COUNSELING FOR CHILDREN
Happiness - Hope - Well-being
As parents, the thing we want most for our children is for them to be happy and healthy. Various challenges impact our keiki that can keep them from experiencing the joys of childhood. As an experienced child therapist, I have worked with many children struggling with depression, anxiety, and trauma as a result of adjustments, separation or divorce, past abuse, and adoption/system care.
I take a holistic approach and often though I may focus on the needs of the child, I will weave in work with dyads (pairs) or the larger family unit during the healing process. Children are often attuned to the larger family unit, and although they may not always have the words to express it, their behaviors express the emotions or dysregulation they are experiencing. Together we can work on how to best ensure your child is able to focus on getting their needs met in healthy ways.
With children and families especially, I utilize various modalities including play, art, recreation, and attachment-focused therapies to create moments of joy, connection, and safety. From a place of safety and connection children can best hear us grown-ups when we need to provide guidance and direction.
Dr. Bruce Perry
“Connectedness has the power to counterbalance adversity.”
COUNSELING FOR TEENS
The teen years can be one of the most challenging times. I know it was for me, and I didn't have to navigate the world of social media! So many things can come up during this new stage including self-esteem issues, identity issues, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, family conflict, and loneliness. I also have significant experience in helping teens who have suffered past abuse or sexual assault process and heal.
Sometimes teens just need a safe space to be heard and feel supported without it being their "grownup" or family--somewhere that is confidential but also is not a peer. If you have a teen or are a teen in need of some additional support navigating this season of your life, please reach out.
THERAPY TOOLS WE MAY USE:
Expressive Arts
Recreation
Journaling or Narrative
Music
Talk
I enjoy working with teenagers and have spent much of my professional life surrounded by them. I would be happy to set up a free 15-minute consultation call to see if I could be of support.
“When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.”