Help Your Child Thrive | Therapy for Children

Every child will face challenges while growing up. Some challenges are external, such as academic pressures, family conflicts, or difficult social situations. Some challenges are internal, such as managing fears, sadness, or controlling impulses or other troublesome behaviors. Working with a child psychologist helps support a child's growth in learning to manage these challenges. In this section, I will explain how I approach working with kids and teens and how therapy can help.

What Can I help With?

Child psychologists specialize in treating common psychological conditions of childhood. Some that I commonly and competently work with are:

  • Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and other mood disorders

  • Anxiety Disorders (social anxiety, test-taking anxiety, panic disorder, etc)

  • Tourette’s Syndrome and other Tic Disorders

  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder

  • Childhood Trauma

Not every child I work with has a mental health diagnosis. I also help children with the following:

  • Building self-esteem and reducing self-doubt

  • Behavior problems at school

  • Strengthening social skills and developing lasting friendships

  • Learning to handle conflicts appropriately

  • Bullying or being victimized by bullies

  • Dealing with parents’ divorce

  • Challenges unique to gifted children

How do I approach working with children?

My approach starts with forming a relationship with you and your child. I work to be flexible, meet your needs, and provide a personal experience. As a former camp director at Tom Sawyer Camps, I bring a playfulness and friendliness that kids and teens respond to well. Most children who come to see me look forward to their appointment each week.

After our initial consultation, I work with families to form a detailed treatment plan, which might include some combination of play therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), working with parents to handle behavioral conflicts more effectively, and working with the family as a whole.

If you have more questions about how therapy works or if it is right for your child, please reach out. I am happy to answer your questions.