I have specialized in working with children for the past 10 years, and have been able to support kids and their families in dealing with a wide range of issues, including anxiety (from the child with general worry to one with specific fears), depression, trauma, adjustment to divorce and blended families, and kids with diagnoses on the autism spectrum. I have experience working with schools, pediatricians, and other therapists, and have a good understanding of psychological and educational assessments.
As a parent, pursuing therapy for your child can be a difficult choice to make, and is often the result of growing concerns over your child’s ability to manage the already mounting stresses of their young lives. Sometimes a pediatrician or teacher may have made the suggestion, which can often increase parents’ worries as well. In working with children, I first meet alone, preferably with both parents, to talk at length about your concerns. I am also interested in your family’s history and value hearing from and working with anyone in your child’s life who could be helpful. That first session is also a good opportunity for you to get to know me and get a feel for whether I am a good fit for your family.
Once we decide to work together, I will spend some sessions alone with your child to allow us to form a relationship and for me to assess carefully what direction I think would be most helpful. We’ll then schedule another parent meeting where we each share our thoughts and decide what is needed next. Sometimes, parents are included in session, there may be homework for the child that the parents need to help with (such as practicing relaxation techniques), or the therapy continues primarily with myself and your child, with regular parent meetings every 4-6 weeks. I always welcome communication outside of any scheduled meeting, particularly if something significant changes. We can also increase parent meetings, depending on what is happening with your child.
