Children often behave in troubling ways that puzzle and worry their parents, teachers and friends. Sometimes their behavior is symptomatic of passing problems that have arisen in reaction to temporary stresses. But sometimes the troubles do not go away by themselves.
Children and parents may feel guilt, shame, and anger as they struggle to understand these problems. Why is this happening? What can they do about it? Families and/or schools may get stuck in a confused cycle of blaming and helplessness. Psychoanalysts are highly trained mental health professionals who can suggest an array of techniques to help parents understand and address their children’s needs. Child psychoanalysts approach each situation individually. They help parents take care of their children’s difficulties. They respect each child as a unique individual within a family and a community. They help parents and children understand how the past shapes the present, and can influence the future. They help children remove obstacles to the development of their skills and competencies so they can become happier, more caring, productive and creative. The goal of child analysis is the modification of psychological roadblocks so children can achieve their full potential.