Child Issues

In my practice, I take a comprehensive approach to addressing child and adolescent issues by integrating cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral techniques, and parent management training. With a focus on evidence-based practices, I collaborate closely with children and adolescents to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to their difficulties.

I have experience working with children and adolescents of all ages for various concerns (e.g., behavior, anxiety, adjustment). However, at this time I primarily focus my work on working with younger children and their parents. I am a certified PCIT therapist, a specialized therapy that works with the parent and child (ages 2-6) together to address behaviors or attachment needs. I will also take on select therapy cases for children or adolescents dealing with acute or chronic illnesses.

The children I work with struggle with a range of issues including tantrums, anger management, trauma, anxiety, depression, and emotion regulation. In therapy I focus on the child's strengths as well as their struggles. I use a child-directed play therapy model which teaches children emotion regulation tools through modeling. Parent involvement is vital to a child's success in therapy and I include parents in the therapy process through coaching and parent-child interaction therapy.

We treat and evaluate a large range of child issues including developmental disorders (Autism Spectrum Disorder), anxiety, video game addictions, ADHD, anger management/emotional regulation, parenting strategies, and depression.

When working with youth, I typically integrate Play Therapy, Strengths-Based, and Mindfulness techniques to establish a foundation for them to trust themselves and learn how to show themselves self-compassion. I love working with kiddos, preteens, and teens to help them through tough things in life and be more fully themselves.

At Newport Academy, we believe that true transformation occurs as our teens learn to see themselves as beautiful, bright, and powerful people who can take control of their own lives. In order to help our patients achieve that goal, we maintain the highest possible standards for our services, and commission third-party evaluations of our programming. By consistently gathering and analyzing data related to our outcomes, we’re able to make more strategic and tailored decisions for our patients.

I particularly enjoy working with children who always have a unique view of their world. Often the issue that parents may feel is the problem is not what the child opens up about. Adolescents often teeter on the brink of adulthood, straining to break free. What I have found that as much as they struggle to break away, there is also genuine fear of what may lie ahead.

I have experience supporting elementary-school aged children up to high-school aged teens. I offer a blend of talk therapy and experiential approaches including play therapy and expressive arts, so youth can have a place to explore what matters to them. Having a space just for themselves can support youth navigating divorce, challenging family dynamics, anxiety, transitions, self-esteem, and more. I center the relationship I build with youth so they feel joined with and accepted authentically.

With children, I use non-directive play therapy to build self-esteem and confidence as children are provided space to process and integrate their experiences. Sessions are tailored to meet the needs of the child as well as the parents. I also work with parents to explore their experiences and to support them through the challenges they are facing. Parents can expect a nonjudgmental and supportive space where we explore their concerns and ways to help support the child in and out of sessions. I i

At Newport Academy, we believe that true transformation occurs as our teens learn to see themselves as beautiful, bright, and powerful people who can take control of their own lives. In order to help our patients achieve that goal, we maintain the highest possible standards for our services, and commission third-party evaluations of our programming. By consistently gathering and analyzing data related to our outcomes, we’re able to make more strategic and tailored decisions for our patients.

I serve clients across the lifespan. However, I have significant experience working with minors ages 4 to 17 in private practice, community clinics, ADHD camps, and school settings. My approach is to "keep it real" with my tiny human clientele and integrate evidence-based interventions that fit THAT client with THEIR identities in their current life situation. I prioritize strength-based approaches and help reframe client behavior from "attention-seeking" to "connection-seeking."

I utilize child centered play therapy strategies in working with children. Children experiencing anxiety, academic concerns, ADHD, or transitions can benefit from these strategies. Children process and express through play as well learn problem solving or self soothing strategies to symptoms they cannot verbally identify.

Our providers work with children 11 years of age and up. We are able to provide both therapy and medication evaluations and treatment.

I have an understanding of developmentally appropriate behaviors for children. In my approach with children, I utilize play therapy techniques as well as education on ways for children to express how they feel and regulate their emotions. I also offer parent consultations so that parents understand progress being made in play therapy, but also are able to make changes in the home environment as well.

The team at Brave Young Minds has extensive experience treating children’s mental health challenges, including emotion regulation, behavioral issues, tantrums, and meltdowns. With a deep understanding of child development, we use evidence-based techniques to help young clients express emotions and manage difficult behaviors. Our clinicians create a nurturing environment where children feel safe exploring their feelings. By working closely with families, we provide support where it matters most.

I have been a family therapist for close to 40 years. Much of my work has been working with families around child and adolescent issues, as well as providing family therapy supervision , consultation, and training.I am a structural family therapist, and an approved supervisor by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy ( AAMFT). My work has covered the gamut of issues that bring children into therapy from behavior problems to suicidal ideation.

We absolutely love taking care of children & teens, and we have excellent outcomes. We are trained to bring therapy to the developmental level of your child, making it effective and resonant. We use Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Bibliotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, & Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), to name few of the best treatments available for minors. We always include parents in the care, so you are always in the loop. Contact us today.

I have been working with children under that age of 10 using play therapy and art therapy. I truly enjoy working with this population and continue to attend continued education courses to gain more information and insight on how best to work with children and their changing needs.