Dr. Zito’s clinical work involves assessment and treatment of a variety of conditions with children, adolescents and adults. His work is guided by both his clinical experience and current psychological research and theory. Current research and theory indicate that our personal experience is a product of the interaction of biological, psychological and social factors. Each of these factors needs to be considered in the assessment and treatment process.
Dr. Zito’s approach is comprehensive and systematic. The comprehensive approach begins with a detailed personal, family and medical history. The systematic approach recognizes contextual (family, social, educational) influences on an individual which are addressed in treatment. In particular, when working with children and adolescents, Dr. Zito offers parental guidance to find a fit between parenting style and personality of the child. This starts with analyzing the influence of each parent’s family history which often yields great insight into the current issues, in particular parenting inconsistencies that may contribute to the current problem. Parents are often very appreciative of this approach.
Dr. Zito’s therapeutic intervention reflects an eclectic and strategic (research supported) blend of cognitive behavioral, family systems, positive psychology and psychodynamic perspectives along with an understanding of biological contributions. This approach might include some or all of the following in collaboration with the client: changing cognitive interpretations and perspectives, developing family cohesion and social support, recommending behavioral activation and exercise, use of relaxation techniques, and utilizing client strengths and resilience. Dr. Zito delivers this approach by way of individual, marital, family and group therapy.
Assessments for children and adults
Dr. Zito conducts a variety of psychological and psycho-educational assessments but has significant experience with:
- ADHD, Bipolar, Differential Diagnosis between ADHD and Pediatric Bipolar/Disruptive Mood disorder
- Learning disabilities and psychological disorders
- 504 Accommodation plans in school, college and standardized tests
Treatment of the following childhood and adult conditions
Dr. Zito treats a variety of conditions such as:
- Adjustment disorders
- ADHD
- Anger Management
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Bipolar
- Anxiety, Panic, OCD and Phobias
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Depression
- Substance abuse
- Stress
- Eating Disorders
- Low academic motivation and underachievement
- Low self-esteem
- Marital discord
- Divorce adjustment including high conflict divorce families
- Parental conflict about child management/parenting styles
- Family transitions
- Conduct disorder
- Suicidality
- Borderline personality Disorder
- Autistic Spectrum disorders
- Tourette’s Syndrome