Therapist to come to my home in Alameda

I need help in finding a therapist who will come to my home (in Alameda)to help with my son who has Asperger's. Does anyone know of such a therapist?

Smart, compassionate therapist for 15-year-old daughter

Given the challenges of high school and some old unfinished business, I think my 15-year-old daughter would benefit from therapy. At the risk of seeming very particular here, I think the best fit for her would be a Jewish woman, who needs to be both very smart and very compassionate, and seasoned in her field. Definitely looking for a PhD rather than an MD. An office in North Berkeley or close to Berkeley High would be the icing on the proverbial cake. Thanks for your recommendations.

Therapist for very emotional middle-school daughter

I have a middle school daughter that is going through some emotional times. She seems to get upset very easy and is crying all the time. I want to help her and deal with the constant disrespectfulness she gives me. I usally get, ''I hate you and you're the worst mother in the world.'' I feel very torn between disciplining apauling disrespectful behavior and dealing with her crying breakdowns. I would like to find a good adolescent therapist in the Lamarinda/ Walnut Creek area. annomanous

Help for 12-year-old son dealing with divorce

I'm helping a friend look for a therapist for her 12-year-old son. The parents are divorced and their son now seems ''ready to talk'' about that and various other family and school issues. They have a short list of therapists who are covered by their insurance plan and considered ''good'' by their behavioral pediatrician: Mary C. Heller (Piedmont Ave. in Oakland), Lenora Poe (Blake St. in Berkeley), Joan Wenters (Solano in Albany)
Do any of you know anything about any of these three? Can you make a recommendation one way or another? Any info would be appreciated! Dana

17-year-old son is sad and depressed a lot of the time

My 17 year old son is a wonderful, expressive, thoughtful young man who is sad and depressed a lot of the time. I love him very much but find that I become frustrated and probably make the situation worse (''what do you have to be depressed about!?) He is willing to talk to a therapist. I have looked over the archived therapists/counselors but didn't see much. We are looking for someone in the El Cerrito/Albany/Berkeley border area. Please let us know who has been helpful to your teen. I realize that we will probably end up having some family sessions as well. Thank you all!

Therapist for high school senior dealing with our divorce

My husband and I are in the process of dissolving our marriage. We are still living together but are essentially separated. It is amicable at this point. My daughter is about to leave for college in the fall and is clearly struggling with her feelings. I am trying to be supportive but she needs more than her parents to talk to. Anyone have recommendations for a therapist good with teen girls and divorcing families. anon

Therapist to work with rebellious teen

I'm looking for more recent recommendations for a family therapist used to working with families with teen rebellion issues. Also helpful would be a support group/empathetic moms/dads who might be willing to commiserate occasionally, since none of our friends are having such serious issues with their teens. desperate mom of rebellious teen

We're also working with the Bodin group of consultants who work with teens & young adults and their families www.bodingroup.com - you can email them or call them (website has contact info.), and they'll put you in touch with an appropriate consultant; ours are Lexy Spett and Shayna Abraham, and they're both terrific. Bodin's speciality is placement in residential treatment (placement, monitoring, parent support, coordination with parents' therapists etc.), but they provide other services as well.

Finally, there are some resources on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/schoolsnotforboys/messages. This group no longer meets or posts at this site, but the resources are still relevant. You might consider resurrecting this group, because there are so many parents and kids out there with a lot of challenges.

Warm wishes, mom of struggling son in residential treatment

ADD, oppositional defiance, and adoption issues

Cathy Valdez has been recommended to me as a therapist for my teenage daughter to work on ADD issues, oppositional defiance issues, and adoption issues. Does anyone have any experience in dealing with Cathy Valdez as a therapist? Any info would be appreciated. Anon

16-year-old daughter's angst and stress

Hi. i'm looking for a therapist for my 16 year old daughter. nothing spectacular going on, the usual teenage angst and stress. she also has learning issues. i have to use someone on my insurance and don't know of any teen counselors. does anyone have any experience with any of the following therapists? someone warm and has experience with teens would be best. thanks

12-year-old is angry, sullen and withdrawn

My daughter turned into a teenager all of a sudden this summer, and we've been having a really difficult time. She was doing well in school early in the year, in spite of her insistence that her classes were boring and her teachers were terrible, but her grades have slipped, partly because she can't seem to hand in her assignments. She says that she doesn't care, but it's clear that she is upset when she does poorly on a test or gets a bad grade. Her behavior toward us runs the gamut: she's angry, sullen, withdrawn or miserable much of the time. She has lost interest in many of her old friends, and although she admits to having made new friends at school, she seldom makes the effort to spend time with anyone outside of school. She's snotty and unpleasant, with occasional rare lapses into pleasant communication that remind us that she's human. In other words, she's a teenager; still, she reminds me of my own miserable youth and I worry when she collapses in misery or turns into an unresponsive but clearly unhappy lump. We've taken her to a therapist, but she refuses to engage, and has told me that she thinks the therapy is boring and that she would prefer to see someone younger.

7th grade daughter is a bit adrift socially

I am looking for a female therapist for my 7th grade daughter. She is feeling a bit adrift socially and could use an ally. She is basically an optimistic gal, but does have a tendancy toward depression which she keeps under wraps. We are in the east bay.

Teen daughter feels very sad and lonely

My daughter often says she feels very sad and lonely, sometimes overwhelmingly so. Although I know such feelings are normal, particularly in adolescence, they bother my daughter a great deal and sometimes interfere with her ability to do normal things such as pay attention in class or enjoy hanging out with friends. She has seen a therapist before, briefly, but things were different then. We need to find someone new, preferably someone who is good with teenagers. Can anyone recommend someone? Even better if the person takes HealthNet insurance. My daughter will be leaving for college in August. Thanks. Worried

Angry 12-y-o refuses therapy

I am seeking recommendations for a female therapist for my 12 year old daughter. We live in Lafayette but I'm willing to go to Berkeley or Oakland as well if there is someone who can really connect with her. She does not want to see a counselor but is becoming increasingly sullen, angry, resentful and disrespectful. mother seeking recommendations

This can all be difficult when a teen is resistant to therapy in the first place. Saying something like We need to get some help, let's try to meet _______ and see what we think, or it has been a difficult time, it may be helpful to have someone to talk too. If there is someone close to your daughter who might have more luck in communicating the importance of getting help, that could work or asking the school counselor to talk with her.

Could 13-year-old be bipolar?

I have a big order for an African American therapist for my teenage daughter (13) who is very angry and hostile most of the time. She is on ADHD medication which she must take for school. She does get ''medication holidays''. Her behavior has escalated over the past few months and has begun to be so disruptive that I suspect something other than teenage acting out. Does anyone have any recommendations. We have Kaiser insurance and can use medi-cal for 2nd opinions (She is adopted) How does one differentiate between bipolor disease and adolescent acting out?

19-year-old daughter needs guidance & direction

Our 19 year old daughter has dropped out of community college and now works about 20+ hours week at a retail store, lives at home and pays us ''rent'' to cover some expenses. We would like to see her find more direction toward her future. We think we/she could use outside help, but we don't know if she would benefit from seeing a therapist, an educational psychologist (she is quite smart and capable when interested, but has had problems with depression and had some learning issues), a career counselor, a life coach. I know the parent's network has some of this advice archived, but I would be particularly appreciative recommendations of anyone who works specifically with young adults in this situation Concerned Mom

17-year-old with relationship/adoption issues

My 17 year old daughter needs a therapist in Berkeley area to help her with believing she is interesting enough, attractive enough etc. that any desirable boy she is involved with will not instantly leave her at the first opportunity. This is probably partially an adoption (abandonment) issue, probably other things too. She just broke up (again) with a very sweet young man because she didn't ''trust'' that he wouldn't leave her for someone else, just as they were getting into a pattern of going places, having fun, spending time with each others' family occasions, etc. She insists he did absolutely nothing to make her suspicious--just can't stop thinking that ''if someone else wants him, they'll just get him, she doesn't stand a chance.'' She acknowledges this is her problem and she needs help. She has a history of problems with self- confidence--probably mostly because of learning disability and body image issues, as well as the adoption component. Most recommendations on the website are years old or for other types of problems, so I'd appreciate your recommendations. Anonymous

17-year-old has been stealing

Re: 17-year-old daughter needs help with stealing
I understand how painful your situation is, and I recommend Margaret Rossoff 658 0389, a family therapist in S. Berkeley with extensive experience with troubled kids. I realize that you're requesting a therapist for your daughter, not a family therapist, but in our experience a kid's recovery is not possible without family therapy, and Margaret can help you find a separate therapist for your daughter. Your daughter's behavior sounds like compulsive (essentially addictive) behavior, and our son suffers from quite similar compulsions/addictions. Our son has seen several therapists (each briefly - he was not open to treatment), and no one was able to help. Now my husband and I see Margaret, and our son is in intensive residential rehab. Your daughter may not need such an intervention if she's open to treatment, but Margaret is very knowledgeable about programs if it becomes necessary. I've also found -Anon groups essential to my own recovery, and a 12 step program essential to your daughter's recovery. A theme in 12 step programs is (as you suggest) that the addict make amends to those they've hurt as a way of (re)building personal integrity and responsibility. Our son may wind up in jail even after rehab, but we have bailed him out of far too many situations, and doing so has not changed him one bit. It may feel loving in some ways, but, based on our experience, the outcome is no change or even worse behavior, so the best way to love a troubled kid is ensure that they address the situation and struggle with the consequences of their actions. Believe me, I understand the pain of all this, and I wish you and your daughter and your ex the very best. In much the same situation

Going through a hard time with 16 y.o. daughter

Hello, Could someone recommend a therapist for a teenager? We are going through hard time with our 16 y.o. daughter. Thanks!

Therapist and Psychiatrist for 18-y-o Borderline daughter

Our 18 year old daughter is returning from a group home out of town and we need to find the best possible care for her. We are aware from much previous experience that this is a very difficult diagnosis to work with. We'd prefer the referral be in Berkeley or Oakland, but are not adverse to San Francisco or through the tunnel for the right people. She has tried DBT therapy and not found it particularly effective, but is willing to give it a go again. Thank you for any help! anon

11-year-old son with Asperger's-like issues

We are looking for a therapist for our 11 year old son. He would like to see a man if possible, but is also open to seeing a woman. Would like someone warm and caring and insightful, who is familiar with Asperger's-like qualities and issues (social issues, anxiety, trouble with transition). Is anyone familiar with Dr. Richard Bloom, Jonathan Gross, John Sprinson? Thanks! Any referrals are greatly appreciated anon

Young teen girl with anxiety, adoption, loss issues

Looking for a therapist experienced in anxiety, adoption, loss issues for a young teen girl. An Asian woman would be ideal. Mom C

Anxious 11-year-old wants a therapist

Hi, My 11 year old son has recently asked me to see a therapist. He is insecure and and has learning difficulties. He is quite talkative but has had anxiety issues in the past. He is now complaining about fears he can't get out of his head when he is going to sleep and feels he needs ''to get alot talking out of hisself''. I am looking for a therapist in the oakland or south berkeley area who has experience with kids and anxiety issues. I am pretty anti medication and am looking for a wholistic approach as I do not trust giving SSRI's to children. Please don't debate me on this one. I just want recommendations for therapists.Thanks for any help. worried mom

I strongly recommend Michelle Horton, Ph.D. (985-2958). She is a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with kids like yours, does great work in therapy with them and is an expert in learning and emotional issues -- which are often quite interconnected. She's located on College Ave. near Broadway, which fits your geographic desires. She also can recommend other options or therapists who may fit your needs.

13 year old son struggling academically & socially

My 13 year old son has always been a challenging child, he has a very hard time ''going with the flow'' and makes life so much harder for himself than it needs to be. His (wonderful) third grade teacher told me that he's the kind of kid who continually bangs his head against the wall and then wonders where all that blood came from. I liken it to throwing rocks into his own path. He has always struggled in school, mostly academically. Now he is in his second year of middle school and is struggling socially as well. He says that life is too hard and overwhelming and that too much is expected of him (he's referring to school). He is fearful of growing up and thus has seen friends fall by the wayside as their interests move on. He is not savvy and therefore fearful of change. He says he has no friends and from what he tells me is fast becoming one of those fringe kids we all remember from school. There really isn't anything he likes to do except watch tv or play video games (sigh) so he has no avenue in which to connect with others. We've tried sports (soccer - refused to participate, and swimming - refuses to progress beyond the basics), music (drums, loved the teacher but wouldn't practice), drama (tried out for the school play but wasn't selected), fencing (the teacher couldn't deal with his lack of focus), etc. I believe him when he tells me that the other kids avoid him but I really and trully believe that it is his attitude rather than lack of prowess that keeps them away. He's unique but by no means the oddest duck in the pond.

We've tried a couple of therapists (one we liked but she INSISTED that he has ADD and that Ritalin was the answer: he isn't and it wasn't), but haven't been able to find a good fit. Of course my son feels like we are forever telling him what is wrong with him and that therapy is jjust another way to point that out. What I see is a really great, funny, attractive kid who is suffering needlessly. I'm not opposed to him living in my basement for the next 60 years but only if that is his conscious choice and not just due to lack of alternatives (get me?). There is a slight chance that we are looking at some Asperger's here - his paternal grandpa is really socially challenged and his paternal uncle is autistic. Any recommendations would be so greatly appreciated.

Hip therapist for shy, sensitive 17-y-o son

I am looking for a therapist that my 17 year old son will feel comfortable with. My son is shy, sensitive & gets frustrated easily. We have been to three therapists all women and all over 45 and he said he didn't feel comfortable opening up to them. I thought they were all fine--patient and sensitive, but therapy won't work unless he feels ok talking. Can anyone reccomend a young hip therapist that can connect with teenagers. If possible we would prefer the Albany/Berkeley area. My son said it doesn't matter if they are male or female. concerned parent

Therapist familiar with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Can anoyone recommend a children's therapist who's familiar with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)? Lacking that, perhaps you you could recommend someone who could help a young adolescent girl who has self-esteem-related problems, including difficulties forming relationships, and occasional ''explosive'' rages. Thanks. - Anon

Family therapist experienced with teens

I am looking for a good family therapist in the Albany/Berkeley area. We want to find someone that has a lot of experience working with teens, especially with sensitive boys. I have already looked at the previous referrals and they were either in Oakland or several years old.
trying to put our family back together

Help for impulsive teen who thinks he has ADD

Our son has been struggling for years in school and in life, and we're looking for a therapist for him. We think he needs both medication and therapy, so we're looking for a psychiatrist who monitors medication and provides therapy, or a psychiatrist who works with a psychologist or MFCC as a duo. Over the past several years, he has seen two therapists in Berkeley who were not helpful, but he wasn't ready to be helped, and now he is maturing, identifying his challenges, and expressing interest in working on them. He believes he has ADD, which of course is widely over-diagnosed, but, as I read about it, is starting to make sense. He does poorly in school, doesn't follow through with almost anything, and is highly impulsive - buys things he shouldn't, and engages in all sorts of risk taking as well as addictive behavior that I can't comfortably describe here. He is quite immature -- many of his friends are still in high school. He is such a nice kid but struggling in so many ways, and we don't know where to turn. Advice and referrals will be so appreciated. Thanks.
Looking forward to your advice

I know an excellent therapist (MFT intern) who works very well with children, teens, young adults, and families. He has a terrific supervisor and will have his licence soon. He has worked with all of the issues you mention, and has many years of experience. His name is Pay Rose and his number is (510)-587-3234.

I also do a free class for parents of children or teens with (or wonder if they have) ADHD. The next series starts on Jan. 8th at 9:30Am at Kaiser in Richmond. Join us if you want to learn more. If you leave a message at 307-2539 with your address I will send you the class flyer. The best of luck to you and your son. Rona Renner

Help for mom and teen son who are feuding big time

My fifteen year old son and I are feuding big time. He has alot of repressed anger towards me and despite his looming 8 inch advantage over me, he says he is scared of me. I do admit to being a screamer, but hey, I feel I have mellowed out in my middle age. But we and especially ME needs help. We hope to find someone in North Berkeley, accessible from BHS. We are both quick thinkers and verbal and need someone who can challenge us. Also I'm looking for hopefully cognitive type of therapy rather than analysis. I'd appreciate any advise.
Harried Mother of 15 yearold

Therapist who works with teen girls

Therapist for 14 year old daughter whose parents disagree

Teen daughter is showing the signs of stress!

My teen is showing the signs of stress! We are in the Hayward area and I would like some referrals to East Bay counselors with an expertise in Teens. FYI, I already tried Girls Inc, they are backed up a few months. Also, we have Kaiser but she is afraid that her stepmom (Kaiser employee) will have access to her records. Thank you! anonymous

16-year-old whose parents are going through a messy divorce

Can anyone wholeheartedly recommend a therapist for my 16 year old niece? She has expressed the desire to see one (I'm thrilled). She is *very* smart and, on the whole, very well adjusted. She moved here this past August and her parents are going through a messy divorce - the culmination of her whole life of watching her parents be horribly dysfunctional. Her father is seriously awful.

Therapist for 13-y-o with destructive behaviors

Does anybody know of a therapist who specializes in 13 year old girls with problems of the sort depicted in the movie ''THIRTEEN''? The film is a dead on look at what it's like to be a 13 yr old girl in school today. The lead, Tracy, is obcessed with social status and dependent on peer acceptance leading to fast track recklessness with drugs, sex, clothes, money, and getting in trouble. The film depicts the plight of one girls alienation from her parents and her free fall into self destructive behaviors that are not survivable without intervention. Is there a therapy or discipline of psychiatry that specializes in 13 yr old teen girls of the sort described above? george

One very important piece of information about the work Peter has done/is doing with my daughter is that he has created and maintains a sense of safety where any combination of parents/ex's/step-parents feel safe enough to walk into a room together to discuss the things we can't work out alone. Somehow this great guy can support each of us, simultaneously, until we get through whatever we can/must to continue the important work of helping the child survive and grow.

Peter's office is on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland and his # is 510-654-4282. Sim

12 year old daughter wants counseling

My 12 year old daughter approached me about getting counseling. I have gone over the website and got a few names, and have two names from the school couselor, but I am looking for a few more. I think she is more comfortable talking with a woman, and probably a younger woman (not to be age-ist!). My daughter is not that talkative or open with new people. A counseler that she saw in the past did some playing, but mostly talked. I think that my daughter would benefit from someone who works with writing and art as therapy, and someone who can also discuss different philosophys/ religions (buddhism, for instance) as tools for understanding and dealing the world and its stresses. She is a very thoughful, deep, and philosophical child and has been since she could talk! My daughter is pretty in tune with herself and her feelings most of the time, but is struggling right now. She told me she wants to discuss how she's feeling in general, not something specific. If someone can recommend a young woman therapist that they have had a direct relationship with (or rather their kids have), I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks, listening mom

13 year old daughter is continually in conflict

Any recommendations for local therapists Lamorinda, Walnut Creek, North Berkeley for a 13 year old girl? She is continually in conflict either with us the parents or her sisters. She pushes all the wrong buttons, provokes, demands, screams and cries every day. Everything we say is an attack on her, she can't stand her family, most of the people of authority (teachers, coaches) are idiots. She would just like to move out and live on her own without all the stupid rules and regulations. Or at least send me to an expensive boarding school. She feels she should have a lot of rights but is not willing to give anything in return. Even when we set the rules together and contracts are drawn she breaks them right away. She is very smart, does pretty well at school though puts in minimal work, has some friends. She has a high sense of justice (for herself) and entitlement.

We are willing to participate in some sort of family therapy though having two other daughters with whom we have a very positive relationship we know we are not such lousy parents as she would make us to be. At the end of my rope

Therapist for teen son

Looking for a counselor or therapist for our son who is good natured, well behaved, but has a very poor time expressing himself verbally or in writing. Although he is bright, he is falling behind academically because of his weaknesses. He is also becoming socially isolated. Any suggestions for someone in or around Berkeley? Thanks.

15 year old girl who has run away four times

Hello Parents, If you know any good adolescent therapy for a 15 years girls in San Jose area, please recommend. My daughter has run away 4 times, and my family is falling apart because of her. She was a straight A student until last year when she got in boy/girl friends relationship then things changed. I am apprecitate any recommendations from you. Thanks.

Helping teen cope with learning differences

I am looking for recommendations of a woman therapist who is experienced/skilled at dealing with a teen's feelings around coping with learning differences, and experienced with helping a teen develop a self-knowing, positive coping strategy for the long term. It wouldn't hurt if the same therapist is experienced with/recommended by adoptive and multi-racial families, though these are not major issues on the table at this time. My daughter says she is not interested in any kind of group therapy. Our insurance is Kaiser, but we realize we will probably need to go outside of Kaiser. It would be helpful to know the basic session cost, if you know. Thanks. Anonymous

Therapist for daughter at Cal

Anyone know any of these therapists well enough to recommend one? This is for my daughter at Cal. These are on my insurance plan (HealthNet). Nancy

Diane Cohen, Ph.D. on College Ave. in Rockridge (653-1464) is also very good with young women but I think she's in the same situation---that she's not accepting any new MHN clients.

Good luck. Keep asking everyone you know. I also asked the professionals who were recommended to me if they could recommend someone else. And, keep asking MHN for names. They're very stingy about handing them out. Sally

Therapist who works with teens & their families

Does anyone have any recommendations for a therapist/counselor who works with teenagers, especially with females. I only want references if people have first hand experiences. Thanks.

It mattered a lot for our teen to like and feel accepted by a therapist--even more important than for an adult--because acceptance is the stuff of teen identity. It was also important for our teen to build a trusting relationship with an adult, and bridge the generations for a source of advice in addition to peers. From this experience, I would suggest interviewing several therapists to find the right fit, and not be afraid to change the therapist if that right fit, for whatever reason, isn't there. I can recommend , for one, Dr. Anna Berger, who is warm, savvy, and wise. 848-3050.

More Recommendations

Re: Counselor/therapist for 13-year-old

Re: Therapist who works with teenagers

I recommend:
Jennifer Freeman
5th & Cedar, Berkeley
526-2336
Jenny has worked with our daughter from age 10 to present (13). She does child and teen therapy. She's a warm and non-threatening woman with a pleasant Austrailian accent. She's going to visit relatives in Australia for a month or so, starting next week (I think), so you might want to call right away if the situation is urgent. Good luck!

Both of the counselors that we have seen in the past few years have experience with adolescents. Dean Lobovits and Jenny Freeman. They both practice in a building on the corner of 5th and Cedar in Berkeley. It's my impression that Dean mostly does Marriage & family counseling now, though he used to work in Teen Centers. And Jenny mostly does kids now. She saw my stepdaughter from age 10 through age 13. They are the authors of a book called "Playful Solutions to Serious Problems" (I think), which gives you an idea of their philosophy. Good luck! Dawn

Re: adolescent therapy

For the person looking for a counselor for a child/young adult I highly recommend Mario LaMort. He is in San Anselmo and well worth the drive. He is very direct and can zone in on what the problem is and how to work with it. Although we have not had occasion to take our child to him two close friends have taken their children and been very pleased. He is involved with the schools there, working with kids in group settings and also has a private practice. His # is 415-457-8547.

I have recommendations for two therapists that my family has used and were very pleased with:
Matthew Mock Ph.D.
2714 Telegraph Av
Berkeley
848-9919

Matthew Mock has a private practice and is also the director of Family Youth and Children Services for Berkeley Mental Health. He is on the faculty at JFK University and is a nationally recognized expert on multicultural mental health issues and services. He has been very helpful to us with both our very complicated children (a niece and nephew.) (By-the-way, Berkeley is one of the few cities in the country to have its own Mental Health Department.)

Scott Lines Ph.D.
5435 College Av
Oakland
482-8460

Scott Lines was very helpful to my husband, our children, and me when he was doing a post-doc at Kaiser Oakland in 1993. We consulted with him for a "second-opinion" and were very impressed with him for the few months we saw him. Circumstances with 10 visit limit at Kaiser neccessitated that we go elswhere for long-term therapy. Scott was very perceptive. It seems that his advice and diagnosis certainly were on target. He really knew what he was talking about! The kids liked him too, though they weren't with him too long. Good luck! H.

Re: angry adolescent

Dear Parent: I have two daughters, both of whom have experienced anger and depression resulting from divorce, etc. My older daughter is in therapy with a fantastic clinical psychologist who, in turn, recommended a wonderful family therapist who specializes in individual and group/family therapy. His name is John DiMartini, located just off College Avenue in Oakland near the BART. I don't have his phone number with me at the moment, but if you are interested in pursuing this, please feel free to e-mail me. The reason I like him so much is that he absolutely protects the rights of children while helping every member of the family to feel whatever is going on for them and he is extremely fair. He is excellent at enabling everyone involved to listen to everyone else -- quite a remarkable task. He is also open to suggestions if something goes off, and I think this is critical to any group situation. I don't know if he would see an individual and that individual's family at the same time -- usually therapists just do one or the other. However, I am confident that he could recommend someone else if you eventually felt the need for individual and family therapy. Obviously, since both of my children are female, I don't know first-hand about how John would do with a male child. However, I would guess he would be wonderful with your son and/or you and your husband. Good luck. Just this past weekend I was at Emerson School's playground with my younger daughter who was playing basketball, and we witnessed a 5-year-old boy who was screaming, hitting and biting his mother and sister -- his parents were also nearing the point of a therapist. My thoughts are with you. Take care, Tamara