Can anyone recommend a good therapist / counselor / psychologist specializing in children? My daughter, age 4, is having extreme behavioral issues that I need help dealing with. I have no experience with this and I don't want to just pick a random name out of the phone book. Thanks for any insight you might be able to share!
Several people have suggested that more information about her specific behaviors would be helpful, so here's what I'm seeing:
Extreme tantrums including self-injury (biting herself and leaving marks, scratching herself to the point of drawing blood), physically lashing out at us (kicking and hitting), screaming, etc. The tantrums can last as little as 10 minutes or as much as over an hour. Triggers seem to be waking her in the morning to go to preschool/daycare, going to bed, not getting something she wants, etc. Sometimes she will even wake up in the middle of the night and go into a tantrum with no known trigger (maybe a bad dream, though she doesn't respond when I ask).
My son attends the Lily Garden daycare at Easter Seals in Villa Park and has also been seeing their behavioral therapist, Sue Diver, on occasion. She helped him work through 'issues' and he seems to really enjoy their time together. Easter Seals number: ###-###-####.
Brenden Bell in Wheaton, hope he can help!
Updated
Brenden Bell in Wheaton, hope he can help!
I heard Todd Cartmell, PsyD speak at my child's former preschool several years ago. I was impressed. A friend has read some of his books and has used his counseling services. She recommends him highly. He is in Wheaton near Danada.
Unfortunately, my daughter's therapist just left her practice to go back to teaching, but I can tell you who NOT to see if you toss me some names. We've been through quite a few.
I can give you some good tips otherwise, however.
-Look into the Feingold program. It was a lifesaver for us to remove certain foods from my daughter's diet and stop using household chemicals around her.
-Get her tested for strep (a rapid test, a 72 hour culture and ASO titers) or think about calling or seeing a PANDAS doctor, if she meets any of the criteria for this disorder. You can see the list of symptoms at www.webpediatrics.com, and I am happy to talk to you about this further (my daughter was diagnosed with this and treated successfully.)
Let me know if I can just be a support for you. I have found that it is hard for "outsiders" to understand that it's not your parenting causing the issue. I've had my daughter kick and bite me and try to run away and everyone thought it was lack of discipline, when really it was a neurological disorder she had. :( Trust your instincts and don't settle for anything less than the BEST, even if you have to go through a lot of doctors and therapists to get there.
If you're also looking for a neurologist, Dr. David Sperry at CDH is really great. He also has a sleep doctor in the office with him if you need that as well.
Let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do on my end, or answer any questions for you about anything.
M.
I would recommend Gay Russell with Feeling Whole Counseling Services in Schaumburg, ###-###-####
I can say I highly recommend my daughter's therapist. She's a psychologist, not a psychiatrist, so she can't prescribe meds. But she is absolutely wonderful with children and teens. She's also very close to you, as she's in Wayne.
Dr. Peggy Gower, ###-###-####.
You can tell her I recommended her. She probably doesn't know very many Bobbis.
J.,
My question to you is what kind of behavioral issues? I have had experience with my own children in having to find counselors and therapists. I usually have to go with one my insurance will allow, but I feel like I might be able to help you get on the right track. A good resource is that Chicago Parent Magazine. Look for it in a Doctor office or your park district, they may even be online. Good Luck and I am happy to help if you need it.
A.
I'm sorry for your struggles. Since you didn't really get into any details, I want to suggest different thought. Have you tried looking into her diet? This can cause extreme behavioral problems as in anger, energy and others. My daughter was extreme b/c of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Now she is this sweet girl who can listen and obey...at least to the point of a normal 4 yr old. You would be amazed at what food can do. And if that isn't the reason, it can always help. Check out www.feingold.org. The Tribune even had a front page article on Sunday about the issues with food dyes. And remember those dyes are in everything, including our soaps, shampoos, bubble bath, lotions and finger paints that all soak into the skin.
I wish you the best!
H.
Sinha Clinic, St. Charles, IL
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Hope one of these posts will help your daughter, you and your family!
J.,
I am a therapist at a practice in Naperville, Fox Valley Institute for Growth and Wellness. I, and my colleague Dr. Chris McGrath, specialize in working with kids.
The contact info is as follows:
636 Raymond Dr.
Naperville, IL
www.fvinstitute.com
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I'd recommend you check out our website and click on the Meet Us link for more info. Good Luck!
J.
David Duncan, PsyD in Naperville really helped us with our daughter, starting at that age. Our issues weren't quite that severe, but enough to really disrupt the family.
