Child Issues

Behavioral difficulties in childhood can look like Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), school refusal, self-harming, and behavioral challenges related to Autism and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I believe that all behavior is communication, and I will help you understand what these behaviors are trying to communicate to you.

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.

Anxiety Depression ADHD Mild Autism Anger Control Avoidance Obsessive/Compulsive Behavior Impulse Control Learning Problems Organization Low Self-Esteem School Refusal Bullying/Cyberbullying Resistant/Oppositional Behavior Social Awareness and Communication Problem-Solving Giftedness and Twice-Exceptional

When working with kids with big emotions I use a child-centered play therapy approach. Sometimes our emotions are so BIG we cannot even talk about them. Play therapy is beneficial for kids of all ages! I inspire healing through the therapeutic powers of play. I employ art, sand tray, and storytelling techniques to help gain emotional regulation, process major events, build coping skills, and foster resilience.

I work with young kids (infants, toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarterners) with behavioral and emotional difficulties.

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.

Children’s behaviors show us if their needs are met or unmet. It may be the need to be heard, to be seen, to be held more, or to be given more space to grow. Play, movement, art, and visualization can be very helpful for children. Samantha is very adept at creative interventions. She will also give your child, kid friendly mind-body-energy tools, that are supportive at various stages of development.

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."

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.

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 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 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.

Children’s behaviors show us if their needs are met or unmet. It may be the need to be heard, to be seen, to be held more, or to be given more space to grow. Play, movement, art, and visualization can be very helpful for children. Samantha is very adept at creative interventions. She will also give your child, kid friendly mind-body-energy tools, that are supportive at various stages of development.

I am a child and family psychologist with over 10 years of experience as a specialist in this area. I work with all ages but love working with school-aged kids, teenagers, families, and parents.

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

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.

Anxiety Depression ADHD Mild Autism Anger Control Avoidance Obsessive/Compulsive Behavior Impulse Control Learning Problems Organization Low Self-Esteem School Refusal Resistant/Oppositional Behavior Social Awareness and Communication Problem-Solving Giftedness and Twice-Exceptional Sibling Rivalry