Child Issues

Childhood is a period of rapid growth and change. Their lives are often in the hands of their parents, which means that life transitions, move, and family dynamics may happen and bring up complex feelings and fear. As a child therapist, my primary goal is to create a safe space for children to explore the world that is moving around them and help them find their unique place in the chaos. My balance of play and talk will help them develop productive ways to express the complex emotions of life.

Kids let us know what they need through the way they act - shyness, self-criticism, sensitivity. They don't always have to words to express what's happening inside and so they often show us something is wrong by acting differently. Shutting down, not speaking up in class, not making friends, separation anxiety, spending a lot of time alone, saying mean things about their bodies - these are all clues that something else is going on. I'd love to connect and hear more about what you're noticing.

Child/Play Therapy helps children to improve communication and interpersonal skills. It focuses on a child's interests and encourages interaction based on the child's favorite activities. Our professionals, collaborate to help children deal with emotional trauma, anxiety, grief, behavioral problems, neurological conditions and mental illness.

I focused my studies at UCONN School of Social Work on child and adolescent mental health issues, and went on to train and work for almost a decade at the Yale Child Study Center - working with children, adolescents, parents and families both in-home and through outpatient services. I believe in the motto "Children do well when they can." I work through a strengths-based lens that allows me to be more effective in helping my clients develop the skills and mindset they need to succeed.

Working with children and families is one of my great joys. I have significant experience working with children, teens and their families. My work with children and families is based in family systems theory, which means that I believe that each component and relationship of the family deserves attention. Therapy with me would include sessions with parents, child/teen and at times, all of us together. I want to be a supportive and caring change agent for your family.

Children’s therapy looks different from adults or adolescents because typically, children are better able to express themselves through their play and art than just through words. Using these methods, I will help your child express and understand their feelings and problems.

When there is conflict in the parent-child relationship levels of stress for anyone in the family increase. It is important for parents to be able to have a space to process and sort through the experiences they are having with their child, so they can choose a path that leads to less distress and more enjoyment. The work can be to learn new tools to navigate parenting, and to learn new concepts to understand the child better. Parents need a safe space to explore their experiences in parenting.

We specialize in Behavioral Parent Training. Weekly appointments are used to discuss and practice treatment techniques, which parents then utilize on a daily basis at home and in the community. Because treatment is happening on an ongoing basis, during critical moments, and in more natural environments, treatment is often faster and more effective as compared to other, common child treatments. For young children I treat everything from tantrums and separation anxiety to toileting and sleep.

My passion is supporting parents! Are you exhausted by your child’s whining, tantrums or refusals to listen? Are you embarrassed by their public meltdowns? I understand because I’ve been there myself. If your child refuses to follow directions, is easily upset or irritated, throws things, hits, bites, or struggles with attention on schoolwork, sitting still at mealtimes, or has difficulty with bedtime, I can help with Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).

Individual therapy with parent collaboration for treatment of disorders usually diagnosed in childhood, including: ADHD, Social skills distress, and Learning differences

I spent eight years as a therapist and then Assistant Director of Clinical Services at the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center working with children and non-offending caregivers that experienced neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or witnessed a violent crime and supervising other therapists. I have extensive training and experience in child development, assessment of children, parenting, play therapy, TF-CBT, and EMDR. I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor.

I am currently a Foundational Level Theraplay practitioner and am also pursuing a credential to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). The RPT credential is designated to therapists who have a met a certain level of education and as well as a certain level of hands-on experience using play therapy to work with children and families. I have currently completed 2/3 of my training and hands-on experience.

Working with children and families is one of my great joys. I have significant experience working with children, teens and their families. My work with children and families is based in family systems theory, which means that I believe that each component and relationship of the family deserves attention. Therapy with me would include sessions with parents, child/teen and at times, all of us together. I want to be a supportive and caring change agent for your family.

Child issues including anxiety, depression, self esteem, and poor coping abilities. Stressors to explore include bullying, family transition or changes, or social skill challenges.

I adore working with youth and discovering their unique potential. Kids learn by doing. In sessions, I teach acceptance and commitment therapy skills to help children manage emotions and build resilience. This can be done by using activities to teach about feelings and coping skills. I may also teach mindfulness and breathing techniques as a way to self-regulate. Most importantly, I help kids the skills they learned by playing games or solving problems.

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.

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.

I have a certificate in Play Therapy and believe strongly in the power of play. Play is a child’s natural language. Using Play Therapy provides a therapeutic approach that is child-centered and evidence based. It helps children process a variety issues from anxiety, traumatic experiences, social difficulties, life changes and many more issues. Through attuning with the child the therapist builds trust, helps with social and emotional regulation and improves communication skills.

Working with children and families is one of my great joys. I have significant experience working with children, teens and their families. My work with children and families is based in family systems theory, which means that I believe that each component and relationship of the family deserves attention. Therapy with me would include sessions with parents, child/teen and at times, all of us together. I want to be a supportive and caring change agent for your family.