Benjamin E. Fife, Psy.D.

Child Psychotherapy

A psychotherapeutic relationship can help a child develop a more positive sense of him or herself, reduce risky or impulsive behaviors, and/or develop stronger relational capacities.

My work with children is based on scaffolding healthy development and supporting the transitions in children’s lives. Children who have been through losses, traumas, and disruptions, as well as children who are struggling in school or at home, can often benefit from psychotherapy.

Children are invited to work with me through a play therapy modality, however if a child prefers talking over playing she is welcome to do that too.

When I see children for therapy I strive to work closely with parents. As children develop, their needs change. You, as parents, always see things that I can't see. The knowledge you have can help the therapeutic work. I invite parents to provide input about how they see therapy going for their child and to work closely with me towards a positive therapeutic outcome.

I am also open, if parents think it would be useful, to conversations with other significant adults in a child’s life. A child benefits when the adults that matter work toward shared understandings of who the child is. I have experience working with school staff, family physicians, and other professionals to ensure children’s needs are met in a variety of settings.

Developmental support for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families

Children with autistic spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental disabilities often have difficulty relating to other people. Parents are often concerned about the impact social difficulties have on their children's long term health and wellness.

I work with parents and their children together using a play-based developmental approach that helps motivate vulnerable children towards social interactions.

This approach involves working with parents and children to identify the child’s interests, expand the child’s capacity to involve others in his or her activities, and increase experiences of shared pleasure and joy between children with special needs and their important adults.

While much of this work can occur in the office, home visits may be a useful adjunct to the treatment.