Periods of stress, change, and loss are a natural part of childhood and family life. Many children experience emotional or behavioral reactions in response to transitions such as changes in family structure, moving, starting a new school, illness, or the loss of a loved one. These reactions are often temporary and resolve with time and support.
For some children, however, stress or grief can feel overwhelming or persist longer than expected, affecting mood, behavior, sleep, or daily functioning. Parents may notice increased irritability, withdrawal, anxiety, sadness, regression, or difficulty coping with situations that were previously manageable.
Dr. Murray provides thoughtful, customized, developmentally informed support for children and adolescents navigating adjustment-related challenges, stress, and grief.
Treatment begins with an assessment to understand how a child is responding to a particular experience, their coping strengths, and any factors contributing to ongoing distress. This allows for a tailored treatment plan that supports healing while respecting each child’s unique temperament and developmental stage.
When appropriate, parents are actively involved to help reinforce coping skills at home and provide guidance on how to support their child through periods of change or loss.
Dr. Murray works with children and adolescents adjusting to a range of life experiences, including family transitions, medical stressors, peer difficulties, significant changes in routine, and grief related to loss.
