Child Therapist
Making Halloween Fun for Every Every Neighbor in the Kentlands and Lakelands
Halloween in the Kentlands and Lakelands is one of the most joyful nights of the year. Families fill the sidewalks, kids proudly show off their costumes, and porches glow with pumpkins and laughter. For many, it’s pure fun. Yet for some, especially neurodiverse children, teens, and adults, the sights, sounds, and surprises can be overwhelming….
Five Things Your Teen Daughter Wants You to Know
“Mom…I am listening (as my eyes are darting back and forth between my text messages, the watermelon game, and social media).” I feel like this interaction happens between my mom and me almost daily. Can you relate? Teen girls are in a beautiful, complicated phase of life. We’re growing into who we are and,…
Advice Column: Bonding with my quirky kid
Q: My child is kind of quirky, artistic, and wonderfully unique, but lately, we’ve been butting heads or drifting apart. I want to be supportive, but sometimes, I just don’t get them. How can I improve our relationship? A: You’re not alone—many parents of creative, outside-the-box kids face this challenge. Children who are “quirky”, artsy,…
Advice Column: My Daughter’s Not Invited to the Party
Q: My daughter, 5, was not invited to our neighbor’s daughter’s birthday party. I’m hurt and confused. We are pretty friendly toward one another, and the kids have played together a few times without incident. I want to ask the mom about this, but my husband thinks I should just “let it go.” What should…
New Mental Health & Allied Professionals Meet-Up Circle Launches
We’re excited to share that our founder, Dr. Elizabeth Carr, has launched a new community initiative: the Mental Health and Allied Professionals Meet-Up Circle — an informal networking group for local licensed professionals who serve the mental health and well-being of individuals and families in metro Maryland. This new group was created to address a…
Importance of Parental Presence at Initial Appointments for Minors
Ensuring the well-being of our young clients is paramount, and the presence of their parents during initial appointments plays a crucial role in achieving this objective. Here’s why: Comprehensive Information Sharing Parents are vital sources of extensive background information on a child’s medical history, behavioral patterns, and any pertinent personal experiences. This data is crucial…
Tackling Low Self-Esteem and Body Image Issues in Teens
Addressing self-esteem and body image concerns among teenagers is crucial for their mental health and development. Here’s how parents and caregivers can help: Encourage Open Communication Foster Dialogue: Create a safe space for teens to express their thoughts and feelings. Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share more. Listen Actively: Pay attention to their…
Back-to-School Jitters: Tips for a Smooth Transition
As summer winds down, the excitement and nervousness of heading back to school can be palpable in any home with children. At Kentlands Psychotherapy, we understand that this period can be a mix of enthusiasm and anxiety for both children and parents. Here are some expert tips from Dr. Jessica Stutzman, our Child Psychology Associate,…
Refusing Swim Team Practice. Help!
Question: My rising third grader enthusiastically joined the Lakelands Lionfish but is now refusing to go to swim practices. How can I encourage them to stick with it? Answer: It’s challenging when a child backs away from commitments, especially when they initially showed excitement. Dr. Jessica Stutzman, our Psychological Associate and child CBT therapist suggests…
Not Fair! Pool Guest Pass Negotiations
Question: We’re organizing a pool party for my daughter’s birthday, and I’m stuck in a family debate over the guest list. I’d prefer a small gathering of five kids, but my daughter wants to use our entire pool punch card to invite more friends. Her siblings feel this is unfair, arguing they won’t get to…
It's not an easy time to be a kid. Perhaps it never is, but now it's especially true. Let us help you understand and support your child's needs.
Is your teen struggling with school, in their relationships with friends, with you? Do they seem irritable, withdrawn, unmotivated, sad? Our therapist know how to help.
Are you looking to make some aspect of your otherwise good relationship better? Maybe you’ve tried all the strategies that make sense to you.