Therapy with children requires specialized training and experience. For instance, ages 4, 8, or 6 years old will vary significantly in development of communication and comprehension abilities.

Research and decades of clinical history has shown that children communicate and understand things through many different modalities. Where an adult typically relies on language and thought to create solutions, children rely on language, thought, play, and creative expression.

In fact, studies have shown that play and creativity are major ways for children to learn rules, problem-solving, critical-thikning, self-expression, roles, awareness, social skills, safety, and identity.

Therefore, Dr. Hartman uses a combination of Play Therapy (including art and drama therapy) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques with children.

Dr. Hartman often structures the child therapy sessions as follows:

• half of the session is lead by the psychologist - often involves Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, workbook exercizes, teaching and practicing new skills, and/or discussing solutions

• half of the session is lead by the child - often involves a favorite form of play or art and the psychologist offers therapeutic opportunities and 'teachable moments'.

• This structure may ebb and flow based on the goals and needs of the child.

Contact Dr. Hartman to discuss the possibility of therapy for your child.