How to get started?

Some parents are seeking help for the first time and many are coming after other attempts to help have not worked. My process is straightforward: a careful assessment leads to the best treatment plan. I work closely with families to deeply understand the child and family's history, developmental strengths and challenges, current support systems, what has worked and what has not. Next, for young children, I typically observe the child with the parents, or in their school setting. For older children, I typically spend time getting to know the child and building a trusting relationship to understand their perspective. I then meet for a feedback and treatment planning session to decide together on a best course of action.

Services Offered by Shawler Psychology, PLLC

Dr. Shawler offers a variety of professional services utilizing his speciality training in clinical psychology to improve outcomes for children and families. These services are available to families through diagnostic and assessment services, individual and family therapy, as well professional services including consultations with other professionals and organizations, trainings and presentations, and forensic work.

Diagnostic and Assessment Services

Are you concerned with your child's development? Do you think your child might be more hyperactive than their peers? Whether you are concerned about certain aspects of your child's behavior, Autism, symptoms of depression, anxiety, or ADHD, Dr. Shawler can evaluate and provide you with an accurate assessment.

Individual and Family Therapy Services

Are you struggling to get your child to listen? Does your child seem stuck and unable to make friends? Are you looking for ways to improve your family interactions and become less stressed? Dr. Shawler can support both you and your child to learn new ways to engage to improve well-being.

Consultation Services


Are you a teacher or a pediatrician needing some feedback on your intervention plan? Do you have a tricky case as a therapist and want guidance on next steps? Dr. Shawler may be able to support you in your work.

Training and Presentation Services

Do you want professional development and collaboration? Dr. Shawler has a wealth of experience working in schools, partnering with child welfare and maltreatment prevention and intervention, and work within juvenile justice systems.

The steps to get started look like this:

  1. Initial inquiry: Email info@shawlerpsychology.com or fill out the contact/request services form online. Dr. Shawler will typically call you back within 24 hours from your inquiry. Alternatively, you can call Dr. Shawler's office at 618-539-2155 to speak with Dr. Shawler or his staff to learn more.

  2. Free initial phone consult: Dr. Shawler will arrange a time for a free 15 minute phone call to learn about your needs and best address your inquiry.

  3. Prior to first appointment: Dr Shawler will have you complete pre-appointment forms. He wants to ensure thoroughness and to ensure we make the best use of your time when we meet for first face-to-face appointment. After you schedule an appointment with us, we will send you information about how to complete these forms which let you detail your concerns and complete some baseline questions. We will review all your answers before you come in and discuss them with you in the intake appointment appointment.

  4. Intake Session / First Appointment: This session is typically done with the parent only. Dr. Shawler will meet with you for 1-2 hours to review your child’s history in detail, talk in great detail about what has worked and what has not, and complete a diagnostic interview. We will do our best to understand the family dynamics and how they affect your concerns.

  5. Second appointment / Child intake / Observation Session: In most cases with young children, Dr. Shawler will conduct a parent-child observation session to see firsthand what issues are present. Where it is developmentally appropriate, or for reasons we decide together, we will spend time 1:1 with your child or conducting real-life observations to better to understand the issues.

  6. Feedback and Treatment Planning Session: Dr. Shawler will then meet with the family to review his findings and make treatment recommendations. He will suggest the cognitive behavioral treatment that has the most research to back it up and talk with about what we know from research works for your concerns.

  7. Treatment Sessions: Standard treatment or therapy sessions are 50 minutes and most typically occur once a week. Alternatives to this arrangement will be discussed if they are beneficial to your care. Most treatment protocols demonstrate that significant progress can be made in under 6 months and many treatments may be shorter depending on concerns and needs.

Problems and Concerns addressed by Dr. Shawler

Below is a list of some common conditions Dr. Shawler treats:


Aggression

Learning problems

Noncompliance

Fears & phobias

Impulsivity

Excessive shyness

Mood swings

Bullying

Compulsions

Trauma reactions

Risky activity

Language issues

Bedwetting

Encopresis

Asperger syndrome



ADHD

Attention problems

Defiance

School refusal

Poor concentration

Parent-child conflict

Poor eye contact

Lying/stealing

Excessive energy

Racing thoughts

Substance use

Fire setting

Law breaking

Appetite issues

Excessive worry



Anxiety

Selective Mutism

Poor social skills

Separation anxiety

Hyperactivity

Irritability

Sleep problems

Easily frustrated

Obsessions

Restricted interests

Mania

Speech issues

Rule breaking

Enuresis

Autism (ASD)