Children and Teens
Welcome to my practice, where I’m dedicated to supporting the well-being of children, teens, and young adults. As an expert child psychologist and teen therapist, I offer psychotherapy to help children and young people develop resilience and lead fulfilling lives.
I believe in the power of personalized care as I work closely with each patient and their parents, tailoring therapy to their family circumstances and goals. By taking the time to understand their unique experiences and challenges, I help empower families to build resilience and improve their well-being.
I specialize in providing comprehensive services for children and teens by coordinating services with other professionals and schools as needed. Whether your child, teenager, or young adult is grappling with anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties related to a chronic illness like diabetes or asthma, concerns regarding sexual orientation or gender identity, attachment disorder, or your family has adoption-related problems, I’m here to help. My approach is informed by years of formal doctoral and post-doctoral training in treating children and teens and decades of experience.
Developmental Assessment and Educational Planning in Early Childhood
I sought specialized training in infancy and early childhood early in my career after noticing a lack of services for this age group. If you see something about your child’s unfolding development that concerns you or your child’s school is bringing something to your attention, you can have your child evaluated. Early intervention leads to better outcomes and more effective educational planning.
Depression and Anxiety Therapy for Children and Teens
I offer a compassionate evidence-based approach to treating depression and anxiety in children and teens. We will address the emotional and behavioral factors contributing to these challenges. We will explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of their inner world. I provide a safe and supportive environment where children and teenagers can grow, heal, and flourish on their journey to mental well-being while supporting and guiding their parents.
Therapy for Adoption-Related Concerns and Attachment Disorders
Adoption brings unique challenges for both the child and the family. As an adoption therapist with post-doctoral training in infancy and early childhood, I understand the complexity of this journey and provide specialized therapy to address the needs of adoptive families and their children. I have expertise in delivering pre-adoption planning, supporting post-adoption adjustment, and treating Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). Through a combination of therapy and support, we will work on strengthening the attachment bonds in your family.
Negotiating Adolescence with Expert Guidance
Adolescence can be a challenging period of self-discovery and emotional growth. As a teen therapist who specializes in working with adolescents, I provide a safe space for them to understand peer relationships, manage academic stress, and navigate the transition to adulthood. Through individualized therapy, I support teens in making positive choices, building resilience, and fostering positive relationships.
Navigating Trauma and Building Resilience
Traumatic experiences can profoundly impact a child or teen’s mental health and unfolding development. As a trauma therapist skilled in helping young individuals heal from trauma, enabling them to rebuild their lives and regain a sense of security, I use approaches such as play therapy, strategies for teaching self-regulation, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (or DBT) to promote recovery and empower kids and teens to overcome adversity.
Support for Those Questioning Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
I offer a safe and accepting space for children, teens, and young adults exploring their sexual orientation and gender identity. I provide guidance and support as they navigate this critical aspect of their lives. I also support their parents in understanding this process and providing their children with the support they need. The most crucial goal is always to foster self-acceptance and family understanding. I offer all the families I work with referrals to community resources to help with this sometimes turbulent and complicated adjustment period.
For Teens and Children with Pain or Chronic Illness
Pain and chronic illness can profoundly impact a young person’s life. Because I worked in pediatric medical and rehabilitation settings for years, I know that pain and illness can create physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. There are complicated psychological aspects of medical experiences for children, teens, and their families. Through therapeutic interventions such as emotionally focused and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, and mindfulness practices, I can help children and teens develop effective pain management strategies while coping and adjusting to chronic illness and pain while developing improved adherence to their medical treatment plans. Additionally, I collaborate closely with medical professionals to ensure a comprehensive and integrated approach to their care. I seek to empower young individuals to regain control over their lives, build resilience, and foster a positive outlook despite their challenges.
Take the First Step Towards a Brighter Future
If your child or teen needs specialized therapy, I’m here to help. As a child psychologist and teen therapist, I’m passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of teens and children. Take the first step towards a brighter future by reaching out today. Together, we can help you attain a more satisfying family life and unlock your child’s potential while paving the way for their lasting well-being.
You can contact me here to discuss how I can help your family.