It is often common that the relationship between the parent and child needs attention. Instead of focusing solely on parenting techniques or solely on children's problems, parent-child therapy focuses on the interactions between the parent and child. Parent-Child Psychotherapy is different than consultation.

Parent-Child Psychotherapy can be a relatively short-term treatment or longer-term, depending on the needs and goals. The mother-child, father-child and/or mother-father/co-parenting partners meet with the child in weekly meetings with Dr. Julie Hartman in her office. In some circumstances, it may be useful to conduct a session in the family's home.

The psychologist acts as a participant and observer to offer corrective opportunities. This means that Dr. Hartman often participates with and observes the parent(s) and child in an activity or discussion, while also applying therapeutic techniques to faciliate the development of new relationship skills.

Parent-Child Psychotherapy often explicitly conveys to the child that the parent has a unique role to be respected and validated. Helpful discipline, boundaries, structuring, and collaboration skills are identified, taught, and practiced together in the session. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy techniques are used, such as ''homework' to further work outside of sessions.

The Parent-Child Psychotherapy approach is also used as an evaluation tool to help develop an action plan of recommendations for improvement.

Parent-Child Psychotherapy differes from Family Therapy - the latter is a more in depth re-organization of family dynamics and involves a Family Therapy speciality. Dr. Hartman will refer to a family therapist if clinically indicated.

For further inquires about Parent-Child Psychotherapy, please contact Dr. Hartman.