Looking for child therapists with expertise in divorce
I left my children's father in early June 2021. I moved out of the house we shared together as a family and our kids now move between their old home and mine on a 2-2-3 schedule. Ours was a terribly distressing marriage. They saw their father push me, curse/scold me, stop the car on a road trip and refuse to get back in the car, and witness numerous turbulent arguments between us. It's no surprise our marriage didn't sustain the pandemic. Divorce was imminent.
My ex-husband and I have 2 kids -- a 7 year old son and a 10 year old daughter. He's white. I am Asian. We have 50/50 custody and are committed to a civil and constructive co-parenting relationship. The separation has been mostly amicable.Though they're adjusting, and see their parents much happier apart, the effects of the fallout of the marriage are apparent. My daughter suffers from anxiety and has developed a habit of pulling hair from her scalp. My son is filled with rage and acts out much more with me than with his father -- hitting me and wanting to destroy things in my house. Coupled with the pandemic, it's all too much.
We need a seasoned child/family therapist, preferably with a somatic practice. If the BPN community has recommendations for child therapists specializing in some of the issues outlined above, I'd be deeply grateful. My experience has been that most therapists aren't accepting new patients, given the rise in mental illness among kids. Some have even closed their wait lists. Even so, any resources, recommendations or advice for the health of our newly formed family are welcome.
Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond, San Pablo, El Sobrante, Pinole offices all welcome
Thank you much!
Parent Replies
This may sound weird, but I found a great therapist for my teenage daughter through the Psychology Today website. Her pediatrician recommended we try it. You can narrow your search to specific issues, such as anxiety, type of therapy, and also find out if the practitioner takes your insurance. You may have to contact several therapists before you find one who is a good fit and is accepting patients. Best of luck to you!