Elaina A. Vasserman-Stokes, PhD, LPC
Child and Adult Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis
The Lourie Center for Children's Social and Emotional Wellness
Postdoctoral Fellowship
George Washington University
Assistant professor in Clinical Psychology and Counseling
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling can help reduce stress, improve self-esteem, develop more productive ways of communicating, and improve your relationships. In individual counseling we will work together to understand and express your emotions, process difficult feelings and experiences, think about maladaptive relational patterns and learn new ways of being.
Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis is a type of intensive psychotherapy and has bee shown to be helpful to address developmental types of trauma. I practice a contemporary, relational type of psychoanalysis. Psychoanalytic treatment usually requires three weekly meetings and allows us the space to manage the problems of lived experience as well as to deepen our relationship. It also leaves more room for self-exploration, and provides us with the space to shift deeply entrenched and seemingly unshakable patterns of relating to yourself and others.
Therapy for Children
Children need a safe place to think and explore their feelings. It is normal for children and teens to experience anxiety and mood swings, but when these things interfere with school, friends, and activities, seeking a consultation with a professional can be very helpful. Children are affected by mood disorders, with symptoms often appearing in children as young as 2 or 3 years old. Child psychotherapy may be useful for you if you or your child have faced any of the following difficulties:
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Impact of Divorce and Separation on Children
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ADHD
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Grief and Loss
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Anger Management
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Bullying
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Parenting Complications
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Eating and Feeding
Parent-Child Psychotherapy
Each parent-child relationship is unique. From single parents, to same-sex parents, adoptive families, divorced families, to traditional two-parent families - every parent-child relationship has its own strengths and challenges. By understanding the meaning behind your child’s behavior you and your family will move toward a more relaxed and satisfying relationship. It is helpful to seek support if you frequently feel:
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Angry with your children
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That each and every day is a battle-zone
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Overwhelmed by your children’s needs, including special needs
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That you are constantly struggling with discipline
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That you have very little left for yourself
Parent-child psychotherapy can take the shape of a dyad, where we work together with your child. Parent-child psychotherapy can also look like individual parent "coaching" where we discuss difficult moments of parenting and reflect on your past and present experiences. Parenting is muscle memory.