People feel. Sounds silly, but it is true, and often, we forget about this while trying to figure out the “right” way to act.  For example, as parents, it is important to understand your child, his feelings, and how he expresses himself to better enable him to act in socially appropriate ways while understanding his emotions. Emotional regulation is learned and is part of emotional intelligence, which can be even more influential than cognitive intelligence in a child’s future and success.

Childhood grief, depression, social and other anxieties, as well as more serious disorders can manifest differently in children than in adults. The signs of these and other emotional issues also vary from one child to another.  Often, however, withdrawal, behavioral problems, social issues and school problems can be signs of emotional and behavioral issues in children and teens.

In adults, normal grief or adjustment reactions can turn into more serious emotional disturbances if not dealt with appropriately. By better understanding how we subconsciously cope with stress and our environment, we can be better equipped to manage stress. This type of evaluation gives us insight to our strengths and weaknesses and may answer diagnostic questions leading to more effective treatment.

Emotional and behavioral assessments are specific to the issue at hand, but may include:

• An overall intellectual assessment
• Projective  & Objective Psychological Tests
• Parent and/or teacher questionnaires

The benefits for testing include understanding the way your child processes his environment, how he copes, and his primary defense mechanisms. It gives an “x-ray” of his subconscious. Test results offer suggestions, recommendations and specific ways to help your child and family feel and cope better.