Caren Goldstein, a Family Psychiatric Advanced Nurse Practitioner, has seen the negative impact that the internet and social media have had on children, adolescents and their families, and adults.
She says that the digital world has increased peer pressure and that this tremendous pressure can lead to low self-esteem. The pairing affects not only children and adolescents but also their families. Plus, for many individuals, issues can be carried into adulthood, causing problems in later life. “When clients come to me, they express worry, a lack of motivation, or say they can’t stop [negative] thoughts,” she says.
Caren’s advanced training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Mental Health and her more than a decade working with Child Study teams and guidance counselors position her well to pick up all the signals. She has a passion for working with youth on the autism spectrum as well as with ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders and behavior problems and a comfort level treating transgender and all members of the LGBTQ community.
Caren uses a holistic approach, engaging her clients and their families as well as therapists or primary care doctors. She uncovers triggers and provides treatment that caters to the unique needs of each individual and family.
Using supportive therapy, Caren guides her clients toward skills they can use to cope with their issues. “I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills as well as behavior modification and encourage [patients] to recognize their wise mind versus their emotional mind.” The emotional mind is driven by feelings, the reasonable mind by logic. The wise mind is a middle ground between the two. With DBT, clients learn skills to use their wise mind and better manage their behavior.
Caren engages with clients with a blend of kindness, empathy, and forthrightness. Her knowledge, comprehensive approach, and passion enable her to work with individuals to help them function better in life, school, career and family.