Services
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Psychological Assessment and/or Diagnostic Evaluation
- Parent and/or School Consultation
Treatment Philosophy
Children are extremely resilient. However, there are times when the harmonious relationship between one's ability to manage the stress and the external demands or internal stressors can become disturbed. That imbalance is manifested by children through acting out or withdrawal behaviors. Acting out includes, excessive fighting at home or school, oppositionality, arguing back, defying authority, and breaking rules. Withdrawal behaviors include, feeling depressed, anxious, keeping to self, avoiding social interactions, hypersensitivity to negative feedback, and difficulty separating. When these behaviors interfere with day to day functioning and school success, seeking professional guidance can be beneficial. Each child is unique with his/her own set of strengths and weaknesses. Dr. Prasad-Gaur emphasizes individual strengths in working through issues.
Parents are extremely resourceful in problem solving parenting issues. Yet, there can be times when our resources get depleted and we find ourselves "stuck" or "worn out." At such times, seeking professional help is helpful in replenishing the resources, whether it is through gathering information, problem solving, or extending social support. Our parenting is shaped by how we were parented as well as our current environment. Dr. Prasad-Gaur emphasizes positive and effective parenting strategies in improving parent-child relationships.
Dr. Prasad-Gaur sees parents as most knowledgeable about their own child, thus, they play a collaborative role in treatment in improving their child's functioning, behaviorally, socially, or emotionally.
Finally, children spend a major part of their day in school which helps shape their future in conjunction with the child's family. Therefore, in improving a child's social, emotional and cognitive performance, schools play an integral role. Dr. Prasad-Gaur likes to gather information from school teachers and related staff and offers guidance or recommendations for school accommodations, as necessary.
Treatment Strategies
Dr. Prasad-Gaur's treatment is guided by the presenting problem and/or the developmental needs of the child or adolescent. She primarily utilizes cognitive-behavior treatment (CBT) approach. Cognitive behavior therapy involves altering negative patterns of thinking and behaving. The emphasis of much of the work that occurs in therapy sessions revolves around problem-solving, adaptive coping, stress management, and social skills. With young children, however, talking or verbally discussing problems or behaviors is occasionally difficult. In such instances, imaginative play becomes the mode of communication, which is called play therapy.
Dr. Prasad-Gaur's treatment style is directive yet supportive, educational, and focused on resolving current problems you face. She can provide information and guidance in understanding, problem solving, and implementing effective strategies to resolve the problematic issues your child or teen and you as a parent might be experiencing. Along with sound knowledge of underpinnings of human behavior, Dr. Prasad-Gaur brings warmth, compassion and positive regard to the collaborative relationship based on trust and confidentiality.
Dr. Prasad-Gaur provides therapeutic services in a culturally competent manner. She is sensitive to the cultural influences on one's thoughts, behaviors, interpersonal relationships, and parenting practices. She recognizes and incorporates individual's cultural beliefs in working with youth and families.
Treatment Course
The first one to three sessions focus on assessing the child's presentation of symptoms, current mood, and mental status as well as acquiring a history of the problem(s) along with detailed background information including developmental, medical, social, school and family history.
Upon completion of the assessment phase, Dr. Prasad-Gaur discusses with the client whether her area of expertise offers a suitable match to the child's issues and goals of treatment. If it seems like an appropriate match, she collaboratively works with the child/family to establish and prioritize goals for treatment. Dr. Prasad-Gaur explains how treatment would target these goals. If however, after the initial assessment it is determined that her areas of expertise are not suitable to treating the child's presenting concerns, Dr. Prasad-Gaur will work with the parents to find a suitable provider whose areas of expertise would offer a better match for the child/family's treatment needs.
As treatment proceeds, child's progress is periodically assessed every few sessions. Collaboratively, goals are refined as and when the child's status changes.
Once the goals are achieved, end of treatment begins through discussion of progress, skills acquired, and future signs of relapse that may warrant additional booster sessions with Dr. Prasad-Gaur or treatment with another provider.
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