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Why Can’t My Child Make Friends? Part 3: Psychodynamic Therapy for Children with ADHD

Why Can’t My Child Make Friends? Part 3: Psychodynamic Therapy for Children with ADHD

Part 1 and Part 2 in this series have taken up this question from the parent’s perspective and from the child’s perspective. This final installment discusses the benefits of a psychodynamic approach to therapy for children with ADHD who are struggling socially. While all approaches to therapy have important features in common, psychodynamic therapy offers distinct benefits because of its emphasis on understanding root causes for difficulties.  A Psychodynamic Approach Psychodynamic therapy helps people to better understand themselves, the causes…

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Why Can’t My Child Make Friends? Part 2: The Child’s Perspective

Why Can’t My Child Make Friends? Part 2: The Child’s Perspective

This is the second in a three-part series on ADHD and social development. You can find Part 1 here. The child who is struggling socially may be reluctant to discuss this difficulty. They may be confused about why peers and siblings seem to navigate friendships with ease. They may feel they are doing their very best but still find themselves isolated. Bullying and scapegoating in the school environment may erode their self-esteem, sense of confidence, and hopefulness. This may lead…

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Why Can’t My Child Make Friends? Part 1: The Parent’s Perspective

Why Can’t My Child Make Friends? Part 1: The Parent’s Perspective

Many parents find themselves asking this question. They turn to friends, family, teachers, and therapists in search of an answer. Perhaps they have googled this very question hoping for something… a research study?…a post from another parent?…a plan? “What was that book the teacher recommended?” “Where did I leave the number for that therapist?” It’s entirely understandable that a parent would feel concerned if they see their child struggling to make and maintain close friendships. Many children spend much of…

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When Should I Seek a Psychological Assessment?

When Should I Seek a Psychological Assessment?

The process of psychological assessment can be daunting. It typically requires a significant time commitment for clients and the testing psychologist. Individuals and families are often, understandably, concerned about the cost of an assessment. To complicate matters, insurance plans may not reimburse psychological assessment or may only reimburse a small portion of the service. This means it can be hard for clients to know whether an assessment is necessary and worthwhile. So when is a good time to seek psychological…

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What is Psychological Assessment?

What is Psychological Assessment?

Psychological assessment, sometimes referred to as psychological testing, is a process where psychologists gather data in order to answer specific questions about a person’s strengths, challenges, and functioning. Assessment is often an intensive process that may include interviews, review of personal records, and the administration of standardized tests. In this series, I hope to make this process more transparent by explaining what psychological assessment is, when one should consider seeking assessment for themselves or their child, and how an assessment…

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