Heather Harej, PsyD
Children, Adolescents, Families and Adults
Heather S. Harej, PsyD is a practicing clinical psychologist specializing in children and adolescents. She works in the St. Charles and Oak Brook, Illinois offices. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois and the Illinois School of Professional Psychology.
“Most of my efforts are focused on helping children and their families. I help children and adolescents struggling with peer difficulties, developmental transitions and life changes, such as divorce and death, as well as those suffering from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and bullying. I emphasize parent inclusion in the treatment process and meet frequently with parents to offer them the necessary support and guidance in helping their children work through their difficulties.”
With young pre-school children, Dr. Harej may use a less direct, play-oriented therapy because children are less able to sustain a direct, verbal approach to their difficulties.
Dr. Harej strongly believes in the small group process to help children and adolescents discover that they are not alone and that there are others one’s own age with whom they can share their concerns. She runs the following clinics:
Social Skills Clinic to help children and adolescents develop better communication skills, learn appropriate assertiveness, and improve peer relationships.
Children of Divorce Clinic to help children and adolescents experience connection with other children going through divorce; work through feelings of grief and insecurity related to the divorce; and learn coping strategies to manage difficulties associated with the divorce.
Anger Management Clinic to help children and adolescents discover their personal “anger cues”, learn relaxation techniques to use when upset, use problem solving for successful conflict resolution; express feelings in an appropriate manner, and decrease aggressive outbursts.
Self Esteem Clinic to help children and adolescents recognize positive attributes about themselves, decrease negative feelings, establish confidence, learn appropriate assertiveness and enhance enjoyment of peer relationships.
Parenting Clinic to help parents learn effective behavior management strategies, develop relaxation and stress management skills, and improve the parent and child relationship.
Dr. Harej is also a skilled speaker and gives many presentations regarding the parent and child relationship, and managing behavior in children and adolescents.
