Liz Chamberlain, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
303-547-3594
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Watching our children struggle can be one of the greatest challenges of parenting, but their struggling can also lead to growth and resilience. Sometimes we forget that children aren't always able to tell us that something is wrong, and instead they act in ways that cause their parents to struggle. Whether your child has worries about school, friends, life at home, changes in the family, or whether your child seems to be acting differently (withdrawn, acting out, not sleeping or eating well), we can work together to help them feel better and enjoy more of their childhood.
I work with kids from a strengths-based perspective, finding the resources they already have to solve problems and make their worry, their temper, or their sadness better. If your child needs more resources, I will work with them (and with you) to teach more effective coping skills so they can learn to handle problems before they feel overwhelmed. When I meet with children, we talk and also make objects, draw pictures, or create other projects to anchor their discoveries. Part of successful therapy for your child includes meeting with you as often as needed to increase his or her sense of support and control over these struggles.
Adolescence is a time of exploration, self-discovery, and pushing limits - which can sometimes push parents' buttons as well. Sometime teenagers navigate these changes successfully - but when they don't, it can escalate quickly (along with parents' frustration). On the other hand, sometimes teenagers can become more withdrawn, and don't share much about their lives with their parents. Whether your teenager is outwardly showing a temper, challenging you as parents, or has changes in sleeping, eating, or their group of friends, I can help them find more effective ways to express their needs and feelings. I like to meet with teenagers individually to provide a confidential space to share things they may not feel comfortable telling parents about until they find ways to do so safely. My goal is to help them find ways to get parents off their back and on their side, think differently about choices and risk, and to provide parents with tools to feel more control and influence in their teenagers' lives. I meet with parents as often as needed, and after some progress is made, will meet with parents and teenagers together so that everyone can be on the same team.
