Mara E. Dixon Ph.D. PLLC is a licensed and school-certified psychologist who specializes in working with young children and their families. She received her doctorate in Clinical and Developmental Psychology from Bryn Mawr College in 2007. Dr. Dixon strives to understand children in the context of typical child development, home life, and school environment. Moreover, she strives to attend to the deep emotional experiences of parenthood. Her training included work with children, adolescents, and young adults in outpatient clinic settings, schools, and residential facilities. Prior to opening the Bryn Mawr Center with her colleagues, Dr. Dixon worked at the former Bryn Mawr Child Study Institute for six years and in the Rose Tree Media School District for five years.
In therapy, Dr. Dixon has particular expertise in working with young children ages three to ten with anxiety and mood symptoms, social skills deficits, behavior problems at home and school, and sleep problems. She also has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of needs. In therapy sessions, Dr Dixon uses a Cognitive Behavioral and Developmental framework to build skills such as emotion regulation and social awareness. These skills are taught to both parents and children so that the parents can help their children to practice these skills at home. Teachers may also be part of the treatment team as well. In addition, even if a child’s behavior is not unusual for her age, Dr. Dixon provides parents with the supports and strategies necessary to navigate difficult developmental phases and transitions.
Dr. Dixon also provided comprehensive evaluations for children from preschool through college. She has particular interest in assessing for learning disorders, ADHD, and high functioning autism, but has assessed students with a wide range of presenting problems. Through the assessment process, Dr. Dixon strives to provide parents and teachers with a better understanding of the child’s specific strengths and needs. At the conclusion of the evaluation, Dr. Dixon provides research-based recommendations for treatment, interventions, and services to help children both at home and at school.
You may contact Dr. Dixon via email at mdixon@brynmawrcenter.com or phone (610-525-2100, x2) for more information or to arrange an initial appointment.