
Wendy M. Buzy, Ph.D.
Greater Potomac Counseling, LLC
Services for Preschoolers
Preschoolers' rapid physical, verbal, social and cognitive development
can present challenges that leave parents bewildered and exhausted. Common issues in preschoolers include:
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difficulty conquering developmental milestones such as potty-training and establishing healthy sleeping and eating habits
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behavioral issues such as tantrums, stubbornness, whining, trouble following directions and/or obeying rules
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anxieties/worries including separation anxiety, extreme shyness, excessive fears
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peer conflict involving aggressive behavior, difficulty sharing and/or taking turns
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adjustment issues associated with a new sibling, transitioning to a different classroom or school, parental separation or divorce
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Working through these issues involves close collaboration with parents/caregivers. My role is like being a guide on a hiking expedition: I help families recognize useful signposts and I share strategies for navigating obstacles, so that caregivers can "go solo" with confidence and enthusiasm.
When working with preschoolers, traditional talk therapy is often a poor fit. Instead, I rely on a combination of play therapy, therapeutic games, and expressive art activities (e.g., drawing, painting, modeling with clay) to enhance existing strengths and develop new skills.

Play therapy has been shown to help young children understand and express their feelings, increase self-confidence, work through emotional issues and negative behavior, and improve self-control. In some cases, I use play therapy solely during sessions in my office, and sometimes I teach parents how to incorporate play therapy techniques at home to facilitate positive changes.

To learn more about my overall therapeutic style, please click here