I focus on helping kids and teens feel emotionally safe while also building practical skills they can use in everyday life. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, and expressive arts therapy. CBT helps young people understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, while learning concrete strategies for managing anxiety, mood, stress, and confidence. Mindfulness and expressive tools support creative expression, grounding, emotional awareness, and nervous system regulation. Rather than relying on talk therapy alone, I use play, creativity, and experiential approaches to meet children and teens where they are developmentally.

I support children and teens navigating:

• Anxiety, worry, and overwhelm

• Big emotions, irritability, or frequent meltdowns

• Depression, low motivation, or withdrawal

• School stress, avoidance, perfectionism, or burnout

• Low self-esteem and social stress

• Friendship challenges and peer dynamics

• Family transitions (divorce, moves, blended families)

• Grief and loss

• Neurodivergence, learning differences, and sensory sensitivity

• Trauma and stressful life experiences

Play Therapy & Expressive Arts

Play and Expressive Arts are natural languages of childhood and adolescence. Many young people do not yet have the words to explain what they feel, especially when emotions are intense or confusing. In these moments, play becomes a powerful way to communicate, process experiences, and make sense of the inner world.

Depending on your child’s needs and preferences, I may incorporate:

• Art-making (drawing, painting, collage)

• Music, rhythm, and sound exploration

• Voice work, singing, and songwriting

• Creative storytelling and imagination-based play

• Journaling and expressive writing

• Mindfulness-based and body-based calming tools

Some children immediately connect with creative expression, while others prefer a more traditional talk-based approach. Sessions are always guided by your child’s comfort, personality, and preferences.