Debra Kessler, Psy.D.
Debra Kessler, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the care of children and their families. Dr. Kessler was awarded her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Vanderbilt University. While working as an RN in Pediatric Intensive Care, she pursued a Masters Degree in Pediatrics from UCLA to further her skills in caring for children. After a career in nursing that included bedside nursing, Kessler chose to focus her attention on addressing the emotional needs of children and their families by obtaining a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at California School of Professional Psychology. Her post-doctorate work was done with Child Development Institute treating autistic and developmentally challenged preschool and young children and at Reiss-Davis Child Study center addressing the needs of school children, adolescents and their families. She has contributed to Infant/Child Mental Health, Early Intervention, and Relationship-Based Therapies: A Neurorelational Framework for Interdisciplinary Practice (Lillas &Turnbull 2009). Dr. Kessler has an active practice in Montrose, California. In a family centered manner, she treats a range of developmental and emotional issues including adoption/attachment difficulties, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, autism/Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD, learning challenges, regulatory difficulties and other issues that interfere with children reaching their potential.
Body Signals: How Physical Sensations Warn Us About Hidden Stress
Our bodies are constantly speaking to us—even before we find the words to describe what... >>
Is your child “drinking from a firehose” by Debra Kessler, Psy.D.
Is your child “drinking from a firehose”? Too much? Too fast? Too hard? So, like... >>
Parenting to Grow Self-awareness and Self-management
Parents teach children to notice and respond to hunger, cold, and a full bladder. We... >>
Why Do Kids Get Stuck on Certain Tasks?
When we focus on our kids’ learning process over their final product, we can take... >>
3 Essential Steps to Take Before Getting Angry at Your Kids
For parents, there is a better way to handle your own anger before you act.... >>
How to Help Your Child Get Things Done (Without a Fight)
Many parents struggle with repeated conflicts with their kids. One moment may be about getting... >>
From Struggles to Super-Powers: Helping Your Child Grow
As parents, we have many goals for our child. Overall, these goals are about managing... >>
Rudeness and Disrespect: What to Do and How to Manage
I often hear aggravation from parents about their child’s “disrespect,” “rudeness,” or “cussing” when describing... >>
It’s Time for a Hero Story
While it is true life has been disrupted, how do we make sense of it... >>
Is it the grouch monster?
Long ago when my daughter was young, we noticed moments when her personality seemed to... >>