Child & Adolescent Therapy

Some kids are just born a bit more prone to emotional dysregulation. They struggle with sudden shifts in mood and behavior, and have big feelings with intense expressions. Their emotional overwhelm may manifest in extremes: in some cases it's rigidity and over control in which the slightest changes cue undue distress, while in other cases it's big out of control behaviors that create chaos. They may be lonely and isolated, or they may be too comfortable in constant drama because it is hard for them to make and keep relationships. I can help your child or teen resolve these issues and live a less stressful, happier life.

Doing therapy with children and teens is a specialized process that focuses on their unique developmental, emotional, and social needs. It involves creating a safe, trusting, and supportive environment where young people feel comfortable expressing themselves, exploring their thoughts and feelings, and developing coping strategies.

Here are some key elements of therapy with children and teens:

Building Rapport

 Establishing trust is critical, as children and teens may initially feel hesitant or unsure about therapy. Therapists often use a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental approach to make them feel at ease.

Engaging in Age-Appropriate Techniques

• Children: Therapy often incorporates play, art, storytelling, or other creative methods to help them express emotions and experiences that they may not have the words to describe.
• Teens: Sessions may involve more direct conversation but often integrate activities like journaling, games, or role-playing to foster engagement. 

Addressing Developmental Needs

Therapists tailor interventions to match the child or teen's developmental stage, focusing on age-appropriate ways to build self-regulation, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

Involving Caregivers

For children and teens, family involvement is often crucial. Therapists may work closely with parents or guardians to help them understand their child's needs, provide tools for support, and improve family dynamics.

Focusing on Key Concerns

Common issues addressed in therapy include:

• Emotional regulation (e.g., managing anxiety, anger, or sadness)
• Behavioral challenges
• Trauma or loss
• Peer and family relationships
• Academic or social pressures
• Identity development

Using Evidence-Based Approaches

Therapists often employ techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, narrative therapy, mindfulness, or solution-focused therapy, depending on the child's needs.

Promoting Resilience and Growth

The ultimate goal is to help children and teens develop emotional resilience, self-awareness, and the skills they need to navigate challenges, improve relationships, and thrive.

Therapy with this age group is dynamic, collaborative, and highly adaptable, ensuring that the child or teen's voice and experience are central to the process.

A good psychotherapist possesses a combination of personal qualities, professional skills, and ethical principles that allow them to effectively support and guide clients. Here are key attributes that contribute to being a good psychotherapist:

Empathy

• The ability to deeply understand and feel what the client is experiencing without judgment.
• Demonstrating compassion and validation helps clients feel heard and valued.

Strong Communication Skills

• Active listening: Fully focusing on what the client says, both verbally and nonverbally.
• Clear and respectful expression of ideas and feedback.

Nonjudgmental Attitude

• Creating a safe space where clients feel free to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of criticism.
• Accepting clients for who they are, regardless of their background, beliefs, or challenges.

Self-Awareness

• Being attuned to one's own emotions, biases, and limitations to ensure they don't interfere with the therapeutic process.
• Recognizing when supervision or additional training is needed.

Patience

• Understanding that personal growth and healing take time.
• Allowing clients to progress at their own pace without rushing the process.

Flexibility and Adaptability

• Adjusting therapeutic techniques and approaches to fit the unique needs, preferences, and circumstances of each client.
• Being open to learning new methods and adapting to feedback.

Strong Ethical Standards

• Upholding confidentiality, maintaining boundaries, and acting with integrity.
• Prioritizing the client's well-being above all else.

Cultural Competence

• Being sensitive to and knowledgeable about diverse backgrounds, identities, and worldviews.
• Tailoring therapy to be inclusive and respectful of the client's culture and values.

Emotional Resilience

• The ability to manage their own emotional reactions and remain steady in the face of clients' distress or challenging situations.
• Practicing self-care to prevent burnout and maintain effectiveness.

Commitment to Growth

• Continually seeking education, training, and supervision to enhance skills.
• Staying informed about new research, techniques, and best practices in the field.

Genuine Interest in Helping Others

• A true passion for supporting people in their healing and growth journeys.
• Demonstrating authenticity and dedication to the therapeutic relationship.

A good psychotherapist is not perfect but is committed to learning, growing, and fostering meaningful connections with clients in a professional and compassionate way.

A Dynamic Therapeutic Approach

My therapeutic approach with kids is dynamic. Drawing on my experience as a school counselor where I created a social-emotional learning curriculum, I design interventions that teach kids skills to practice emotional regulation and learn how to get through an emotional crisis without making it worse. I began my career working with young children as a Head Start preschool program director, and today I provide therapy to children as young as 4.

Therapy Is About Relationship

The first step in helping someone is getting to know them. I engage with developmentally appropriate strategies to explore a child's interpretation of the problem they are in treatment to solve. Together we practice more skillful and healthy ways to express what they need. I am a seasoned trauma-informed therapist, helping kids and their families who have suffered from trauma, loss and grief. I begin with a full intake with a parent (without the child present) to learn more about the child's history and current functioning, then I work immediately to address any health and safety concerns. In my initial sessions with the child, I focus on current concerns and identify target behaviors to address during treatment.

For Children Under 12…

I prefer to meet in my office in Corte Madera because I have found in-person work to be more engaging and effective with younger children. I am open to occasional telehealth sessions due to scheduling, sickness or convenience. My office is equipped with a sand tray, play therapy toys, and numerous art supplies. I like to meet with parents at least every six to eight sessions to find out how things are going at home and to explore and evaluate areas of concern. I provide parent coaching to help parents support their children at home.

For Adolescents and Teens…

Telehealth is an appropriate option for treatment for older children if they are able to focus and engage in the session. I maintain confidentiality when it comes to what an adolescent or teen talks about during our sessions unless I am worried about their safety. In that case, parents are involved immediately. I have advanced training and experience providing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for the treatment of suicidal ideation and self-harm.