CHILD AND TEEN THERAPY

What is Child and Teen Therapy?

Child therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that focuses on addressing the emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs of children and adolescents. Unlike adults, children may not have the verbal skills to articulate their feelings, and therefore I will often utilize play, art, storytelling and other developmentally appropriate techniques to facilitate communication, emotional exploration, and help them process their experiences. With teens, sessions may look more like traditional talk therapy, but may also include added elements of play and art depending on developmental levels and needs.

Child Therapy (Ages 7-12)

Therapeutic Approach

When working with children, I may utilize or integrate:

Therapeutic Play (child centered and directed play)
Sand Tray
Art Techniques
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation Skills
Behavioral Modification

Parental Involvement:

I believe that your involvement and support are crucial for a child's therapeutic progress. It's important to recognize that children's difficulties often occur within the context of the family system. Understanding and addressing these challenges effectively frequently requires looking at the patterns and dynamics within the family. To ensure we are working collaboratively and to provide you with necessary updates and support strategies, for children under the age of 13, I require frequent parent participation in person or via separate telehealth sessions.

Please note I do not meet with children via telehealth and require in person commitment for child therapy.

Teen Therapy (Ages 13-18)

Therapeutic Approach

When working with teens, I may utilize or integrate:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation Skills
Art Techniques

Parental Involvement:

In Washington State, adolescents aged 13 and older can consent to outpatient mental health treatment without parental consent. This means I will honor a teens right to privacy, and need explicit permission from a teen to share therapy information with parents. I also recognize that teens challenges often occur within the context of the family system, and therefore I will often involve parents in the therapy process if it will be beneficial for the teen.

Areas of Focus

For both children and teens, I specialize in addressing the following challenges:

Anxiety and Depression
Neurodiversity
Trauma
Self-Esteem
Social Difficulties
Bullying
Identity and Gender Exploration
Academic Challenges and Stress
Family Conflict
Parental Separation and Divorce

What to Expect

Initial Sessions:

The initial sessions of child and teen therapy are primarily focused on building a strong and trusting relationship (rapport and the therapeutic alliance), which is the foundation for effective therapy. We'll take the time to get to know each other, explore their interests and what's important to them, and begin to understand their experiences and perspectives. For younger children, this might involve engaging in play and creative activities, while with teens, it often involves open and honest conversation.

In our sessions, I will work with your child or teen to:

Explore and Understand Emotions: Learn to identify, express, and manage a wide range of feelings in healthy ways.
Develop Coping Skills: Acquire practical strategies to deal with stress, anxiety, sadness, anger, and other difficult emotions.
Improve Communication: Learn to express their needs and perspectives effectively with family, friends, and teachers.
Build Self-Esteem and Confidence: Develop a stronger sense of self-worth and belief in their abilities.
Heal from Difficult Experiences: Process past traumas, grief, or significant life changes in a safe and supportive environment.
Address Behavioral Issues: Understand the underlying reasons for challenging behaviors and develop more adaptive ways of responding.
Enhance Social Skills: Learn how to build and maintain healthy relationships with peers.
Strengthen Family Connections: When appropriate, therapy can involve parents and caregivers to improve family communication and dynamics.

Duration of Therapy

The duration of therapy is different for every child and teen and depends on their specific goals and the pace of their progress. In general, I view child therapy as a shorter-term support.

As your child makes progress and develops effective coping strategies, the focus of therapy will naturally shift towards encouraging them to confidently apply these skills in their everyday life – at home, at school, and with friends. This "graduation" phase is a positive step, signifying their growing independence and ability to manage challenges using the tools they've learned. We will work together to ensure a smooth transition as your child increasingly practices their skills in the real world, knowing they have a solid foundation for continued growth and well-being.

Sessions and Fees

50 minute session - $175
30-minute parent feedback sessions - $90

Please note: I am an out-of-network provider. I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. Payment is collected on the morning of your appointment.