Opening up verbally can be difficult for children, which makes therapy look different than it does for adults or teens. I use games, art, drama or any medium that a child resonates with to develop a bond. The healing comes through our play together, not necessarily a child being able to explain or logically understand what went on with them. At home you will notice shifts in your relationship with your child and a decrease in conflict with peers or siblings.

Does your child throw fits, hit, experience negative self esteem, or self talk? These are just a few symptoms among many others that you might be seeking help with. I work not only with your child, but with the parents or guardian to decipher the root causes to these issues. Unwanted behaviors often present themselves during times of separation, divorce, or a child experiencing stress over learning or developmental delays. Acting out almost always means that a child needs more support. I will work with both you and your child to figure out how to help him or her feel better and learn to soothe themselves in healthier ways.

Teens have it rough these days in the unprecedented times in which we are all living. Whether it be struggling with online addictive habits, fears about the future, or having to attend school in isolation, these kids are having to learn how to survive more than thrive. Additionally, just being a teen is hard! Navigating the individuation process and still relying on one’s parents can lead to conflict and misunderstandings. It can take time to build rapport with teens, but I am usually able to build a connection in a timely manner. A teen’s privacy is important; I balance this with managing curiosities and concerns parents have throughout the therapeutic process.

Families are complex systems for which an outsider can often times be useful. I see family or co-parenting therapy as a short term tool to help work through a difficult transition or learn new ways to communicate within your particular system. I have worked with families dealing with grief, and with parents who are newly separated trying navigate the process of helping their child acclimate to a rupture in their world. Bringing a new child into a partnership or working out how to compromise on child rearing decisions are also areas where I can be helpful.