Kathleen Fahrner

I provide consultation to parents on an as needed basis. At times, parents have questions or concerns on a specific topic that they would like to talk out with a specialist in order to receive feedback, advice, and/or recommendations and referrals. Some issues that I consult on include: discipline, anxiety, trouble with transitions, social challenges, tantrums, potty learning, sibling rivalry, feeding challenges, developmental issues, and adjustment to childcare, preschool or kindergarten.

The primary issue that children present with in therapy is behavioral in nature. As a child therapist, my first task is to look beneath the surface and identify what is driving the behavior. This is primarily done through the use of play therapy as children communicate best through their play. Children use objects and toys in the room to enact their wishes, worries, and ideas. As a child therapists, I join in this metaphor of play as a method of healing.

The adolescent and young adult years can be a tremendous time of growth and development. Although these years can be laced with excitement about new found freedom, it can also be a time of incredible stress related to increased responsibilities. I find that therapy can provide an additional layer of support during these years. I can help adolescents to communicate and manage feelings more skillfully, strengthen relationships and navigate challenging experiences with more confidence.

I worked at the Kalmanovitz Child Development Center at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco for over 20 years. This center utilized CBT techniques in all aspects of their services. I was a member of a multidisciplinary team working with feeding disorders, and CBT techniques were regularly used with this population.

I have studied and utilized attachment theory in my work with children for over 25 years. I received a M.A. in Development Psychology from San Francisco State University and attachment theory was at the foundation of my studies in this program.

I was the Director of Child/Adolescent Psychology Training at California Pacific Medical Center's APA accredited doctoral internship program for 20 years. Psychodynamic theory was the main orientation of this program. I taught classes and supervised interns in the methods of this approach with a particular emphasis on how to translate theoretical concepts into practice and helpful interventions.