Part 2: Close-Up Talk Radio spotlights Dr. Susan Grossbard

Wayne, NJ – For children who struggle emotionally, behaviorally and socially, traditional methods of therapy are less useful for advancing therapists’ understanding of a child’s issues. In recent years, however, alternative therapies such as art therapy and role-playing games have proven remarkably effective. Sometimes it’s as simple as playing a game, reading a book or finishing a puzzle to help children discover new solutions.

“There are many people who work with children and depend only on what they say,” says Dr. Susan Grossbard, “but observing which toys they choose or where they place themselves in the room, for instance, provides me with vital information for how to work with the child.”

A long-time special education teacher and a school psychologist, Dr. Grossbard is the founder of Psychological Solutions, a private practice specializing in children, adolescents and their families.

“I do heads, not meds,” says Dr. Grossbard. “I have a lot of faith in children. When given the chance I believe they can figure it out.

According to Dr. Grossbard, children don’t process information in quite the same way as adults. For children who can’t express themselves verbally, Dr. Grossbard’s playroom helps her interact with the child to develop the necessary trust to begin to figure out what issue the child is struggling with and how best to treat it. 

“I have a great deal of respect for children who experience difficulty expressing themselves,” says Dr. Grossbard. “I’ve always been able to reach the unreachable. Even if you don’t know how to express yourself, we can figure it out together.”