Child and Teen Therapy

Children and teens today are navigating a world that can feel overwhelming at times. Many parents and caregivers notice “big emotions,” shifts in behavior, difficulty with friendships, trouble focusing, or challenges with motivation. Adolescents themselves often describe feeling misunderstood, disconnected, anxious, or unsure how to manage what they’re experiencing.

Therapy offers a steady, supportive relationship where these experiences can be explored safely and without judgment.

My approach is grounded in relational therapy, which means that healing happens through connection. I focus first on building trust and creating a space where your child or teen feels seen, heard, and respected. Together, we gently explore the feelings and patterns that may be just beneath the surface, helping them better understand themselves and develop tools to navigate their world with greater confidence and resilience.

For adolescents, therapy can be a place that is truly their own, a space to talk openly, ask questions, sort through friendships, identity, family dynamics, stress, or anything else that feels important. My goal is not to “fix” them, but to partner with them in making sense of their experiences and strengthening their voice and self-trust.

Parents and caregivers are an essential part of this process. You know your child best. I view therapy as a collaborative relationship, where we work together to support your child’s growth. Caregiver involvement, at a level appropriate to your child’s age and needs, helps extend the benefits of therapy beyond the session and into daily life. This collaboration strengthens communication, understanding, and connection within the family system.

Individual sessions are typically recommended on a weekly basis. In addition to your child or teen’s sessions, we schedule caregiver collaboration as needed to support progress and ensure consistency across environments. The level of caregiver involvement is thoughtfully tailored based on your child’s age, developmental stage, presenting concerns, strengths, and engagement in therapy.

Sessions are offered in 25- or 50-minute formats depending on age and clinical needs. I provide in-person services in Los Angeles and virtual sessions for clients located in California, Virginia, Maine, Oregon, and Florida. For children aged 10 and under, in-person sessions are generally recommended to best support engagement through play and relational connection.

Treatment planning is individualized and developmentally informed. With younger children, I incorporate art and play to help them express themselves in ways that feel natural and safe. With teens, creative approaches can also be integrated when helpful, alongside open conversation and reflective dialogue.

Above all, my hope is to provide a warm, steady presence where children, teens, and families feel supported, understood, and empowered in their growth.

Specialty areas:

• Autism/Neurodivergence

• LGBTQIA+/Queer/Questioning

• Transgender/Non-Binary/Gender Identity and Expression

• ADHD

• Adoption

• School avoidance/School anxiety

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Self-harm

• Friendship/Peer Relationship Challenges/Bullying

• Behavioral challenges