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Services

Experience and Specialties

Experience and Specialties: 

Counseling services are available to anyone, although I specialize in providing therapeutic services to children aged 4 and up, teens, and families.


My career path over the past 13 years has provided training and experience addressing the following, and many other childhood and adolescent disorders:

  • ADHD

  • adjustments to major life changes (divorce, separation, loss, etc.)

  • anxiety

  • child sexual abuse

  • depression

  • domestic and sexual violence

  • involvement with the child welfare system

  • problematic sexual behavior

  • self-harm and suicidal ideations

  • trauma

 

I have significant experience working within the court system providing court advocacy, legal testimony, and have been qualified as an expert witness on multiple occasions. 

 

The following modalities may be utilized but are not limited to:

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  • play therapy (directive and non-directive)

  • cognitive behavioral therapy

  • trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy

  • dialectical behavioral therapy

  • sand tray therapy

  • interventions rooted in art therapy 

"When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it's our job to share our calm, not join their chaos. - L.R. Knost.

My Approach:

Children and adolescents often struggle to understand, verbalize, and process their thoughts and feelings during challenging moments, which often results in attempts to communicate needs through problematic behaviors. By providing a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space, children are able to discover healthy and creative ways to communicate their needs. I meet every child where they are at emotionally and developmentally so they can feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are at each appointment.

 

I strongly believe a “one size fits all” approach to counseling is not effective, particularly when working with youth. With a child-centered and prescriptive approach, every child’s needs are uniquely met utilizing a variety of treatment modalities.

 

Through the use of creative interventions, my goal is to cultivate a therapeutic environment where youth can:

  • Discover their inner strengths and build self-esteem

  • Learn to understand, verbalize, and process thoughts and feelings

  • Regulate emotions through the use of healthy and effective coping strategies

  • Develop and maintain healthy relationships

  • Identify and utilize healthy communicative skills

  • Process and heal from past hurt and trauma

  • Confront and replace distorted thinking

  • Obtain the necessary tools to overcome current and future obstacles

My Approach

“Enter into children’s play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet.” – Virginia Axline

Caregivers

What caregivers can expect:

Parents and caregivers often feel frustrated and at a loss when it comes to their child’s or teen’s struggles. When one member of a family is struggling, an entire family can feel the impact. As part of the therapeutic process, I work with caregivers to provide insight into their child’s struggles, ease frustration, and bring healing to the entire family. Therefore, joint sessions with caregivers, other family members, or the entire family may be recommended.

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First appointment:

The first appointment is an intake with caregivers only. The purpose of the intake is to gather detailed information regarding your child and share presenting concerns and goals for counseling. At least one legal guardian must be present to sign necessary paperwork and provide information. The intake appointment takes approximately 55-60 minutes. 

 

What your child can expect:

The idea of sharing personal thoughts and feelings with a stranger can be nerve-racking and uncomfortable. Some children have been holding in feelings for so long that by the time they enter the therapy room it all comes pouring out. For others, it takes a few weeks before feeling comfortable. The beginning of therapy is spent building rapport and establishing trust; the pace of this process is determined by each client.

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During the first session, the process of counseling and confidentiality, will be explained and any questions will be answered. It is important for your child to know that they will not be forced to talk about or do anything against their will. 

 

For more information on how to talk to your child about counseling, click here.    

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What your child can expect in counseling
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