Jerry M. Lazaroff, Ph.D.
"Hello, and welcome to my practice. I have been practicing with my wife, Dr.
Beatrice S. Lazaroff
for over 35 years. Both of us are doctoral level, Ph.D. licensed
psychologists. We operate a
multi-faceted practice treating all ages, as well as a variety of issues.
I see adults, but I also treat
children, adolescents, and their families.
I am child-trained which is very important because many therapists will see children, but
if they don't have advanced coursework and training in this area, little
progress is often made. Special skills
and expertise are needed to develop an effective bond with younger patients.
I am sure you are familiar with the
typical dinner conversation in which a parent asks his/her child about their
day – "How was school today?" Child: "Boring." "What did you learn?" Child: "Nothing." "Do you have any homework?" Child: "I don't remember." Therapists who approach children in the same
manner will likewise not get very far.
Different techniques are needed to
engage children and adolescents. It is
essential that younger patients like their therapist, and feel that their
therapist also likes them. Otherwise,
they will resist coming to counseling, and will not be receptive to any input.
Thus, I engage in relationship
building with the children and adolescents I see. This includes play therapy with the younger
children, and age-appropriate activities with older children and teenagers. Most patients look forward to their sessions
and quickly make gains. They also
usually leave my office smiling and in a much better mood.
Parents are also actively involved
in their younger children's treatment. They
participate in their older children's sessions too, but to a lesser degree
because many teenagers prefer to be seen alone.
Depending upon the issue, sometimes entire families are seen together,
or just the parents are seen to work on child management techniques.
The adults I treat usually feel
anxious, depressed, or angry. They often
have difficulty getting along with others at home, at work, or in social
settings. I also provide
marriage/couples therapy. I am able to
draw upon not only my 35 years of professional experience, but also my marriage
of 43 years in helping troubled relationships.
In addition, I provide co-parenting
counseling and custody assessments for families who are involved with the legal
system. These cases are sometimes
court-ordered to see me, or I am retained as an expert by the parents'
attorneys. I will also conduct
evaluations for other legal matters, including criminal cases, decertification
requests, and adoption assessments. In
addition, I have appeared in court on numerous occasions and will provide
expert testimony when needed.
I invite you to call our office to speak with me directly, or to schedule an appointment.
Thank you."