Ann Weller, Psychologist in St. Charles, 60174

Ann Weller, Psy D.

Profession(s):
Psychology, Coaching
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
Clinical Psychologist - 071.007631

My Approach to Helping

First, I get your story. I hear that you as a parent are doing the best you can, but still your child is struggling. And I believe when you say that your child is a wonderful, unique person. Most importantly, I listen to how I can best help you. Second, we strategize. We decide what therapy will look like for your child. We name the goals. We form reasonable expectations. Third, I use research-based skills on the way to achieving goals. We stay in close contact, via emails and phone calls, outside of sessions. I love to hear from you, and love updates about your child.

If your child sees me for testing, I'll let you know up front what is involved. How long it will take, what is included, and the cost. I'll ask your permission to gather information about your child from teachers, physicians, or other important care providers. Test results are given in informative, helpful, and easy-to-understand reports. Specific recommendations for parents, kids, teachers, and other providers are always a part of the reports.

More Info About My Practice

I founded Plum Tree in order to provide highly personalized, concierge-style psychological services to children and adolescents. My areas of focus include:
* Psychological Testing: IQ test, ADHD evaluation, Asperger's evaluation, and more
* ADHD: Coaching for teens
* Self-injury/suicide: We have a DBT program for children ages 13-17

My View on the Nature of 'Disorders'

Your child is born with traits and tendencies, things he inhereted from his biological parents. Sometimes, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. If you have depression, then your daughter is more likely to have it too. But biology is not destiny. Your child can be spared of some problems, or, can have problems you never had. There's another thing: environment. Your child's experiences help to shape him into certain ways of thinking, feeling, behaving, and relating. Environment has to do with everything from what your child eats (e.g., pesticides contribute to ADHD), what she does (e.g., exercise improves mood), how people treat her (e.g., bullying contributes to low self-esteem), and plain old luck (e.g., car accidents can traumatize children). Biology and environment both play a role in creating mental health issues. The good news is: effective treatment is available for the range of problems. There is no substitute for a rich, fulfilling childhood. Therapy is one way for troubled kids to achieve this.