you can help your child thrive.
Therapy for children and teens.
Does something seem “off” with your child, including observing noticeable differences in behavioral, social, and/or academic patterns?
Parents of children and teens experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties often report changes in eating, sleeping, and/or expressing anxious and negative self-talk.
In my work with children, we build a treatment plan to increase effective coping strategies to manage feelings and apply skills in everyday life. I also work with parents to help them understand the value of their attention and facilitate effective communication strategies to strengthen parent-child interactions.
Teenagers often experience big feelings and more complex struggles during one of the most challenging periods of life. A teen’s reactions and responses to life stressors make sense when we consider how they have developed.
I enjoy working with youth and their parents; commonly addressed areas include:
Emotional regulation
Social skills training
Conflict management
Self-esteem issues
Body image struggles
School performance
Executive functioning training (e.g., organization, time management, focus, motivation, and follow-through)
Masking behaviors (consciously or unconsciously hiding difficulties and imitating expected social behaviors to blend in with others)
Suicide ideation and self-harm
And other personal, emotional, or life challenges
You’re ready to move forward. We work together to address the problem and connect to support.
How therapy works
You and your child can learn to feel calm and connected.
At first, I will meet with you and your child. I will ask questions and listen. I want to learn more about your child and about the problem. I will discuss possible ways I can help.
Data indicates that the greatest source of childhood and adolescent stress is not school work, extracurricular activities, or peer pressure, but parental stress (Dr. Amy Saltzman, A Still Quiet Place). Being a good parent often means learning to manage your own stress. I often work with parents to slow things down, step back and observe your own reactions, and effectively restructure your family’s routine.
I also work directly with children and teens and encourage them to talk. Talking can be a healthy way to express feelings. We will engage in activities to teach about feelings and coping skills. We will discuss ways to practice what they learn at home, school, and beyond.
Therapy can help you and your child…
Identify triggers
Develop a coping toolkit
Learn healthy ways to communicate
Solve problems
Build resilience
Frequently asked questions about anxiety therapy
FAQs
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The process begins with the clinician interviewing both the parent and child. Confidentiality and limits to confidentiality are explained. Therapy goals are then established, with themes including helping clients express feelings, understand their thoughts and behaviors, and develop coping skills. Sessions are tailored to their age and needs, often using conversation and creative activities to make processing easier and more engaging.
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Children and teens are often given small activities or practice exercises between sessions to help them apply what they’ve learned, build new skills, and reinforce coping strategies in everyday life. These are always tailored to your child’s age and needs.
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Getting started is simple. Reach out to schedule a consultation, where we’ll discuss your goals, your child’s needs, or your own, and determine the best plan for therapy. From there, we’ll set up sessions that fit your schedule and start working together toward growth and supports. Learn more.