Comprehensive Psychiatric Treatments in Laguna Hills

Are you seeking thorough and compassionate mental health care? Dr. Debra A Hill, MD, in Laguna Hills, CA, offers a range of psychiatric treatments designed to address various mental health needs. Call (949) 833-7998 to start your treatment journey today.

Woman Enjoying the Sunset — Laguna Hills, CA — Dr. Debra A Hill, MD

In-Depth Psychiatric Evaluations

Understanding your mental health starts with a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Hill conducts detailed psychiatric assessments to uncover any underlying issues, ensuring a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Psychotherapy for Lasting Change

Psychotherapy provides a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings. Through various therapeutic techniques, Dr. Hill helps patients address emotional challenges, develop coping strategies, and achieve lasting change.

Psychoanalysis for Deep Insights

Psychoanalysis dives deep into your unconscious mind to uncover hidden conflicts and past experiences affecting your current behavior. This in-depth approach aims to provide profound insights and long-term permanent mental health improvement.

Play Therapy for Children

Play therapy is a specialized approach designed to help children express their feelings and resolve conflicts through play. This therapeutic method allows children to explore their emotions in a safe and supportive environment, leading to better emotional regulation and behavioral outcomes. Dr. Hill uses various play therapy techniques to address issues such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • Behavioral Problems
Tall Trees in Forest — Laguna Hills, CA — Dr. Debra A Hill, MD

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and How to Listen So Kids Will Talk

Based on the acclaimed book by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, our approach emphasizes helping children deal with their feelings. By accepting their emotions, we foster better behavior and communication.

Helping Children Deal With Their Feelings

There is a direct connection between how kids feel and how they behave. When kids feel right, they behave well. How can we help them feel right? By accepting their feelings!

Problem - Adults usually don't accept children's feelings; for example:

"You don't really feel that way."

"You're just saying that because you're tired."

"There's no reason to be upset."

"You can't be hot. It's cold in here."

CHILD: I'm tired.

ADULT: You can't be tired, you just napped.

CHILD: (louder) But I'm tired!

ADULT: You're not tired, you're just a little sleepy, come on, let's get moving.

CHILD: (wailing) No, I'm tired!

CHILD: It's hot in here.

ADULT: It's cold; keep your sweater on.

CHILD: No, I'm hot.

ADULT: I said, "Keep your sweater on!"

CHILD: I'm hot!

ADULT: Stop whining!

Not only is the conversation turning into an argument, it seems as though, over and over again, we teach children not to trust their own perceptions. Try tuning in to what children are saying, instead of denying their feelings.

Denying

CHILD: I don't like the new baby.
ADULT: What a terrible thing to say. Of course, you love your baby sister.

Accepting

CHILD: I don't like the new baby.
ADULT: So you feel like you don't like the new baby?
CHILD: No, the baby cries all of the time.
ADULT: I see. That sounds very frustrating.
CHILD: It is! It keeps me awake at night.
ADULT: Hmm, I see. Do you think maybe there's something that we could do to block the noise of the baby crying?
CHILD: Maybe put a fan or some music in my room?
ADULT: Wow, you just had an excellent idea! We'll get that set up for you.

To Help With Feelings

Listen with full attention.

Acknowledge their feelings with a word, "Hmm, I see, or oh."

Give their feelings a name.

Give them their wishes in fantasy.

All Feeling Can Be Accepted. Certain Actions Must Be Limited.

  • 1. Engaging Cooperation

    a. Describe. Describe what you see or describe the problem.

    b. Give Information

    c. Say it with a Word

    d. Talk about your feelings

    e. Write a note

  • 2. Alternatives to Punishment

    a. Express your feelings strongly without attacking the child's character

    b. State your expectations

    c. Give a choice

    d. Take action

    e. Let them experience the consequences- Problem solve together

  • 3. Encouraging Autonomy

    a. Let children make choices

    b. Show respect for a child's struggle

    c. Don't ask too many questions

    d. Don't rush to answer questions

    e. Encourage children to use sources outside of the home

    f. Don't take away hope

  • 4. Praise

    a. Describe what you see:

    i.e., Instead of "Nice work," try "I see a clean?" or "Smooth bed and books neatly on the shelf!"


    b. Describe what you feel:

    i.e.,  "It's a pleasure to walk into this room!"


    c. Sum up the child's praiseworthy behavior with a word:

    i.e., "You sorted your crayons, pencils, and markers. That's what I call being organized!"

  • 5. Freeing Children from Roles

    a. Look for opportunities to show the child a new picture of themselves

    b. Put children in situations where they can see themselves differently

    c. Let children overhear you saying something positive about them

    d. Model the behavior you'd like to see

    e. Be a storehouse for your children's special moments

    f. When your child acts according to the old label, state your feelings