Child/Adolescent
Children’s mental health is often overlooked or misinterpreted as shyness, laziness, or “bad behavior.” Children often use behavior to communicate when they lack the skills to express themselves verbally or advocate for their needs. As a developmental specialist, I am skilled in a variety of interventions to help your child overcome obstacles hindering their emotional, behavioral and relational well-being. Art and play-based therapies have proven successful in helping children cultivate self-control, self-awareness, empathy, flexible thinking, and problem-solving skills. Play relieves feelings of stress and boredom, connects us to people in a positive way, stimulates creative thinking and exploration, regulates our emotions, and boosts our self-esteem (Landreth, 2002). Play-based therapies are generally more effective compared to talk therapy for young children. Play is their language and toys are their words. Depending on the individual needs, older children may benefit from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or Family Therapy. I also offer Circle of Security Parenting courses and individualized parent guidance, tailored to meet the specific needs of each family. A thorough assessment will help us decide what treatment options are best for you and your child.
Teens
Many parents struggle to communicate with their teens about mental health and find it difficult to offer unbiased support when listening to their teen’s problems. Individual therapy for your teen will provide a safe outlet for processing fears and frustrations, while simultaneously exploring new perspectives and possibilities. As a young therapist, I am equipped with modern-day practices and the ability to relate to the newer generation. I enjoy helping teens overcome anger, anxiety, depression, self-harm, panic attacks, and issues with self-esteem. I especially have a passion for working with teen girls navigating sexual identity and the rising issues with social media. Families with struggling teens may also benefit from Family Therapy. Family Therapy with your teen can help facilitate empathetic conversations that produce mutual respect and understanding for one another. In Family Therapy, we can address your concerns with behavior, arguments and conflict, strengthen your relationships, create deeper emotional connections, and establish healthier patterns of communication.
Trauma & PTSD
Trauma can have a lasting impact on a person’s mental health no matter the age. Unresolved trauma has a tendency to resurface in high-stress situations and in our most intimate relationships. For some, the trauma reminders are inescapable, making it impossible to function in everyday life. I work with survivors of all ages to process their experiences and embrace new thinking patterns that stimulate changed behavior and post-traumatic growth. Whether your trauma is related to an accident, abuse, or childhood experience, we can work together to help you understand your symptoms, conquer your fears, restore resilience, and put you back on track with your goals and dreams.
Adoption | Behavioral Issues | Coping Skills | Depression | Divorce | Domestic Violence | Family Conflict | Life Transitions | Oppositional Defiance | Parenting Relationship Issues | School Issues | Self Esteem | Sexual Abuse | Stress
If you would like additional information about any condition I treat but did not expand upon, I am happy to provide it. Should you require treatment for a condition I am not qualified to treat, I will work with you to obtain resources and referrals to clinicians who are more equipped to provide you the treatment you need.