Bedwetting: Nocturnal Enuresis
DR. JOHANNA
BERGER,
Clinical Psychologist
I specialize in treating elimination disorders, including bedwetting. I am experienced in helping children who have coexisting concerns, including encopresis, toileting refusal, anxiety, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).
Also known as nocturnal enuresis, bedwetting is more common than people generally realize. Without proper treatment, children may continue to struggle for years, having accidents that negatively impact them and their families. I specialize in addressing these toileting difficulties using an evidence-based and individualized approach.
Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I will teach your child tools to address his or her urinary incontinence, while addressing related emotions. Your child may feel embarrassed about wetting the bed. They may worry about spending the night with friends or going to summer camp. My compassionate approach addresses these emotions, along with related unhelpful thinking patterns. Behavioral modification strategies are often utilized to help address disruptive behavior patterns. Your child will learn or relearn effective toileting habits.
To facilitate change, parents are actively involved in treatment. A parent's commitment to learning new techniques and effective ways to support their child’s therapeutic process is often instrumental to making long-lasting change. For example, parents will learn how to effectively reinforce their child's efforts and adaptive toileting behaviors.
I take a holistic approach, which can increase therapeutic effectiveness by addressing for instance, maladaptive sleep, exercise, and eating habits. Furthermore, to best help your child, I collaborate with other medical professionals, including pediatricians, pediatric urologists, and pediatric gastroenterologists.
Often in life, taking the first step on a new path brings feelings of uncertainty. That’s understandable. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation and will do my best to answer any questions and concerns. If I believe another psychologist can better assist your child, I will provide a referral. I’m here to help. I look forward to discussing your options with you.