Articles by Ellen Braaten, PhD

Ellen Braaten, PhD, is executive director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program (LEAP) at  Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), an associate professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, and former co-director for the MGH Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds.  She is a psychologist, teacher, and researcher whose career has focused on improving understanding and treatment of children with learning and attention issues, particularly ADHD, learning disabilities, dyslexia, autism spectrum, and processing speed.  Ellen is frequently called on by main stream and popular media to elucidate on the complexities of learning differences and challenges among young people. She holds the Kessler Family Endowed MGH Chair in Pediatric Neuropsychological Assessment.

All About ADHD: Behavior, Medication, CBT and More – Shrinking It Down

October 28, 2021

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All About ADHD: Behavior, Medication, CBT and More – Shrinking It Down

Today’s episode of Shrinking It Down is all about ADHD. We revisit some of the most helpful conversations we’ve had with clinical experts about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in kids and teens. First, we talk through what ADHD really is with Dr. Ellen Braaten, including the three different types of ADHD and how the […]

Q+A: ¿Cómo encuentro un terapeuta para mi hijo?

May 13, 2021

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Q+A: ¿Cómo encuentro un terapeuta para mi hijo?

Mi hijo tiene ansiedad y estoy buscando un terapeuta. ¿Cómo puedo encontrar uno bueno? Esta es una pregunta extremadamente importante, y aunque no hay reglas absolutas, aquí hay algunas pautas que pueden ayudar a informar su proceso: Recomendaciones de otros suele ser la mejor fuente de información. Los pediatras, los psicólogos y consejeros escolares y […]

Preguntas y Respuestas: ¿Qué es el trastorno de ansiedad por separación?

April 29, 2021

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Preguntas y Respuestas: ¿Qué es el trastorno de ansiedad por separación?

A mi hijo de 4 años le acaban de diagnosticar un trastorno de ansiedad por separación. ¿Qué es? Es posible que ya haya adivinado por el nombre del diagnóstico que el trastorno de ansiedad por separación tiene algo que ver con la ansiedad que siente un niño cuando se separa de sus padres o cuidadores. […]

Mi hijo fue diagnosticado con ansiedad o depresión. ¿Cómo debo hablar con ella al respecto?

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Mi hijo fue diagnosticado con ansiedad o depresión. ¿Cómo debo hablar con ella al respecto?

“¿Debo usar la palabra ansioso o deprimido?” “¿Debería hablar de eso con mi hija?” “¿Qué debería decirle a mi hijo adolescente?” “¿Cómo puedo siquiera mencionarlo?” Estas son solo algunas de las preguntas que hacen los padres cuando a su hijo se le diagnostica ansiedad o depresión. Es difícil encontrar el guión perfecto que dicte exactamente […]

CBT Snapshot: Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Asperger’s, High-Functioning Autism, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)

April 7, 2021

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CBT Snapshot: Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Asperger’s, High-Functioning Autism, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a special kind of talk therapy that can be used to help with mental health challenges, including those related to Autism Spectrum Disorder. In this CBT Snapshot series, Dr. Ellen Braaten gives a glimpse of what it looks like to use CBT for a range of mental, behavioral, and developmental health […]

¿Qué es el Espectro Autista?

March 26, 2021

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¿Qué es el Espectro Autista?

Los niños con autismo tienen desafíos importantes con las interacciones sociales y la comunicación y un repertorio muy restringido de actividades e intereses. Los problemas con la reciprocidad social son muy graves (no se trata solo de ser tímido o un poco distante). Incluyen: dificultades con comportamientos no verbales, como contacto visual muy deficiente o […]

CBT Snapshot: Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Oppositional Defiant Disorder & Conduct Disorder

March 17, 2021

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CBT Snapshot: Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Oppositional Defiant Disorder & Conduct Disorder

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a special kind of talk therapy that can be used to help with mental health challenges. In this CBT Snapshot series, Dr. Ellen Braaten gives a glimpse of what it looks like to use CBT for a range of mental and behavioral health disorders.  Tom was an 8-year-old boy who was […]

CBT Snapshot: Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Eating Disorders

February 24, 2021

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CBT Snapshot: Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Eating Disorders

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a special kind of talk therapy that can be used to help with mental health challenges. In this CBT Snapshot series, Dr. Ellen Braaten gives a glimpse of what it looks like to use CBT for a range of mental and behavioral health disorders.  The most effective treatment for bulimia is […]

CBT Snapshot: Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Depression

January 6, 2021

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CBT Snapshot: Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Depression

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a special kind of talk therapy that can be used to help with mental health challenges. In this CBT Snapshot series, Dr. Ellen Braaten gives a glimpse of what it looks like to use CBT for a range of mental and behavioral health disorders.  Jimmy was a 9-year-old boy who was […]

Q+A: My 9-year-old grandson often feels that his younger brother gets more attention than he does. How can I help him feel that he’s getting the same amount of time and attention?

December 4, 2020

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Q+A: My 9-year-old grandson often feels that his younger brother gets more attention than he does. How can I help him feel that he’s getting the same amount of time and attention?

For answers to more caregiver questions about responding to kids’ big emotions in a healthy way, tune in to our “Ask Ellen” Q+A with Dr. Ellen Braaten. My 9-year-old grandson often feels that his younger brother gets more attention than he does. How can I help him feel that he’s getting the same amount of time […]