Ages 0-5

In working with this age group, I utilize a trauma  informed, relationship based clinical approach that considers the emotional attachment (or emotional bond between parent and child) as the foundation for childhood development and a child’s sense of emotional security and emotional safety. Healthy development in the first 5 years of life is based on the child’s ability to engage in trusting relationships, explore and learn, and regulate overwhelming emotions with the assistance from a regulate parent/caregiver (also known as co-regulation). Sessions focus on barriers to successful and effective parent child relationships like parenting stress, parental mental health, difficult child behavior, or changes in family structure.

Initials sessions might include: 1) discussion with parent alone to obtain family history and understand concerns of parent 2) observation of child in interaction with parent 3) observation of child in interaction with me as the clinician 4) assessment of the family's cultural background, socioeconomic circumstances and the influence on parenting values and practices

Follow up sessions might include: 1) time with parent alone 2) time with parent and child together 3) time with child alone if applicable

Ages 6-17

In working with this age group, I use a trauma informed, family centered approach working collaboratively with parents to support and assist children in making change or achieving goals. Active parent participation may not always be utilized in sessions with children ages 11-17; in order to, establish a trusting and effective working alliance, or when otherwise indicated. I may use a combination of clinical approaches, including brain and nervous system based tools and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to address depression, anxiety, and stress in this age group. A brain based or nervous system based approach works to improve understanding of how our brain and nervous system are involved in symptoms or behaviors. CBT focuses on negative or anxious thoughts or beliefs and their impact on mood, behaviors, and world view.

Intake Sessions might include: 1) discussion of concerns with child and parent together 2) completion of questionnaires about symptoms, behavior, and family history 3) discussion of concerns or time spent with child alone 4) discussion of goals with child and parent together

Follow Up Sessions might include: 1) discussion with or time spent with child alone 2)  completion of questionnaires about symptoms and behaviors to track progress 3) discussion of progress toward goals or change with child and parent together at the beginning or end of session

Ages 18+

In working with adults or parents/caregivers, I utilize a trauma focused approach that includes an understanding of the brain and nervous system and their connection to psychological health and physical health. For example, frequent negative self-talk, chatter inside our head, or dialogue within ourselves stemming from adverse child or life events can lead to depression, anxiety, stress, irritability, or other unhelpful behavior (like angry outbursts, overeating and weight gain, poor concentration and focus, or inability to sleep). Sessions may focus on events that activate symptoms and how these events negatively impact one’s life; challenging and reframing negative or anxious thinking styles; and developing techniques or skills to reduce, distract, or stop negative and anxious thinking.

Intake Session might include: 1) discussion about concerns, difficulties, symptoms 2) completing questionnaires about symptoms, mood, and childhood history 3) establishing goal or steps for change

Follow Up Session might include: 1) completing questionnaires about symptoms and mood to track progress 2) discussion of concerns, difficulties or progress toward goals 3) developing and practicing coping skills or techniques to reduce symptoms and improvement mood