Early intervention for children with Selective Mutism and other mental health disorders.
Evidence based treatment for children with the support of their family, school, and cultural environment.
My Life Work
Welcome to Dr. Vera Joffe’s child psychology practice. If your child is showing signs of anxiety, fear of speaking in some places (such as school or in public) or with people they are expected to speak with, whereas at home she/he speaks freely with you, or if your child is exhibiting other fears, I invite you to call and book a consultation to find out how I can work with you and with your child. When we work together, I will provide you with empirically proven techniques with the goal to help your child and your family.
The Symptoms
When a child is showing mental health (and developmental) symptoms that are impairing them in many areas of life, including the family, the parent should look for a child psychologist.
Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology relies on science and knowledge for diagnosis and treatment but there is clinical judgment and nuance to it. My approach hinges on exactly that: viewing each child as an individual within a unique ecosystem. I know that to me, your child is a patient, but to you, they are the center of your universe.
The Treatment
I believe that by working together as a team with our individualized treatment plan, we can help support your child through their issue and work towards a calmer, happier family atmosphere. My method is to conceptualize each child and family that I meet from a cultural, neuro-developmental, family, and individual perspectives, and then devise an evidence-based treatment plan which involves the child, the family, and other support systems, such as school, extended family and others, when indicated.
My services
I offer evidence-based treatments to work with children who are suffering from mental health disorders and neuro-developmental disorders. These services include:
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
PCIT is an evidence-based treatment for young children with behavioral and anxiety difficulties. In it, the therapist “coaches” the parents while they interact with their child at the office, at home or in public.
Parent-child Interaction Therapy for Selective Mutism
PCIT was adapted for Selective Mutism with the goal of decreasing parents’ accommodation to their children’s anxiety-related behaviors associated with Selective Mutism, and to increase the child’s verbal and social communication with peers, teachers, and in public.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
CBT is an empirically based therapy and the first choice of treatment for many disorders, such as anxiety, depression, specific fears, emotional regulation difficulties, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. It is a form of talk therapy designed to help people recognize and connect impairing feelings, thoughts and behaviors and learn how to challenge them.
Parent and Teacher Education and Coaching
Parent and Educational Coaching and Consultation on various topics such as Selective Mutism, Anxiety Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Behavioral Disorders, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Communication between school and parents.
Global Consultation and Training
Global consultation via Telehealth on Selective Mutism, Anxiety disorders and all other areas of expertise. In addition, families who immigrate may find benefits in consulting about location and school for their children.
Consultation to Schools
Global coaching and consultation on topics that may help with dealing with anxiety, behavioral and developmental difficulties in a school environment.
Benefits of Treatment
Empowering Children
Children learn how their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors are connected. By working with these elements, they can challenge and improve their symptoms.
Empowering Parents
Parents’ participation is essential for the success of therapy, especially for younger children.
Empowering Schools
Being able to understand and navigate behavioral challenges in children is a key tool for any teacher.