Child Therapy

In-Person & Online Child Therapy Services

At Sterling Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, we understand children's unique challenges in today’s world. Our comprehensive child therapy services, both in-person for Connecticut residents and online, are designed to address a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other mental health concerns, our experienced child therapists are here to provide the support and guidance they need.

Benefits of Child Therapy

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 6 children in the United States has a diagnosed mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorder. Early intervention through child therapy can help address these issues before they escalate, leading to better long-term outcomes. Some benefits of child therapy include:

Improved Emotional Regulation: Therapy helps children understand and manage their emotions, leading to fewer emotional outbursts and a greater sense of control.
Better Coping Strategies: Children learn effective coping mechanisms to deal with stress, anxiety, and other challenges, fostering resilience and adaptability.
Enhanced Social Skills: Through therapy, children develop better communication and interpersonal skills, which are crucial for building and maintaining healthy relationships.
Overall Mental Well-Being: Regular therapy sessions can improve a child's self-esteem, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and contribute to a more positive outlook on life.

Our child therapists work closely with both children and their families to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each child's unique needs and goals. We employ evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and play therapy, to ensure the best outcomes for your child. By focusing on the individual strengths and challenges of each child, we aim to provide support that supports your childs holistic mental wellness.

Meet Our Expert Clinicians

& Child Therapists

1. Emily Slavick, MSW

(She/her) Emily (Em) Slavick, L.M.S.W is a licensed master social worker in Connecticut, specializing in the treatment of children, adolescents and young adults. Em holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Western Connecticut State University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University.

Em believes in the beauty of human connection and the importance of empathy and support in individuals’ lives. Every human being should be seen, valued, and heard. Her therapeutic style emphasizes active listening, compassion, and collaboration. By fostering a trusting relationship, she aims to empower clients to make positive changes in their lives and achieve their personal goals. Her commitment to advocacy and social justice drives her to advocate for the well-being and rights of all people, promoting resilience, and growth.

Em brings a fresh perspective and relatable approach to her work with the younger population. Recognizing the unique challenges and pressures facing today’s youth, she is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where adolescents and young adults feel understood and empowered.

2. Laurel Bonney, LSCW

Laurel (Laurie) Bonney is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with over 17 years of clinical experience in a variety of treatment settings. Laurie is currently licensed to practice clinical social work in FL, NY and CT. She joined Sterling Institute in December of 2017 after relocating to the area with her family.

Laurie enjoys working with children, adolescents, young adults, individuals and families. Her therapeutic approach always begins with recognizing and honoring the strengths of her clients. She strives to establish an emotionally safe and secure therapeutic relationship with each client. She believes the quality of this relationship is invaluable to a client’s growth toward achieving personal goals and optimal functioning. Laurie utilizes an integrative therapeutic approach that is tailored to the needs of each client. She relies on her training and expertise with evidence-based modalities that include dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapies, along with attachment-informed and family systems interventions.

Therapeutic Modalities for Children

Our in-person child therapy sessions are conducted at our state-of-the-art facility in Danbury, CT. Designed with children in mind, our comfortable and welcoming environment helps them feel at ease, making it easier for them to open up and engage in the therapeutic process. We provide a safe and nurturing space where children can express their thoughts and feelings freely, without judgment.

Our experienced child therapists utilize a variety of evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues. Some of these techniques include:

Play Therapy: This approach uses play to help children express their emotions and work through problems. It's particularly effective for younger children who may have difficulty articulating their feelings verbally.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps children identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It's highly effective for treating anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Family Therapy: This type of therapy involves family members and focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts within the family unit. It's beneficial for addressing issues that affect the entire family dynamic.

Online Child Therapy

In addition to our in-person services, we offer online child therapy sessions through our secure and user-friendly telehealth platform. This option is designed to accommodate the needs of busy families and those who may not be able to visit our facility in Connecticut. Our therapists are licensed in various states, making our child therapy and psychiatry services accessible to everyone, regardless of location. Our online child therapy sessions provide the same high level of care and support as our in-person sessions.

Call: (475) 329 2686

Our Approach to Child Mental Health Treatment

At Sterling Institute, we adopt a holistic and individualized approach to child therapy, ensuring that each child's unique needs are met. We understand that every child is different, and our experienced therapists are dedicated to understanding their individual strengths, challenges, and goals. Our comprehensive therapeutic process involves several key steps:

Assessment: Our process begins with a thorough assessment conducted by our skilled child therapists. This assessment involves detailed interviews with the child and their parents, standardized questionnaires, and observational techniques.
Treatment Planning: Based on the assessment results, we develop a customized treatment plan tailored to the child’s unique needs. This plan outlines therapeutic goals, strategies, and expected outcomes.
Therapy Sessions: We provide regular therapy sessions that incorporate a variety of evidence-based techniques and interventions.
Family Involvement: Recognizing the critical role of family in a child's development, we actively involve family members in the therapeutic process. This approach ensures a supportive and cohesive environment for the child.

Conditions We Treat With Child Therapy

At Sterling Institute, we offer specialized therapy services to address a wide range of childhood issues. Our experienced therapists are trained to handle various conditions, ensuring that each child receives the appropriate care for their needs. Some of the primary conditions we treat include:

Anxiety and Depression: Many children struggle with anxiety and depression, which can significantly impact their daily lives. Our therapists use cognitive-behavioral therapy and other effective approaches to help children manage their symptoms, develop coping strategies, and improve their overall emotional well-being.
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): Children with ADHD often face challenges in focus, behavior, and academic performance. Our treatment strategies include behavioral therapy, parent training, and skills development to help children manage their symptoms and achieve better outcomes in school and social settings.
Behavioral Issues: Disruptive behaviors can interfere with a child's ability to function effectively at home and school. Our behavioral therapy techniques are designed to address these issues, helping children develop positive coping mechanisms, self-control, and improved behavior patterns.
Trauma and Grief: Experiencing trauma or loss can have a profound impact on a child’s mental health. We provide trauma-informed therapy to support children in processing their experiences, building resilience, and finding healthy ways to cope with their emotions. Our approach is sensitive and compassionate, ensuring that children feel safe and supported throughout their healing journey.
Social Skills: Developing strong social skills is crucial for a child’s interpersonal relationships and overall well-being. Our social skills training programs, conducted through individual or group therapy, help children improve their communication, empathy, and conflict-resolution skills. These sessions are designed to be engaging and interactive, promoting practical learning and application.

Why Choose Sterling Institute for Child Therapy?

Choosing the right provider for your child's mental health care is a crucial decision. Here’s why Sterling Institute stands out:

Evidence-Based and Cutting-Edge Treatments: Sterling Institute is committed to using evidence-based treatments and the latest therapeutic approaches. Our dedication to ongoing research ensures that we provide the most effective care possible.
Highly Skilled Team: Our team includes some of the most experienced and skilled treatment professionals in the field. With over 200 years of collective experience, our therapists bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to each therapy session.
Multidisciplinary Approach: We believe in a comprehensive approach to mental health care. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to provide tailored treatments that address each child's unique needs.
Research and Development: We are at the forefront of mental health research, constantly exploring new and repurposed medications and treatment methods to enhance our care.

Call: (475) 329 2686

Find Therapy for Your Child Today

If you are looking for exceptional child therapy services, Sterling Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Medicine is here to help. Our in-person and online therapy options for children provide flexibility and convenience, ensuring your child receives the mental health care they need. With a focus on early intervention and a holistic approach, we strive to help children overcome their challenges and thrive.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule an initial consultation. Let us support your child’s journey toward better mental health.

Call: (475) 329 2686

Contact Us Today!

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Data and statistics on children's mental health. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html.