Lessenden Sandra MFT

read moreAttention Deficit comes in several varieties and with an array of symptoms. How to recognize it and get effective treatment. How to cope with it at home and at school. Drug/Alcohol experimentation is a significant part of adolescent subculture. How parents can regonize signs of use in their teens and pre-teens. What to do about it - family communication, limit setting, contracts. Bibliography included. 1 to 3 presentations, depending on need. Having trouble talking to your teen? How to contain your child's acting-out behavior in a lloving way.

read morePeople often come into therapy because their lives are not working or because they feel sad and anxious. They may feel overwhelmed by life. First we explore their life issues and any blocks to growth. Then, together, we come up with a plan for treatment.

read moreTeens usually come into therapy because their parents bring them. A troubled teen can show many different symptoms: fighting, withdrawal, depression, substance abuse, school problems, or an eating disorder. Even over-achieving can be an issue for some teens. An adolescent's development can become blocked by a particular issue they are unable to cope with. Therapy can help to remove the block so the adolescent's normal development can continue. For the first 3 or 4 sessions, we evaluate the teen's life at school, in the family, with peers, and also the teen's emotional state.

read moreClick to download articles about signs of teen alcohol and drug abuse, as well as what you, as a parent, can do to help your child. Includes an article on contracting with your teen. Click to download articles about helping your child perform up to potential in school. Learn typical causes of poor school performance and what steps you, as a parent, can take. Includes a reading list. Click to download articles on how to spot cyberbullying and what you, as a parent, can do to help your child. Also includes articles on internet safety tips and websites.

read moreParents bring their school-age children to therapy for a variety of reasons. They may be misbehaving at home or at school. Or they may be showing other signs of distress, such as anxiety and fearfulness, or tantrums and anger. Often the parents need support understanding the reasons for their child's problems and in figuring out what to do. For the first 4 or 5 sessions, I evaluate the child's life and symptoms. With the help of the parents, we look at home life, school, friends, and the child's developmental history and feelings shown in play.