Psychological Testing

What is Psychological Testing?

Psychological Testing is used by psychologists to help get a better understanding of a person.  It usually involves a combination of tests used to find out more about how your child is functioning in school, at home or with their friends.  Psychological testing is like a snapshot of a current state of functioning, providing information about appropriate diagnoses.  Decisions regarding possible changes needing to be made in the home, school and/or treatment environment can then be made in a more well-informed manner.

Why choose Psychological Testing?

Psychological Testing is generally considered when parents, teachers or a physician are concerned or unsure about a child’s progress in school, behavioral problems, or other significant problems adjusting to demands of the world.  Questions related to academic potential, learning problems, motivation, attentional lapses, anxiety, and depression are common when testing is being considered.  Together with your psychologist, a determination will be made as to whether testing would provide needed information.

What can I Expect?

Psychological Testing is tailored to suit the needs of your child.  Once a psychologist has reviewed the concerns and obtained a history from the parents, a decision will be made about whether to proceed with the testing.  If it is determined that testing would indeed be useful, the appropriate combination of test materials will be chosen.  The psychologist may meet with your child for a “child interview” before the evaluation.  The actual “battery” of tests takes anywhere from 2 to 6 hours to complete.  A number of different tools may be used. Tests measuring IQ and cognitive ability help to determine a child’s intellectual capability. Academic and learning measures are used to help understand how your child compares to other children in his or her grade and to determine whether there are any special needs that your child may have.  Personality testing materials are used to help understand your child’s style of processing emotional well-being. Parent and teacher input is used to determine what kind of concerns you and teachers may have about your child. After the testing has been completed, the psychologist will sit down with you to review the results. This includes reviewing the recommendations which are made for you, for the teacher and, if necessary, for your physician.  Psychological testing can be an extensive process, but it does provide you with a comprehensive picture of your child that can help you with many decisions about his or her home life, schooling and treatment needs. 

Individual Therapy

What is Individual Therapy?

Individual Therapy involves one-to-one meetings with a therapist.  Within the context of a cooperative partnership, a working relationship between the therapist and client allows goals to be developed and solutions to be generated.  There is typically a focus on particular problems or stressors.  Individual therapy helps someone to look more objectively at feelings, thoughts and behaviors. 

Why choose Individual Therapy?

Individual Therapy may be recommended to address specific problems in depth.  There are certain issues which require more specific and personal focus.  Included among the reasons for which individuals may seek Individual Therapy are extreme distress, family conflict, irritability, moodiness, depression, fears, anxiety, and confusion. When life stressors or emotional problems begin to affect someone’s comfort level with daily routine, to show up in harmful behaviors or to overwhelm a child or family, making the decision to seek therapy is warranted.  Research shows that therapy can help people to make important changes and positive progress.  Research also supports the idea that emotional and physical health are closely connected.  A therapist will help decide whether a course of individual therapy could be useful.

What can I expect in Individual Therapy?

Following the initial information and history-gathering sessions, Individual Therapy begins shortly thereafter if it has been determined by your psychologist or psychiatrist to be warranted.  Individual Therapy usually involves talking about difficulties in detail, identifying personal strengths and practicing strategies for coping with or overcoming problems.  Sessions typically occur on a weekly or every-other-week basis.  With children, activities such as games, drawing, or imaginary play are often used to help with communication within the therapy session.  Parental input will be requested, with the regularity of parental involvement depending on the presenting issues and on the age of the child or adolescent.  Confidentiality is an important component in Individual Therapy and is discussed at the outset of treatment.  Two-way communication, openness, and trust are important components of an Individual Therapy relationship.  The length of treatment is determined on a case by case basis and is generally considered to be complete when the initial problems or concerns have been resolved.

Family Therapy

What is Family Therapy?

Family therapy is a form of intervention that includes all or most of the immediate family in the treatment process.  Family therapy is based on the understanding that working with someone’s environment and social context is critical for change.  For children, the primary social context is the family.  Family therapists view the family as a unit in itself and not merely as a collection of individuals.  Family therapy focuses on family dynamics and interactions, with goals centered around adjusting those patterns to promote positive and healthy functioning. 

Why choose Family Therapy?

Sometimes problems with children arise that either involve or impact the entire family.  Sometimes families who are experiencing difficult times may have conflict between family members.  And sometimes families simply need help with communicating and interacting better.  In such cases, therapy that focuses on shifting family dynamics and patterns is warranted.  Family therapy, including all involved parties, provides a solid foundation upon which to make positive change.  At Silber Psychological Services, we recognize the importance of comprehensive and inclusive services, tailored to individuals and their families.  In some situations, family therapy may be the primary treatment of choice.  In other cases, family therapy can be an effective adjunct to individual or group therapy. 

What can I expect in Family Therapy?

Family therapy sessions will typically include each family member involved in the problem.  Information received during the initial sessions with your psychologist will help in determining if, when, and who might be involved.  During family therapy sessions, you can expect solution-focused treatment which addresses the specific concerns of your family.  The initial stages of family therapy usually involve understanding the problems and how they affect the entire family.  As the sessions proceed, the primary goal of family therapy becomes helping family members work together to achieve collective goals.  The ultimate aim is for everyone involved in the family therapy sessions to be satisfied with the results of the intervention. 

Group Therapy

What is Group Therapy?

Group therapy is designed for children or adolescents who are having difficulties with social interactions or with a specific problem areas.  For the elementary or middle school children who are struggling with peer interaction difficulties in particular, a  Social  Skills Training group is often recommended as the treatment of choice.  For the older middle schoolers or high schoolers experiencing social issues and related problems, Group Therapy may be the appropriate route of intervention.  Group Therapy opportunities may also be presented in the form of a special group developed to focus on specific issues such divorce, self-esteem, adoption, developmental handicaps, or eating disorders. Children or adolescents are generally grouped with others of roughly the same age. Groups are typically held for 60-90 minute sessions on a weekly basis at an after-school time. Some groups are “open ended,” with children entering into and terminating from group as appropriate to their own  needs; others are “time-limited,” with children completing the group once they have finished a specified set of sessions.

Why choose Group Therapy?

Group treatment is a unique type of therapy which can have a tremendously positive impact and offers many advantages as a form of treatment. Group treatment offers a ready-made social situation in which to learn new ways of relating to others, to receive role-modeling, to practice new skills, to get feedback from peers, to share problem-solving ideas, and to feel supported in a safe environment. Groups often help weaken the pull of negative peer influence.  Aside from being able to develop social skills vital to getting along with others and in the world, children in group also receive valuable information from peers who are experiencing similar problems.  They learn important behavioral, communication, and relationship skills which can serve them well into adulthood.

What can I expect in Group Therapy?

Your child will be invited to join a new or existing group following the decision that group therapy would be a recommended form of treatment.  Middle school or younger groups usually consist of same-gender peers, whereas high school groups are most often co-ed. The older children usually are more insight-oriented, with the therapists encouraging self-exploration and development of personal goals.   Through group interactions, members can directly try out new ways of interacting with increased confidence and skill.  They are given more responsibility for identifying their goals and making positive changes in their lives.   Length of treatment varies considerably depending on the severity of the problems, commitment, motivation, and ability to change on the part of the child and the parents. By the time your child is ready to graduate from group, we would expect him or her to be able to better handle the daily challenges of living.