Author name: Shaelene

As a parent or caregiver, recognizing that your child may need professional support for their mental health is a significant and loving step. But once you decide to seek therapy for children, a new question arises: What kind of therapist is the right fit for your child? With so many titles and specializations—LCSW, LPC, LMFT, […]

Timing Matters in Therapy for Children As a parent or caregiver, you know your child better than anyone. You celebrate their milestones, comfort them in moments of distress, and support them through life’s ups and downs. But when emotions run deeper, behaviors change suddenly, or trauma strikes, how do you know when your child needs

Mental health concerns aren’t just something that affects adults — children and adolescents are increasingly facing emotional and behavioral challenges that interfere with school, friendships, and home life. As a parent or caregiver, understanding what’s going on beneath the surface can make all the difference. At DBT of South Jersey, we specialize in helping children

Written by Ashlee Maruca, MS, LPC, ACS, DBT-LBC Every child experiences mood swings, tantrums, or moments of sadness. It’s all part of growing up. But what happens when those emotions start to take over? When does “just a phase” turn into something more serious? As parents, caregivers, and teachers, recognizing the signs of emotional distress

Written By: Habeebah Abdus-Salaam, LSW Emotional development is a fundamental part of growing up. It affects how children understand themselves, relate to others, and respond to life’s challenges. While emotional growth varies by individual, there are common stages that children pass through. Recognizing what’s typical—and what may signal deeper concerns—can empower parents to support their

Written By: Habeebah Abdus-Salaam Anxiety in children is more common than we often realize. It can show up in big ways—like school refusal or panic attacks—or in smaller, quieter patterns like perfectionism, trouble sleeping, or avoiding new situations. As a parent or caregiver, it can be heartbreaking to see your child paralyzed by worry, and

Written By: Habeebah Abdul-Salaam, LSW When we think of depression, we often picture sadness, withdrawal, and a loss of joy. While these signs can certainly appear in children, depression in kids can look quite different from how it manifests in adults. As a parent or caregiver, recognizing the early signs of childhood depression is crucial.

Written By: Habeebah Abdus-Salaam, LSW As a parent or caregiver, watching your child grapple with emotional or behavioral challenges can be both heart-wrenching and overwhelming. Whether it’s persistent anxiety, frequent emotional outbursts, or risky behaviors, understanding the most effective therapeutic approach is crucial. Two prominent therapies often recommended and used in therapy for children are

Children can often get caught in an overwhelming feeling of high expectations. This can be from school performance, to social pressures, and even to their extracurricular activities. As parents, educators, and caregivers, we strive to provide kids with the tools they need to succeed. But in doing so, we can sometimes overlook a crucial skillset

Trauma in childhood can have a lasting impact on a child’s emotional, psychological, and social development. The results of trauma can leave children feeling unsafe, dysregulated, and disconnected from others. What’s important for children and their families to know is that they’re not alone. That their child can get the support they need to help