Contact joan

Use the form on the right to send me a quick note.

I will contact you within 24 hours so that we can discuss your situation and explore how we may work together.

4203 Montrose Boulevard, Suite 240
Houston, TX, 77006
United States

713-376-9822

Child, teen and family therapy in Houston, TX. Joan's specializations include: ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, LGBTQIA+ Support, Trauma, Adjustment Issues, Depression, Eating Disorders, School Trouble, Learning Disabilities, Trauma, Behavioral Problems, and Self-Mutilation. 

School Challenges

 About School Challenges

School-related difficulties can significantly impact a child's academic performance, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Various issues, including learning disabilities, anxiety, school avoidance, and bullying, can create barriers to a positive educational experience. Identifying and addressing these challenges early is crucial for supporting children in achieving academic success and emotional stability.

Learning Disabilities refer to specific cognitive impairments that affect a child's ability to process information and perform academic tasks. Common learning disabilities include:

  • Dyscalculia: Affects a child's ability to understand and work with numbers, leading to difficulties in arithmetic and mathematical concepts.

  • Dyslexia: Characterized by challenges with accurate and fluent word recognition, spelling, and decoding abilities, impacting reading and comprehension.

  • Dysgraphia: Involves difficulties with handwriting, spelling, and organizing thoughts on paper, making written tasks challenging.

Anxiety and School Avoidance can manifest as intense worry about school-related situations, leading to avoidance behaviors. Children with anxiety may experience excessive stress, fear of failure, or social anxiety, resulting in reluctance or refusal to attend school. This can affect their academic performance and social interactions.

Bullying involves repeated, intentional aggressive behavior directed toward a perceived vulnerable child. It can take various forms, including physical, verbal, and relational aggression. The effects of bullying can be profound, leading to issues such as decreased self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and academic difficulties.

My Approach

In my practice, I utilize a combination of evidence-based therapeutic techniques to support children and families facing these school-related challenges. I use:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To help children address and manage negative thought patterns and behaviors related to learning disabilities, anxiety, and bullying. CBT helps in developing coping strategies and improving self-esteem.

  • Solution-Focused Therapy: To empower children and their families to identify strengths and create practical solutions for overcoming academic and social obstacles. This approach fosters resilience and goal-setting.

  • Family Therapy: To improve communication and understanding within the family unit. It helps address any issues related to school challenges and supports a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

Outcomes

Through therapy, children and families can expect to gain a better understanding of the challenges they face and develop effective strategies for managing them. The therapeutic process aims to enhance academic performance, improve emotional well-being, and foster a positive attitude towards school. Parents will receive guidance on advocating for their child's educational needs and supporting them in overcoming obstacles. My goal is to create a supportive and empowering environment where children feel confident to tackle their school challenges and achieve their full potential.