Linda C. Sanicola, Ph.D.
17822 Beach Blvd. Suite 320
Huntington Beach Ca 92647
714.841.5534
714.841-5104 (FAX)

Dr. Sanicola specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in both adults and children; in treating people with anxiety and depression; relationship problems, parenting education and training, and day-to-day stress of everyday living. In general, important goals in therapy include help in gaining self understanding and using that understanding to make the best decisions for day-to-day life and in developing basic problem solving strategies. Often, significant change can be made simply through the process of education and awareness.

Dr. Sanicola has been in private practice in Huntington Beach since 1985, initially in group practice and as a solo practitioner since 1997. She specializes in the treatment of children and adolescents, providing both diagnostic and treatment services. She has expertise in inpatient and outpatient treatment; designing programs to aid in serving both children and adults. Parent education is also an important component of her practice. She started Quest Camp-H.B. in 1998.

Dr.. Sanicola earned a Ph.D. in 1984 at the Calif. School of Professional Psychology and has subsequently earned a Diplomate in the Prescribing Psychologists Register.

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ADD/ADHD When your child's inability to pay attention, concentrate, or ignore distractions begins to affect his life in negative ways, he may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). If he is diagnosed with ADHD, there are ways to help your child succeed in school, with his peers and at home, and there are strategies to help you parent him. Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has received a great deal of attention in the popular media during the last 10 years. However, it remains controversial and misunderstood. It has been referred to as being both under and over-diagnosed, depending on circumstances. One of the perplexing aspects of the diagnostic challenge has to do with the fact that we are working with children. Little people whose needs; resources, capabilities and circumstances are constantly in flux. The central characteristics of the disorder include problems with attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. However, not every child has every symptom and the symptoms they do have are intermingled with the above-mentioned characteristics as well as the personality of the child. Nevertheless, there are certain core characteristics of the disorder that must be present in order to consider the diagnosis. Once these have been established, the remaining "symptoms" can be evaluated in light of the possibility of ADD/ ADHD. As with most psychological or psychiatric disorders, there are no definitive tests to diagnose ADD. However, a team of experienced professionals, most often involving a psychologist and/or a psychiatrist, pediatrician, teacher, and parents carefully examines the child's behavior across settings to figure out what the behavior means. It is also important to note that children with ADD often have other disorders. A psychologist can administer psychological tests to aid in the diagnosis. What we do know is that this is a disorder of the brain and results in the child being unable to control his or her behavior. The lack of control leads to impairment in at least two setting.The best treatment of the disorder involves both medication and behavior therapy. Medication alone is better than nothing, if a choice has to be made. Behavior therapy starts with the parents and perhaps includes other siblings. It is hard work to restructure the household to aid the ADD child in learning and being successful. Supportive therapy is sometimes helpful to assist distressed parents in coping with a difficult child, year after year.

Self = "who am I?"
Esteem = "how do I feel about who I am?"

Feeling good about oneself enhances the ability to learn, to participate, to grow and to be happy.

A sense of confidence and resiliency enables children to successfully tackle the many challenges they daily face. All of us receive messages from the world and from others that tell us who we are. These messages often become internalized and form a cornerstone of identity. When these messages are negative and suggest things like "I can't do it" or "I'm no good at math", there is no way for the child to have a "can-do" attitude about life and its many problems. The self is defined as what they can't do and there is no way to feel good about it.

Our culture is heavily balanced towards directing, correcting, or admonishing children about their behavior. It is only through a positive emphasis on teaching appropriate behavior in a systematic and supportive manner that the sense of self changes and becomes more positive. When this process also involves positive peer influence, it becomes more effective. Kids encouraging and helping each other makes it easier to learn.