Individual Interventions with Children and Adolescents
Direct interventions, including counseling, therapy, or advocacy may be part of individual interventions with children and adolescents. Targeted problems may include building self-esteem, increasing academic self-efficacy, or decreasing social phobias. Individual work with these youth is typically combined with family therapy, so parents may enhance what is learned during session, and build upon the foundational skills in the home setting.
Parent Training for Young Children
Parent training is focused on empowering parents who may have a toddler or early-elementary aged child who is noncompliant, for example with routines and directions. Parent training also is one beneficial way for parents who have children with disabilities to learn the most effective ways to interact with their children. Finally, parents who have children who may have a tendency to be “difficult” in terms of temperament, may benefit from parent training to strengthen the bond between parent(s) and child.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is a collaborative process that focuses on needs identified by parents and family members. Typically, the therapist and family work together focusing on family patterns, family communication style, and family culture to improve the well-being of all persons. Family therapy is oftentimes combined with parent training and/or individual interventions. Patients served consist of many family constellations (e.g., multi-generational, grandparent-headed, foster, two-parent, single parent). Parent services may include the following: parent training in behavior and stress management; problem solving strategies; communication training; and education in child development/childhood disorders. Child services may involve training in pro-social behavior, anger management, and peer relations.
Functional Behavior Assessments
Oftentimes as a parent you may wonder WHY your child is engaging in a certain behavior. You may want to know the root function to why a child is engaging in a tantrum or acting-out behavior. I am able to help provide these answers to you by conducting functional behavior assessments at home or in the school setting. By conducting functional behavior assessments (FBA), behavioral intervention plans may be designed to support your child better at home and in school.
School Consultation and Individual Education Plan Support or 504 Plan Support
Parents who have children with special needs oftentimes feel more informed about state and national policies, as well as rights as a parent when they work collaboratively with a specialist in the field of special education and school psychology. As a provider of this service, I am equipped to:
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative behavioral observations of your child in the classroom, lunchroom, and during recess
- Consult with teachers regarding behavior and the learning environment (including curriculum) to ensure maximum success in the classroom and in terms of social-emotional development
- Aid in the completion of a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) that is frequently used in school settings
- Provide feedback to you, and the IEP team, regarding the adequacy of goals designated on legal documents that will follow your child each year as he/she changes grades
- Assist your family and the educational team regarding special education placement decisions and the necessity of inclusion and the least restrictive environment (LRE)
Organizational Change Projects for Schools
Dr. Mihalas has specialized in organizational change projects for the past 12 to 14 years in the public and private sector. Currently, Dr. Mihalas specializes in organizational change projects in the schools focusing on a number of key issues including, but not limited to: bullying, classroom management, positive behavior support, academic success/testing, and teacher morale and turnover. Please contact Dr. Mihalas to discuss what a full organizational project would entail.
Expert Testimony for School Placement and Personal Injury
Dr. Mihalas is an expert on child development and school-related issues and is available for consultation related to forensic casework. A full evaluation is oftentimes included in forensic casework to make recommendations on future prognosis.
Infant/Child and Parent Yoga
Current research indicates profound effects that yoga, meditation, imagery, and breathing have for all aspects of our emotional, mental, and physical health. Both children and adults who either have developmental disabilities or are typically functioning may reap the benefits of a yoga practice. Dr. Stephanie will combine yoga and therapy to help you and your child connect on a deeper level.
