Helping young minds
process big emotions
Child Therapy
Children don’t usually say, “I’m having a hard time with my emotions right now, and I need help coping.” More often, they show us they’re having uncomfortable feelings with their actions and behaviors. My work with children is warm, developmentally attuned, and tailored to each child’s individual needs, while also recognizing the important role parents and caregivers play in the healing process.
You may be noticing:
more anxiety, clinginess, or worries
frequent tantrums or emotional outbursts
difficulty with self-esteem or confidence
changes in mood or behavior
challenges at school or extracurricular activities
friendship or social difficulties
grief, trauma, or stressful life changes
difficulty adjusting to changes in the family
How I work with children
Children often express themselves differently than adults do, which is why therapy with children may involve play, creative expression, conversation, and parent support. As a Registered Play Therapist (RPT), I use developmentally appropriate approaches to help children communicate, make sense of their feelings, build coping skills, and begin to heal in ways that feel safe and accessible to them. I may also incorporate books and storytelling into therapy when they offer children another way to understand and express what they are experiencing. I am the co-author and illustrator of My Grief Is Like the Ocean: A Story for Children Who Lost a Parent to Suicide, a children’s book about grief and loss, and a contributing author to The Bibliotherapy Toolbox, a professional resource on using books and stories in therapeutic work.
Parent Involvement
Parents are an important part of the therapeutic process. I work closely with parents and caregivers to better understand their child’s emotional and developmental needs, strengthen connection, and support helpful responses at home. As a parent myself, I understand how much worry, uncertainty, and love come with trying to support your child. You know your child best, and I see our partnership as invaluable. Things might seem difficult now, but together, we can help your child understand what they’re experiencing and build skills for moving through difficult moments.
Collaboration and school support
When helpful, I also collaborate with outside providers such as pediatricians, schools, and psychiatrists to support treatment. My background in school settings allows me to help parents better understand school concerns, interpret school reports, and navigate the IEP or 504 Plan process when needed.
Learn more about My Approach.
“Enter the children’s play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet.”
— Virginia Axline