Child and Adolescent services

I work with…

  • Fearfulness & worry
  • Trouble separating from parents
  • Avoidance of school, social activities, etc.
  • Social worries, fears, and shyness
  • Worry (“what if” questions), reassurance seeking, and asking the same questions over and over again
  • Trouble sleeping in own bed
  • Having lots of rigidity, rules, or compulsions 
  • Emetophobia (fear of throwing up) or other fears that interfere with routine
  • Panic attacks


  • Behavioral & parenting concerns
  • Meltdowns, tantrums, or other challenging behaviors
  • Parents who may describe their child as “difficult,” “strong willed,” or “deeply feeling.”
  • Parents who want to better understand their child’s behavior
  • Parents who feel overwhelmed or like they “walk on eggshells”
  • Emotional regulation and impulsivity concerns
  • Concerns associated with ADHD & Autism


  • Family change & adjustment concerns
  • Blended families
  • Changes like moves, new baby, divorces, separations, step-parents

the details:

Process

I begin by holding a parent-only meeting. 


During this meeting, I will ask questions about your child’s history and your goals for therapy. A parent-only meeting allows us to talk candidly about what concerns you have, while avoiding making the child feel shamed or uncomfortable. We will make sure we agree that we could be a good match.


I will then meet with your child for a few sessions. 


These sessions are your child’s time. During these sessions, I will work to build your child’s trust and buy in. I will evaluate what your child’s needs are.


We will meet again to discuss a plan for treatment. 


If your child is young (under 12) it is often recommended that parent sessions be included in the treatment plan to support what your child is working on. If your child is older (12+) parent participation may vary based on treatment goals.


Approach


All of my work with children involves some amount of play, art, and other activities.


While adults may get to know each other by asking questions (“Where are you from? What do you do for work? Are you married? Do you have children?”) this is not the natural way for children. Incorporating play ensures I am “speaking their language.”


Play is the “process” not the “product.” 


 Interacting with children in ways that feel natural to them is the most effective way for me to understand your child and their behavior, create a working and trusting relationship with them, and create buy-in into working to change behavior.


As a result, you may hear your child of any age describe doing activities in session such as: painting, drawing, board games, dollhouse, puzzles, and more.


The session structure and incorporation of play may vary based on treatment goals and child’s age and developmental stage.


Still have a question?

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