When I started college, I knew that I wanted to be in the medical field. I became interested in the areas of mental health, developmental issues, coping and management — especially in children under the age of 12.
As a child psychologist, I treat young children dealing with a range of fears, anxieties, coping problems and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). I also help preschoolers with behavior issues and evaluate them for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I use cognitive-
behavioral therapy (CBT) and group therapy with children. The parent training I offer helps parents or guardians learn positive reinforcement methods for improving a child’s behavior.
In my practice, I treat the whole child. I actively involve parents and families, and together with other medical providers, we identify medical, developmental and psychological issues. I use a cognitive and behavioral approach, and I believe strongly in parent training.
When I’m not helping patients and families, I enjoy crafts, scrapbooking and gardening. I also like to educate others through community presentations, blogs and other formats.