About Plum Tree Psychology
Dr. Ann Weller is a Child and Adolescent Psychologist and the owner of Plum Tree Psychology, Ltd. Her education, training, and background experience has been exclusively in the treatment of young people. She’s worked in outpatient settings, community mental health, and college counseling. She was a clinical director at a psychiatric inpatient hospital. She’s worked with thousands of children with behavior issues, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, aggression, self-injury, and suicide attempts.
Dr. Weller has diagnosed and treated children with a range of illnesses, including: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, behavior disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Dr. Weller has co-authored research in conjunction with Chicago’s Loyola University Psychology Department. She’s given trainings throughout Illinois to students, teachers, mental health providers, parents, and state agencies. Topics include: Understanding IQ, Teen Suicide, Managing ADHD in the Classroom, Running Children’s Groups, and Helping Children Manage Anxiety.
Dr. Weller’s areas of focus include: Psychological Assessment, ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, and self-injury/suicide.
Entries by Plum Tree Psychology
Toddlers on Psychiatric Medications
by Plum Tree PsychologyAccording to a 2007 Columbia University study, about 1 in 70 preschoolers take psychiatric medications—including stimulants, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antianxiety drugs. It is not possible to say—without knowing these children personally—if medications are appropriate. But we do know that psychiatric drugs are not approved by the FDA for children under 6. There is simply […]
ADHD on the Rise
by Plum Tree PsychologyThe Centers for Disease Control reports a rise in the number of children diagnosed with ADHD. Their report indicates a 10% rise in pediatric ADHD in the Midwest in the past 10 years. The looming question—to which no one can provide a definitive answer—is this: Does the increase mean more kids with “real” ADHD, or […]
Social Media Effects on Children
by Plum Tree PsychologyThis CNN article reviews the role of electronic media in children’s lives—the good, the bad, and the narcissistic.
What is a Child and Adolescent Psychologist?
by Plum Tree PsychologyClinical psychologists have doctoral-level training to provide therapy (including coaching) and consultation, and psychological testing.
Coaching Can Improve Performance
by Plum Tree PsychologyPsychologists review why people “choke” under pressure. We know that preparing and practicing for high-stress situations can improve performance. Coaching is a good way to do this.
Healthy Eating
by Plum Tree PsychologyThe American Psychological Association posted the following article about helping children develop better eating and exercise habits.
Sleep Hygiene
by Plum Tree PsychologySleep is an integral part of children’s health. Amazing things happen while they sleep, including bursts in physical growth and solidification of learning. Studies show that a good night’s sleep helps buoy moods, improve cognitive performance, and build the body’s resilience against illness and accidents. Problems with sleep are parts of major mental illnesses, including […]
Limit children’s time with television and video games
by Plum Tree PsychologyToday’s parents are usually good at monitoring the content of TV and video games, ensuring that children are not exposed to violence, sexuality, and other adult themes. However, in many households, children may spend hours each day watching TV and playing video games. There is solid evidence that too much TV and video games increase the […]
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