Your child sometimes wonders why it takes them so long to get things done or why their desk is so messy in school. Do you have to remind your child over and over again about homework or not forgetting something when you leave the house? Perhaps your child is bright, but they procrastinate or get “stuck” before even starting something. ADHD is not only a condition that impacts focus, but is also effects your child’s ability to execute tasks.

Children with ADHD commonly experience symptoms such as impulsive behavior (e.g. interrupting, saying things they immediately regret), trouble with planning and time management, difficulty sitting still, trouble paying attention or listening to others, and making careless mistakes or regularly losing things.

Therapy for ADHD can make a significant impact, helping your child with valuable executive skills to enhance time management, guiding your child in navigating schedules and deadlines more effectively. And, most importantly, to help them navigate relationships as well.

Children and teens can grapple with various types of anxiety or mood challenges, and recognizing the signs is crucial for providing timely support.

If you notice that your child exhibits excessive worry, restlessness, irritability, or avoidance of certain situations, they might be experiencing anxiety. Social anxiety can manifest as an intense fear of judgment or embarrassment in social settings. Separation anxiety often shows up as distress when separated from caregivers. Or, your child may be more sad, experiencing crying spells, or isolating themselves. Symptoms may include physical complaints, sleep disturbances, or difficulty concentrating.

Therapy can be a lifeline in addressing these challenges. By creating a safe and supportive environment, I can help your child or teen explore their feelings, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. I can assist your child in identifying thoughts, fostering emotional regulation, and enhancing communication skills. The goal is to empower your child to navigate the complexities of growing up with confidence and tools to manage emotions.

You may notice that your child displays excessive defiance, refusing to comply with rules or requests, leading to frequent conflicts. Perhaps your child is withdrawaling from social activities, engaging in persistent isolation, or excessive screen time.

Academic struggles, such as incomplete assignments or disruptive behavior in the classroom, may also point to the need for more help. Additionally, your child or teen might engage in behaviors, such as substance use or self-harm, as a way to cope with their emotions. Symptoms can include sudden mood swings, a decline in hygiene, or changes in sleep patterns. Typically, the behavior is a manifestation of underlying challenges with moods and emotions.

Recognizing these signs early on and seeking professional help, can play a crucial role in addressing and understanding the root causes of the big emotions your child may be facing. And, I can provide your child with more helpful ways of identifying and expressing their feelings, thoughts, and needs.

One of the most challenging aspects of being a young person is figuring out how to manage the complexities of friendships and social connections.

One day you may be close friends with someone, the next day, things change.

Is your child or teen struggling with forming and maintaining friendships, and you notice things such as avoidance of social situations, heightened self-consciousness, and a fear of negative judgment?

Bullying is another pervasive issue, when you may notice your child withdrawaling, changes in mood, or unexplained physical complaints (e.g. my stomach hurts). Peer pressure can create challenges, as your child or teen may grapple with the desire to conform to certain behaviors or norms to fit in.

Therapy can be a safe space for your child or teen to explore their friendships and relationships and begin to learn healthy ways of communicating with friends and others that feels authentic to them.

Your greatest goal in life is to be a good parent, but sometimes you feel lost in how to best help your child.

Being a parent comes with its unique set of challenges, and it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or uncertain at times. The constant juggling act of managing work, family, and personal needs can take a toll on your well-being. Parenting often involves navigating through behavioral issues, communication barriers, and the ever-changing dynamics of family life.

Therapy can be a valuable resource to help you navigate these challenges. It provides a dedicated space for you to explore and express your feelings, gain insights into your parenting style, and develop effective strategies for parenting your specific child. Through therapy, you can enhance your understanding of your child's needs, strengthen the parent-child relationship, and acquire valuable tools to promote a positive and nurturing family environment. And, leave therapy feeling empowered to be the best parent you can be to your child.

As a trauma-informed therapist of 25 years, I’ve helped many children and families recover from traumatic events. Whether your child has experienced bullying, abuse, violence, death of a loved one, sexual assault, or an accident, therapy can be a powerful place to unpack what happened and gain support.

Using evidence-based therapeutic approaches, we will address the emotional and psychological aftermath of trauma or grief, fostering resilience and instilling coping mechanisms to navigate challenges. Your child’s healing process will be uniquely tailored to their needs, allowing for a gradual and empowering transformation.

Click here for more information about the trauma services that I offer.

Click here for more information about grief and loss services that I offer.