Speech/Language Therapy

Speech and language therapy focuses on the evaluation and treatment of children who have difficulty listening, speaking, reading and/or writing. Our speech language pathologists have experience treating disorders that can effect these areas of communication. Our speech language pathologists are also learning specialists and have extensive experience in working with children with learning differences. 

 

Child/Adolescent Psychotherapy

In child therapy, the therapist works to create a non-judgmental atmosphere with clear boundaries in which a child can feel safe to express feelings, identities, and struggles.  This environment also facilitates children’s development of mastery, coping, and problem-solving skills.  Amy uses an eclectic model – drawing on methods and techniques from psychodynamic therapy, child-centered therapy, cognitive/behavioral therapy, and family therapy – adapted to meet the needs of children’s presenting problems.

 

Social Skills Groups

Group play therapy assists with the development of social skills, self-awareness, problem solving skills, self-confidence, team building, and creativity.  Groups are conducted at Speak, Learn, and Play, and have a maximum of four children per group.  Children and families meet with Amy or Lauren prior to acceptance in the group, to ensure a “good fit.”

 

DIR/Floortime Services

DIR/Floortime therapy was developed by Stanley Greenspan and Serena Wieder.  The basic principle is to begin where the child is, following his/her lead, and support the child’s continued development by building on natural interests.  Many children who have been diagnosed with autism receive this therapy as part of their regime of services.  However, this type of therapy is useful for a lot of different children to help build parent-child interactions and develop pretend play skills.

 

Family Training

Effective parenting skills are a complement to most playroom interventions.  Amy is trained in Parent-Child Relationship Enhancement Therapy – using play and effective discipline to improve children’s behavior and family relationships.  Training sessions include discussions around parenting styles, parent-child relationship building, effective limit-setting, planned ignoring, positive reinforcement, and punishment alternatives. 

 

Tutoring

We offer a variety of tutoring services to children in grades K-12. Our speech language pathologists, psychologists and special educators provide support in the areas of reading, writing, skill building, organization and executive functioning. Referrals to specific providers are based on each child’s individual learning needs.

 

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps children gain independence and promotes development of fine motor skills, sensory motor skills, and visual motor skills that children need to function and socialize in their home, school, play, and community environments. Children may benefit from occupational therapy for: self-care skills including feeding, dressing, and grooming; hand strengthening and coordination skills required for activities such as cutting with scissors, coloring, and writing, buttoning, using feeding utensils, etc.; sensory-motor processing and integration; and visual motor and handwriting skills.