Play therapy generally involves little talking, as play is a child’s natural mode of communication. Using play in therapy allows children to process trauma and stress. Therapy with young children typically involves a caregiver. I will be available to meet with you individually as well to exchange updates, offer behavioral strategies at home, and provide support. In addition, parent sessions can provide a benefit to the child through changing parent/child interactions.

Therapy has potential emotional risks. Approaching feelings or thoughts that you/ your child have tried not to think about for a long time may be painful and may result in an initial increase in negative behaviors or overwhelming feelings. However, this is often brief, and my clients typically find that it’s worth it! However, it is important to think carefully about this and determine if the timing is right for you and your child. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to schedule a free 15-minute phone call with me to discuss your particular circumstances further.

The purpose of our first meeting is for me to begin to understand the issues or challenges that your family is facing. This may mean that we meet initially without your child so that we can speak freely about your concerns. In our next session, I will likely meet with you and your child, and if your child feels comfortable, I will meet with him/ her alone for a portion of that session. In my first session with your child, it will very much be a “getting to know you.” Parents are sometimes surprised that there is little conversation; however, it is essential for me to build a relationship with you and your child before your child feels safe enough to process challenging thoughts, feelings, or memories.

Therapy is often helpful after a big or stressful change. Sometimes, parents reach out to me after the birth of a new sibling, or if they’ve noticed a concerning behavior or possible delay. Here is a list of just some of the issues I help families with:

• Communication skills (both for children and in family therapy)
• Social skill development
• Self-esteem
• Anxiety and phobias
• Separation anxiety
• Mood swings or concerns about depression
• Emotion regulation
• Anger, irritability
• ADD/ ADHD
• Oppositional behavior/ conduct disorder
• School issues
• Impulsivity
• Inappropriate sexual behavior
• Conflict with parents
• Divorce or separation
• Domestic violence
• Sexual abuse
• Physical or emotional abuse
• Adoption/ Foster care
• Trauma
• Bullying
• Death or loss of a family member, friend, or pet
• Academic pressure or stress
• Transitions like moving or changing schools

I work with children starting at age two. For younger children, parental involvement in treatment is more intensive and essential. I tailor treatment to the age of the child, and interventions are based on your child’s biological age and developmental level. As I mentioned earlier, talk isn’t a necessary part of therapy; our focus is on play.

This varies depending on what your child is experiencing. However, parents generally have an idea that therapy is “working” when they see their child’s behavior or emotional state stabilize for an extended period of time.

This varies on a case by case basis. For older children and teens, I may provide psychotherapy via video. I can help you to decide what level of care is best for your child; I may recommend scheduling a doctor’s visit as well. On a limited basis, I also do occasional home visits to assess behavior and implement behavior strategies.

 While we are not in-network with insurance providers, we are considered an out-of-network provider and work with most major insurance carriers, including Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and GHI. This means you can still use your benefits, and we’ll help streamline your reimbursement process.

We can help verifying your out-of-network benefits and work directly with your insurance provider to ensure efficient reimbursement—often with payment sent directly to us. This way, you avoid the hassle of paperwork and waiting for reimbursements.

Staying out-of-network allows us to prioritize high-quality care, client privacy, and therapist well-being. We are not required to submit detailed therapy notes to insurance companies, ensuring your confidentiality, and we’re able to hire only top-tier clinicians aligned with our values and standards of care.