADHD, but traditional approaches haven't brought the clarity or progress you hoped for, this article offers a vital new perspective. We delve into groundbreaking research that reveals how early experiences, particularly trauma, can profoundly shape a child's attention, impulsivity, and activity levels. Understanding these connections can unlock more effective, compassionate strategies for your child's unique needs, guiding you toward a path of true healing and lasting well-being.

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.