HOW DOES YOUR CHILD EXPRESS WHAT HE/SHE IS FEELING?
Sometimes children have yet to learn effective ways to communicate their needs/wants/fears/concerns verbally. Instead, they tell their story through actions. Every act children engage in is a form of expressing something from their inner world. For example, children who suddenly develop a tic or decide not to speak are in effect, expressing themselves. Children’s behaviors can be easily misunderstood and misdiagnosed. A child who is acting out aggressively can actually be depressed. It is Dr. Benson’s job to figure out what your child is trying to express through her/his behavior and ultimately help your child find more appropriate and effective ways to express her/himself. Dr. Benson uses a combination of talk therapy, play therapy, cognitive behavior techniques, behavior management strategies, and parent guidance to help your child progress.
For over 20 years, Dr. Benson has had the good fortune of working and educating children of all ages and backgrounds who have presented with a broad range of psychological issues, including ADHD, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Autism, Asperger’s, Selective Mutism, Childhood Anxiety, Childhood Depression, Bipolar Disorder and others. He has worked in schools, clinics and hospital-based programs and has provided workshops for parents, educators and graduate students on various childhood diagnoses.