In working with children of all ages, I believe in the sanctity of the invitation to their world and experience.  Patience, straightforward communication, and unconditional acceptance are paramount to forming a safe therapeutic space for children where they can explore difficult and intense emotions as they attempt to integrate complex or potentially traumatic experiences. I am passionate about working with children and teens in helping them to:

  • Build awareness of their emotional experiences
  • Clarify their sense of self and identity
  • Build tools to navigate and respond to their feelings with a greater sense of control and agency
  • Increase their confidence and sense of autonomy
  • Build social skills and communication tools to experience safe, more satisfying relationships while feeling more fully seen and heard
  • Navigate difficult life transitions

Foundationally, I believe in the resiliency of children and their natural inclination to overcome and grow.  Their innate capacity for imagination is a remarkable resource that should be encouraged as it will continue to support and aid them in their future development.

Therapeutic Methods

While the therapeutic process is tailored to each client’s specific needs and age range, in my work with kids and teens I will often incorporate talk therapy with:

  • Art therapy
  • Play therapy, including the use of online creative games like Minecraft or tabletop games
  • Media they gravitate towards and enjoy, like comic books, anime, animated series, superhero movies, games, and any other fantasy or sci-fi media they like to consume. 
  • In our creativity we destroy and rebuild the world and at the same time we inevitably rebuild and reform ourselves. –Rollo May, My Quest for Beauty