Children & Adolescents

I help children and adolescents (starting at age 6) improve emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning. I understand how difficult it can be to bring your child for treatment, but I strive to ultimately make things easier for you and your family. I work collaboratively with your child, parents/caregivers, schools, and adjunctive providers to tailor a treatment that will best meet your child's needs. I incorporate art and play therapy into the treatment, which can be particularly useful with younger children, as art and play are a child's natural way of communicating and expressing his or her feelings. As children mature, they become more capable of exploring and confronting issues through dialogue and cognitive work, which I utilize in the therapeutic process. Play and creativity are extremely helpful in allowing children of all ages to access their emotions in a non-intrusive way. Adolescents sometimes are drawn to creative writing or art-making as a way to better understand themselves. 

Intake & Treatment

The therapeutic process begins with an initial consultation, divided between meeting with the child and parents, to explore the particular issues your child is dealing with.  In speaking with parent(s) on the phone, we will discuss and determine the best way to help your child feel most comfortable in engaging with the treatment. I will meet with parents of young children first and develop an intervention plan based on what is discussed during the consultation and initial session with the child, whereas I often meet with adolescents. Once the consultation is completed, I spend time giving parents feedback and recommendations. If we decide to move forward with starting treatment, we will also discuss how often we'll incorporate collateral or family sessions, and whether or not they'll involve the presence of your child. I strive to find a balance of making this a safe therapeutic space for your child, while also helping you feel connected to me.