Child / Adolescent

Approach

I believe a collaborative and respectful approach is just as important when working with children and adolescents, as it is when working with adults. My approach includes a combination of humanistic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and play therapy. Through developing rapport by using aspects of humanistic therapy, a bond can be established that allows for work toward inner issues and challenges. Integrating CBT can help with difficulties occurring at school and at home, especially when there's a need for coping skills or behavioral intervention. Play therapy can get at some of the underlying issues present for young children or children who prefer to communicate through methods other than verbal communication. Due to the variety of issues that can arise, and the varying environments (e.g., school, home, social settings), treatment is modified to address the needs of the child in relation to the environment. 

My background as a school psychologist, school counselor, and behavior intervention specialist has allowed me to work with children/adolescents/young adults (preschool - 21 years). My experience includes consultation with parents and teachers, individual check-ins and therapy with students, behavioral plans, being a member of a multi-disciplinary team on general and special education issues (assessments and 504 plans), providing organizational and learning strategies, and school-wide positive behavior programs.

Services

I work with children and adolescents regarding:

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • autism
  • attachment
  • grief and loss
  • learning disabilities
  • executive functioning 
  • behavioral issues
  • attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • trauma
  • social-emotional issues

Assessment

At this time, I am not carrying out evaluations. However, I may recommend at some point that you consider obtaining an evaluation for your child. An evaluation can provide good diagnostic information, often shedding light on issues such as learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, personality traits, social skills, autism and other areas of concern. Evaluations can also be beneficial in terms of therapeutic treatment and educational planning.