Throughout my professional career I have been impressed by individual differences across the lifespan. It is my belief that, at any given time, an individual reflects the cumulative interactions of genetic, biological, experiential, social, and other factors across the lifespan. Accordingly, an individual who requests treatment is more than a diagnosis or a set of symptoms. He or she is an individual and the “symptoms” which bring the individual to my office must be understood within the context of that individual’s life, as well as the strengths and positive coping strategies the individual already has. In order to gain an initial understanding of the life context of the child, I often ask parents to complete my Child and Adolescent History Questionnaire. (To Download a copy, please click here.)
An understanding of children requires consideration of several developmental factors. During the first year, children are totally dependent upon others for the satisfaction of basic needs which establishes the foundation for basic trust. As the child develops secure and predictable relationships, the child begins to become autonomous which allows the child to separate from parents and begin asserting himself or herself. During the first three years, it is important for the child to experience consistency and predictability. Children between the ages of three and five, start to develop an understanding of relationships, feelings, and language which is important to developing cognitive skills and peer relationships, as well as developing curiosity about their world. Once children enter school, they begin to understand social rules and to become interested in peer activities. Likewise, they begin to develop a better understanding of their feelings and how to express them. The child’s cognitive skills continue to develop through academic and nonacademic experiences. As children experience success in school, sports, the arts, or other areas of their lives, they become more self-confident and their self-esteem grows.
I will use my understanding of the child’s unique life context, as well as my knowledge of normal developmental issues, to develop a treatment plan to try to achieve the desired and agreed upon outcome(s).
