doreen maller, marriage and family therapist :: 650 777 7885 :: 101 north el camino #7 :: san mateo, ca
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Children

Younger Children

I work with individual children and their families using the symbolic language of play and practical behavioral and relational interventions. Together we explore and relieve difficult feelings, behaviors and thoughts. I work with all family members to create structure and improve communication and connection. If needed I can work collaboratively with families and schools to understand the child’s triggers, behaviors and reactions at school in order to reduce behavioral symptoms. I also work with other medical and behavioral care providers to support the family in addressing and improving family harmony and growth.

Middle School

The key to working with middle school children is patience and the ability to meet them exactly where they are. My experience working as both a teacher and therapist in middle schools gives me a deep understanding of the challenges children and their parents face at this critical transitional juncture. I can work collaboratively with your child’s school to assist in better understanding their challenges outside of the home, and I can work with parents to give support and structure in the home environment. I also work with other medical and behavioral care providers to support the family in addressing and improving family harmony and growth.

High School

Individual

High School is a time of rapid transition and growth. High school-age children face a myriad of challenges and stressors. They encounter academic, social, and natural stress within the family as they explore and experiment with their independence, while still living at home. I work one-on-one with high school-age children using talk-, cognitive- and art-based therapies to deepen their self-understanding and set personal goals. I incorporate family sessions into the child’s treatment plans to work toward understanding, support and connection. I can work with your child’s school to help create school-based action and support for your child’s future success.

Groups

I run short- and long-term high school-age group therapy sessions using a psycho-educational model. My substance-abuse groups focus on a harm-reduction model. I create an atmosphere where teens learn about long-term effects and consequences of drugs and alcohol abuse while in a safe environment to explore their own choices. These groups run for 8 weeks throughout the year, and may meet your child’s mandated drug and alcohol education requirements for probation (check with your probation officer). On occasion these groups may be appropriate for middle school children.