School Difficulties
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About School Difficulties
Child Therapy for School Difficulties in Santa Monica & Los Angeles
School difficulties in children rarely have a single, simple cause. A child who is struggling academically, refusing to attend school, acting out in class, or withdrawing from learning may be dealing with anxiety, depression, learning differences, social difficulties, family stress, or some combination of these — and understanding what is really driving the behavior is essential to helping.
Dr. Sally Hackman, PhD, MFT, brings decades of experience in both educational settings and child psychotherapy to her work with children facing school difficulties in Santa Monica and Los Angeles. This gives her unique set of skills in both therapy and a depth understanding of school life and how to best work wirh the administration and teaches as well as with the parents. She works closely with parents and, when appropriate, with school staff to create coordinated support for the child.
Key Points
Guiding You Toward Emotional Wellness.
Empowering Resilience
Help your child understand and manage the emotional and psychological factors affecting their school experience — and build the confidence to approach learning with more ease.
Healing Space
A private, safe therapeutic space — separate from the pressures of school — where children can express what school really feels like without fear of judgment or consequence.
Transformative Support
Dr. Hackman's background as an elementary school teacher and Master Teacher for the UCLA teacher training program gives her a uniquely grounded understanding of school systems and what children genuinely need to thrive in them.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
Your Child's Wellbeing Is Our Priority.
A child who is struggling at school is not a failing child — they are a child whose needs are not yet being fully met. With the right support, most children can find their way to a more positive and productive school experience.
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Years of Child Therapy Experience
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Serving Santa Monica Continuously
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Confidential — Always
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First Session Free If You Don't Return
FAQ
Common Questions
School refusal most often reflects anxiety — though it can also be connected to bullying, depression, learning difficulties, family stress or seperation anxiety. A thorough assessment is important to identify the right support.
If there are signs of a learning difficulty (significant reading, writing, or math struggles despite adequate instruction), a formal psychoeducational assessment is recommended. Dr. Hackman can make appropriate referrals for testing.