Services

Play is the initial and most safe language for children. A play therapy session provides a child the ability to learn social skills, communication skills, problem solving skills and emotional expression. Play therapy can be utilized in both individual and family therapy sessions. Play therapy is most effective when parent, family member or caregiver is activity involved in the treatment process. Providing a safe, nurturing environment for children ages 2-12 is the primary concern of a play therapist. 

Working with children is a dance. A balance between self exploration and boundaries can be difficult to navigate. There is a need for safety, security and trust. When the relationship between parent and child is supported by these pillars, a child's ability to follow boundaries and direction will be more positive. The foundation of the parent-child relationship is the focus in parent child interaction therapy. It can be a shock when a client hears a therapist can work with a child as young as 2. However this is a significant time for a child's development. As a specialist in the birth to five population, an infant toddler mental health specialist will be able to identify and target in treatment the unique needs of the young population. Utilizing tools such as the ages and stages questionnaire (ASQ SE2 and ASQ 3) as well as the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI), the birth to five therapist can create a tailored treatment plan to address the identified needs whether behaviorally or meeting developmental milestones. Further, the parent child relationship is vital at this stage and thus the birth to five professional will help support the entire caregiving system. There may be times when additional consultation is needed, a psychologist or developmental specialist for instance. Having the support of the infant toddler mental health specialist to help support will assure you and your child is not alone on this journey. A therapist can further support the child and family in environments outside the therapy office. Consult can be provided for IEP/504 meetings to advocate for the needs of the child. 

PCIT is an evidence-based treatment for young children with behavioral problems.

​The decision to whether PCIT is the most appropriate treatment for you and your child is between you and your mental health professional. 

PCIT is conducted through "coaching" sessions during which you and your child are in a playroom while the therapist is in an observation room watching you interact with your child through a one-way mirror and/or live video feed. You wear a "bug-in-the-ear" device through which the therapist provides in-the-moment coaching on skills you are learning to manage your child's behavior. PCIT is done across two treatment phases. 

Desired outcomes of the first phase of treatment in PCIT include:

• Increased feelings of security, safety, and attachment to the primary caregiver

• Increase in healthy attention-seeking behavior. 

• Increased attention span

• Increased self-esteem

• Increased pro-social behaviors (such as sharing and taking turns)

Desired outcomes of the second phase of treatment in PCIT include:

• Increased compliance with adult requests

• Increased respect for house rules

• Improved behavior in public

• Increased parental calmness and confidence during discipline

• Increase in healthy co/self-regulation behavior

PCIT can be provided to children 2-6 with modifications for children ages 7-11

Individual therapy is never truly individual. Your therapist will be there for you every step of the way on your therapeutic journey. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed by life stressors, school or parenting, or experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, your therapist will provide you with a peaceful opportunity to process and grow. Your needs are unique, so a treatment plan tailored specifically to you will be developed, placing you at the center of your care.

In many cases, the incongruence stems from childhood relationships. Others might observe an imbalance exists between their environment and their emotions. I consistently integrate an attachment-based perspective into my work, as our regulatory issues often originate from observed behavior and insecure attachments." Balancing skill development with evidence-based practices (CBT, DBT, SFT) while simultaneously addressing underlying attachment incongruence not only provides immediate support but also expands understanding of the core issue.

The first step on the therapeutic journey is an intake session. In the intake session a client can expect to discuss concerns and background information. The client and the therapist will discuss recommendations and goals. The therapist will also provide a review of informed consent, including confidentiality, payment, and documentation. Following the intake session, the client and therapist will schedule on going therapy sessions.

Sessions are approximately an hour long. The therapy journey does not have a finite duration. Each client will process and grow at their own speed and thus the therapist cannot determine how many sessions will be needed. You can be assured the therapist will work with you to discuss progress and continued needs.

At times time sessions are provided both in office and through telehealth. A secure link will be provided to you the day of session fi you wish to participate via telehealth.