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Sleep is such a critical part of a young child’s growth and development. Problems with achieving restful and high-quality sleep can impact…
If you are a caregiver of a child or teen with a history of anxiety, you’ve probably experienced times in which you…
March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, so we thought we’d share what we know about this important topic. What exactly is self-harm? Non-Suicidal…

Parenting With Validation

February 24, 2022
Knowing how to respond to your child's Big Emotion can be tough. One way to begin tackling this intimidating task is by…
CBT is a common form of therapy short for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT focuses on the interconnection between thoughts, emotions and behavior.…
Eating is one of the most basic daily functions that children engage in, and yet, it can be a source of great…
Many of the families we work with are often at a loss as to what questions to ask their children’s teachers to…
The holidays are upon us! The holidays can be a joyous time and present some serious challenges. Many of us will be traveling and…
From as early as age 2, children begin to notice similarities and differences between themselves and those around them. In the classroom…
Body safety has to do with teaching children about their bodies, private sexual body parts, and healthy boundaries to prevent them from…

The Attitude of Gratitude

November 18, 2021
The season of giving thanks is right around the corner, making it the perfect time to start thinking about the role of…
Here’s a previous blog written by Dr. Caroline Harvey that has been updated and remains relevant today. Ever notice that small voice…

Bullying 101

October 20, 2021
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and there is no better time to familiarize ourselves with the signs of bullying and what…
It can often be confusing for a child as to why their sibling is a chatterbox at home but outside the home,…
September is Children’s Good Manners Month. The term manners can mean many different things to different people, and what are considered good…
Suicidal thoughts or actions can impact any individual, including children & adolescents. Unfortunately, many myths and misconceptions of suicide exist that can…
While starting a new school year can be an exciting opportunity for a fresh start, it can feel daunting for many.  Schools…
Back-to-school is around the corner, and many of us are wondering what that will look like for our children at this time.…
All behavior serves a purpose and when we refer to the “function” of behavior, we are really talking about the reason behind…
Many parents and caregivers we work with are already walking on eggshells around their children, whether their children are struggling with anxiety…
Clinicians at our practice are often asked how one can support children and adolescents in learning new behaviors.  These behaviors may be…
Exercise is important for our minds and bodies. Being active reduces the risk of chronic health problems later in life, helps kids…
Caregivers are always looking for ways to protect their children from distress, seeking to keep their children safe -- did I bring…
What is CBT? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured goal-oriented treatment approach that can be shorter in length than other forms…
This blog is for all the teachers out there.  Managing student behavior can feel daunting and overwhelming in a classroom full of…
Bibliotherapy, or the use of books as a therapeutic intervention, can be used to support children in understanding and processing their feelings…
Sleep is essential for everyone, but it is especially critical for promoting children’s growth and development. Inadequate sleep negatively impacts all domains…

Teen Dating Violence

February 24, 2021
Violence within intimate relationships is an uncomfortable topic for many people. Even more so is the idea that violence can occur within…
Being a parent often means that your world is completely run by playdates and pizza parties. Throw in homework and bath time and by…
Kurtz Psychology’s biannual group intensive for selective mutism – Mighty Mouth Kids Camp – is right around the corner!  To ensure camper…
As caregivers and teachers, one of our many roles is to help kids learn organizational skills that will help them succeed in…
Experiencing conflict and learning to work through it is an essential skill for children to learn. Sibling relationships offer a safe, reliably available, and developmentally appropriate…
Mindfulness is beneficial for effective parenting, and it can be particularly helpful during stressful and uncertain times. A simple way to describe…
This year has brought many unexpected challenges, changes, and new responsibilities. Parents have taken on a variety of new roles while juggling…
Over the past decade, access to electronic devices has become a presumption, rather than a luxury for many kids. While waiting for…
In honor of November being Adoption Awareness Month, let us take a moment to talk about and celebrate adoption.  Adoption can be a positive outcome for children who…
As the 2020 presidential election fast approaches, many parents are considering how best to address the election and our current political climate with their children. In an already uncertain…

Standing up to Bullying

October 21, 2020
Bullying is frustrating and hurtful for children and their families. In honor of Bully Awareness Month, we review the psychological effects of bullying, how…
The decision to seek therapy can be an intimidating one. Psychology Today, for example, lists over 60 types of therapies for toddlers…
Ever heard of Trichotillomania or Excoriation? What are Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)? They are explained here in honor of BFRB Awareness Week…

Infant Mental Health  

September 16, 2020
Infant mental health (IMH) refers to the mental health of young children from birth to age five. Understanding infant mental health is critical to preventing and treating…
As parents, you know that one of the keys to success for helping kids to learn, regulate, and engage in activities is…
Summer is an exciting time for kids and parents alike! The summer is a great time to engage in outdoor activities, socialize with friends,…
Parents and caregivers have found themselves juggling many incremental responsibilities in recent months. While no two families are alike, many parents and…
It is never too early to start talking to children and teaching them about tough issues. Positive and open attitudes about race…
While selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder often associated with young children, teens and adults can also suffer from SM.  In many cases, teens with SM have been struggling with…
What is an exposure lifestyle?  Exposure therapy is a psychological treatment developed to help people successfully confront their fears and anxieties head-on. The focus…
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, better known as ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts one’s ability to sustain attention and inhibit impulses.  According to recent research, ADHD affects…
Effective discipline is a big topic especially when what we do varies greatly depending on the age of the child and the situation.…
This challenging time has highlighted just how grateful our community is for teachers and educators who support children’s learning. As the saying goes, sometimes “you…
The last few weeks have brought a lot of change. Among sudden change often comes anxiety and feelings of overwhelm. Add in…
The arrival of COVID-19 in America and the subsequent efforts to slow the spread via social distancing has understandably contributed to enhanced…
With widespread school closures and social distancing, parenting has taken on a new meaning. You may suddenly have added roles as in-home…
The Coronavirus/COVID-19 has caused significant fear amongst adults within the past few months especially given that this is an unfamiliar experience, there…
In honor of Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31st, let us take a moment to celebrate youth with diverse gender identities.…
There are children for whom we see signs that they are anxious or unhappy or beginning to suffer emotionally or behaviorally. We…
The transition to adolescence can be stressful for children and it can also be difficult for parents with regards to maintaining a…
As a parent searching for supports for your disruptive child there are so many potential treatment options out there. How can you…
In this era of screens, parenting has become even more complicated. There is something magnetic and addicting about screens, and that is…
“We always thought he was just shy.” “The school said that she was timid, but to give her time and to not…
Seeking out professional help often feels like a big step for families to take, especially when you are faced with difficulties with…
With the new year upon us many people will feel inspired and others pressured to go into 2020 with ambitious new year’s…

Handling the Holidays

December 12, 2019
Let’s face it.  As much as we may strive to have that picture-perfect holiday season where everything goes according to plan and…
The Best Laid Plans… As a parent, you make every effort to care for your child and keep them safe. You may…
Discipline is a necessary component of parenting. Having clear expectations, boundaries, and even consequences help children to learn what behaviors are acceptable…
Several families have asked me about how they can teach their young children to understand the value of money. Kids are learning…

How to Support Your Teen

November 6, 2019
What to Expect During Your Child’s Adolescent Years and How to Support Your Teen If you are a parent of an adolescent…
October is Selective Mutism Awareness Month!  And while the selective mutism (SM) community is growing, there are still many misconceptions out in…
Every parent is an expert on their own child and parents are the best people to advocate for their children. Every teacher…
In Recognition of OCD Awareness Week October 13-19, 2019 I am providing some education about OCD. When people hear "OCD" they often…
As many of us dive back into work and school routines and the last of the summer is dissipating, stress has likely…
Ever notice that small voice inside your head?  The one that might give you a pep talk in challenging situations – You…
Few topics on selective mutism (SM) listservs bring as much passion as the issue of when to include medication as part of…
The beginning of the school year brings a fresh start and lots of excitement for many kids and parents. It also brings…
Many mental health professionals regard untreated or under-treated SM and anxiety in early childhood as a “gateway” to worsening anxiety, mood, and…
Selective Mutism (SM) joined the anxiety disorders category in DSM-5 in 2013. Prior to that, SM was relegated to terms such as…
Dr. Steven Kurtz presented this webinar on the indications and contraindications for doing school observations. He discussed how, when, and why to…
Teacher-Child Interation Training (TCIT) Lunch 'n' Learn Webinar 1-13-17
Dr. Ian Schere discusses ways to incorporate Motivational Interviewing (MI) withing the framework of doing Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) as part of…
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