Child & Adolescent Therapy

Neurodivergence, Addiction, and Trauma Therapy

In person in Scottsdale, AZ, and online in AZ, CO, and FL

 

Are you at your wits’ end?

You’ve tried sticker charts and punishments, but nothing seems to work

The school calls nearly every day because there’s been another “incident”

Your child is isolating in their room and won’t talk to you about what’s wrong

You’re worried for your teen’s safety

It seems like no matter what you say or do, your child is always angry at you

 

HOW THERAPY CAN HELP

Just like adults, children and adolescents often need their own space to process what they’re feeling without judgement or feedback. As a parent, you naturally want to give advice because you love your child!

My job as a therapist is to provide that safe space for your kiddo. We can talk, play games, draw, or whatever it is your child needs in that moment. I follow their lead; and the only rule is making sure we stay safe in the therapy room.

By gaining that sense of control in session, your child will feel comfortable exploring their feelings and past experiences, either verbally or through their play.

Once your child and I have built rapport, we’ll work on using healthy coping skills to regulate emotions such as frustration, fear, or sadness.

Therapy can help your child and family:

  • Heal the wounds your child may have experienced in the past

  • Develop healthy coping strategies to deal with the negative feelings that come up in day to day life

  • Learn how to help your child regulate their emotions when they’re struggling to do it themselves

  • Improve communication

  • Enjoy spending time together again

Discover the peace and joy in your family again

I’M HERE TO HELP YOU GET THERE

FAQS

Common questions about child/adolescent therapy

  • It absolutely does! Tons of research has shown that children learn and heal through play. Learn more here: Association for Play Therapy

  • Family therapy is a very important aspect of therapy for any child. What that looks like can vary from one family to the next. Depending on the age of the child, presenting issues, and family needs, we’ll come up with a plan for family sessions.

  • I primarily utilize child-centered play therapy (following the child’s lead) and Synergetic Play Therapy, which involves modeling nervous system regulation strategies in session (learn more here: SPT.) I will sometimes use more directive activities when clinically appropriate.

  • The law requires that I have consent from both parents if both have what is called “medical decision making” rights. This is different from guardianship or physical custody, which determines who the child lives with and when.

  • I work with kids ages 5 and up! For children under the age of 10, I usually recommend doing therapy in person since online therapy for little ones can be tough.