Licensed Psychologist
Specializing in evidence-based treatments for children, perinatal mental health, and parenting
Ariel Blum, PhD
Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health
The infant and early childhood years are considered a sensitive period for learning and development. In this stage, babies are born ready to absorb new information and new neural connections are made frequently. As children grow, those connections continue to deepen and strengthen; they gain fine and gross motor skills, develop language and higher cognitive functioning. This period is a vital time to nourish attachment and build on emotional security. With that said, this stage can also bring up a lot of emotions in us, as parents. Oftentimes, our adverse childhood experiences may impact the lens in which we view our connection to our baby. There is so much potential in this stage and, with support, you can buffer generational trauma and maximize the potential of your infant and your parent-child relationship.
Child & Adolescent Mental Health
As children develop from early childhood through grade-school and adolescence, you can expect many changes in their cognitive development, physical appearance, and interests. At these stages, children and adolescents are navigating school, friendships, their values, and their identity. I work with each child and their family to develop a treatment plan that best meets their needs. I work to strengthen communication between children and parents, and collaborate with schools and other providers so each child can reach their goals. Some areas of specialty within this age group are: anxiety, transitions, parent-child relationship concerns, trauma, and grief & loss.
Perinatal Mental Health
Perinatal mental health refers to the pregnancy and postpartum period. It begins at conception and typically ends around the first year of life. This can be both an exciting and an anxiety-provoking time. There can be a lot of difficult decisions that need to be made and it can feel isolating. Although so many women have gone through this before, oftentimes women do not share the challenges and hardships that it endures. Pregnancy is not easy; it comes with a lot of uncertainty, grief & loss, and, not to mention, discomfort! With a new life, you are growing into your new role as a parent. In this stage, mood and anxiety disorders can develop. Throughout this change, I can help you build on your support system, provide evidence-based treatment for mood or anxiety concerns, and help you to explore your new role as a mother or father (fathers can experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders too!).
Parenting Support
You’ve heard it before... Parenting is hard-work! There are so many resources out there to provide support; however, sometimes it can be overwhelming to navigate and find the right fit for you. When supporting parents, I find value in offering a space for reflection to identify a child’s needs and awareness into a parent’s response to those needs. We will explore methods you have tried and where you are feeling “stuck.” With an increased awareness of how you are currently responding to our child, you will have the ability to respond in a way that promotes attachment while balancing love and limit setting. Some areas of specialty within parenting are: separation anxiety, sleep concerns, tantrums, picky eating, toilet training, parent-child attachment, intergenerational trauma, and more.
