I specialize in the treatment of trauma in children and adolescents. Psychological trauma can be defined as any distressing event that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. It is important for parents and care givers to understand the events that could be classified as psychologically traumatic in order to increase the chances of early detection and intervention.

Life circumstances that meet the criteria of being psychologically traumatic include: divorce/separation, challenging family dynamics, relocation, separation from parents/perceived abandonment, death of a family member, hospitalization, physical injury/ illness, bullying, parental addictions or mental health issues, family violence and community violence.

Each child will respond to trauma in a unique way. Some symptoms may be intense and easily identified while others may be more difficult to detect as children often internalize their experiences. Symptoms consistent with the experience of trauma include: behavioral impulsivity, aggression, hyperactivity, depression, anxiety, self-harm, difficulty concentrating, sleep difficulties, hypervigilance and hypertension.

Children and adolescents struggling with mental health issues are often unnoticed and as a result, go undiagnosed. The stigma of being challenged by a mental illness or a lack of knowledge surrounding the presentation of mental health issues is often responsible for this dynamic. Research has demonstrated that early assessment and intervention is directly correlated with positive outcomes of current mental health challenges and the prevention of long term mental health issues.