Adopting a holistic approach, the guiding principles of “What is the best outcome for this child?" and "How do we start making a difference in his/her world today?” inform Dr. Levinson's every touchpoint with her clients.

“My practice focuses on developing outcome-based solutions, with your child coming first.   It goes beyond talking.  It means teaching them how to: identify potential problems, create tools and strategies that empower the child, and show them how to develop healthy coping skills for successful outcomes.  We concentrate on developing better thinking patterns, coping skills, and resiliency in the face of challenges so the child can alleviate his/her concerns before they become insurmountable. 

“Typically, there are two routes we can take.  When parents come to me with an identified issue, we can start right away with therapy.   Often in therapy, the client does most of the talking and the therapist helps the client reflect.  In my practice of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), we work as a team.  Together, we look at the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behavior, and give your child a concrete understanding of what is happening in his or her world.  Grounded in clinical techniques such as systematic desensitization or exposure/response prevention (ERP), I use child-friendly language and developmentally appropriate activities to manage challenges.  Often we are role-playing, sitting on the ground together problem-solving through games, creating a “tool box” of strategies, huddled with markers creating an “idea poster” or devising meaningful metaphors as we look for clues and solutions as a team with me as the coach.  My goal is to listen carefully, work with clients to develop life skills, and provide input without judgment. I want to help families and children  navigate the challenging social and academic world and find hope, while providing support throughout the process.

“When things are murkier and a child’s challenges are less clear, I recommend an assessment.  The assessment process involves an initial meeting with the family to understand the child’s full history and to define the guiding questions for the assessment. Since each child is different, these personally-focused questions will drive the process.   I then meet with the child to gain a sense of their current cognitive, educational, and social/emotional functioning, always looking for strengths and opportunities.  I also seek the input of teachers and other professionals, and observe the child as a student in their natural learning environment.  Once I have compiled a final report with recommendations and strategies for the family and school, I sit down with the family to review all the findings and help develop a realistic action plan.  If necessary, I will help put a school plan in place as well.

“Every child has strengths to be unlocked.  My belief is we can work together to empower your child to find his or her unique strengths and, in turn, make a difference in their world.”