AboutDr. Thomas Amberson, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist Expertise I am a child psychologist that deals with children and teenage issues. I can help with parenting concerns, such as ADD/ADHD, bed wetting (enuresis), soiling (encopresis), learning problems and general parenting concerns. I cannot answer questions about medical conditions. Please direct medical questions to an MD.
Experience Experience in the area. I have been a child psychologist for nearly 20 years working parents and their children. I am trained in Somatic Experiencing a body oriented approach to dealing with emotional and traumatic experiences. I also have some training in EMDR. Organizations belong to:
American Psychological Association,
Claremont Wellness Professionals
Foundation for Human Enrichment
National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology
Education/Credentials:
Doctorate in Psychology, Rosemead School of Psychology, CA
Masters in Psychology, Rosemead School of Psychology, CA
B.A. in Psychology, Bethel College, MN
Awards and Honors:
National Honor Society in Psychology, Psy Chi Chapter
Who's Who Amoung Students in American Universities Colleges
Question Hello my 8 year old son was completely potty trained. He has been having bowel accidents on/off now for a year or so. I did not notice any significant changes in his environment at the time of the change in his behavior. When asked why he is having accidents he cant explain. He will sit in his own feces for hours if I would let him. He is now at the age that he gets embarrassed. I have tried just talking to him, I have tried punishments (i.e. time out grounding) I have tried rewards for not having accidents. I as a parent am at a loss as to help my son. Any suggestions and/or ideas of how to prevent further accidents or why this behavior is occurring would be appreciated.
Answer Dear Ginille,
For what ever reason your son is going through a difficult developmental period that he is not transitioning well. It is very important that you not shame him or deal with him in an angry manner, as he already has enough shame to go around and shame and punishment will not change his behavior it often makes it worse. As a parent that has to constantly deal with soiled clothes I can understand why you would feel very frustrated and even angry and may wonder if he is doing this on purpose. Trust he me is not. Usually when it gets to this level I would suggest professional help from a Child Psychologist that has dealt with this issue before. Call you insurance company or call you local university and ask to speak with the head of the Psychology Department, they could direct you to someone that could help. Give him your love and support encourage him. He will get through this however, soiling or Encopresis can be a difficult psychological issue to work through. Seek professional help. If he has not seen his MD do that as well to make sure he is not having any medical problems.
