Child Issues

With over 15 years of hands-on experience, I specialize in assisting parents and caregivers in understanding and supporting adolescents through their developmental journey. Together, we navigate the complexities of adolescence, fostering healthy relationships and empowering both teens and their support networks to thrive.

Children's play therapy is a natural, self-guided, self-healing process. Using sand tray, art, games and other tools to guide and facilitate healing, I create a safe space for them to explore all aspects of their inner world.

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

In therapy, children often communicate through play, a language I actively encourage and facilitate. Collaborating closely with caregivers, I guide therapeutic play sessions to bridge communication gaps and uncover underlying emotions or struggles. By nurturing this form of expression, we enhance connection, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. My attachment-based approach emphasizes the pivotal role of parents as experts and primary resources for their children.

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

Do you feel like you are walking on egg shells with your teenager, or wonder what happened to the child you once knew? You're not alone. Many parents feel like they are unable to connect with their children and are experiencing extreme stress and shame, or even anger and isolation. I can help your family reunite, strengthen bonds, and heal. I specialize in working with families with children who are suffering or acting out in dangerous ways.

27 years experience, working with children and adolescents, who experience, depression, anxiety, self harm, and suicidal ideation

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 am formally trained in child play therapy and work with children of all ages. Issues that I specialize in range from grief, school challenges, depression and anxiety. I use multiple modalities, including Adlerian play therapy, Gestalt play therapy, cognitive behavioral play therapy and psychodynamic play therapy. An important part of my role for a child is to advocate for them in their lives. I work closely with the parents and family to develop and achieve meaningful goals.

Your child has been struggling yet you aren't quite sure why. You have tried everything. The teachers aren't helpful because they just say the same thing over and over. Friend's don't understand, their kids seem to be perfect angels. It feels like you have done something wrong but don't know how to fix it. You have heard play therapy can be helpful but not sure how to start. Just reach out today and a therapist can guide you through this process together.

If being a parent is difficult, being a kid is near impossible today. I am passionate about working with children and adolescents in close collaboration with parents/care-givers to assist in a myriad of issues, including anxiety, depression, school avoidance, bullying, self-esteem, divorce, co-parenting, and trauma. I utilize a unique combination of interactive play therapy, relational therapy, and EMDR (if appropriate) in order to give your child the most effective therapy experience.

I help kids (& their families) who long to be themselves, but are held back by believing they are "too much" or "not enough." Kids whose voices get buried under past hurts, worries, shame & anger. Kids who have tried everything (fighting, running away, hurting themselves, perfectionism) to get away from mean voices stuck in their heads--the ones saying, "You're not good enough," "No one would believe you," "You're too loud/sensitive/not tough enough."

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.

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.

I help parents understand the behaviors and needs of their children through an attachment lens. I help parents explore and process their own issues; explore how to meet their own needs, which helps create space for them to meet the needs of their children.

I work with parents of children who may have a learning, attention, or behavior disorder, struggle to complete classwork and homework, are fearful of certain situations, have sleep problems, have difficulty regulating emotions and self-control, experience separation anxiety at home and school, become easily frustrated or overwhelmed, or are stubborn and defiant with adults. I offer psychoeducational/psychological evaluations, child therapy, and parent support sessions.

Whether your child/teen is experiencing anxiety, disruptive behaviors, difficulties in school, or another concern, or you would like some new positive parenting strategies, I am here to support your family's growth. When working with children, I collaborate closely with their parents and caregivers in order to practice new skills outside of therapy.