Chris Putnam Psychotherapy

My systems approach examines all the influences and environments in your child’s life, organizing them into a cohesive framework. When one part of this system is disrupted, it can affect other areas, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Rather than simply treating these symptoms, I focus on addressing the underlying issues. I do not view the child or adolescent as inherently flawed; instead, I see how their environment may be failing to support them.

Numerous factors influence child and adolescent behavior, but school is a common element in nearly every child's life, making it an ideal starting point for identifying problems. Research indicates that approximately 20% of American students have a specific learning disorder, a figure I believe is underestimated. Unfortunately, schools often adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, leaving many students behind their peers. This pressure can be difficult for students to articulate, so they often communicate their struggles through their behavior. As the family system exerts pressure alongside the school environment, anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem can escalate. Additionally, some children may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as sneaking alcohol, engaging with pornography, experimenting with drugs, or becoming sexually promiscuous. When these behaviors no longer suffice, more serious issues like binge eating, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and attempts may emerge.

My systemic approach targets the root of these issues rather than merely addressing the symptoms. By focusing on the underlying problems, we can eliminate the need for these maladaptive behaviors.

I guide your child in exploring their internal system and its various components. For instance, when they feel an overwhelming urge to eat, we work together to uncover what that part of them is trying to communicate. They may recognize that this urge arises during times of extreme stress. From there, we identify the source of that stress, allowing them to either modify it themselves or advocate for their needs to bring it to a manageable level. This process leads to a sense of balance, alleviating the compulsion to overeat.

While this approach may seem simple, it is inherently complex and requires time. However, it might empower children to become their own therapists. They may need to seek support in the future, but they will have developed a foundational understanding of themselves that enables them to self-correct autonomously.