Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used and evidence-based modality that helps clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. For children and teens struggling with anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges, CBT helps them recognize how their thoughts influence their emotions and behaviors. By learning strategies to reframe unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier alternatives, your child can build coping skills, reduce stress, and manage difficult situations more effectively. CBT is practical, goal-oriented, and empowering, making it especially effective for addressing a wide range of issues.

Client-Centered Therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, is grounded in the belief that the client is the expert in their own life. In this approach, the therapist creates a safe, non-judgmental space where your child or teen can express their feelings and thoughts freely. The therapist listens actively, reflects on what is said, and offers empathy, unconditional positive regard, and acceptance. This modality helps children, teens, and young adults build self-esteem, feel heard, and navigate challenges with increased self-awareness. It's particularly effective for building trust and fostering emotional openness.

Strengths-Based Therapy emphasizes identifying and building upon your child’s unique strengths and talents. This approach encourages your child to focus on their internal resources, resilience, and positive qualities, rather than feeling defined by their struggles. By highlighting what they do well, children, teens, and young adults can feel more empowered to overcome challenges, improve their self-esteem, and develop a positive self-image. Strengths-Based Therapy promotes hope, resilience, and the belief that every individual has the ability to grow and succeed.

Narrative Therapy views the challenges your child may face as part of their story—not their identity. This approach allows clients to reframe and reshape their narrative, empowering them to take control of their lives. By exploring their experiences and identifying how they view themselves, children and teens can separate themselves from negative labels and build a new, more empowering sense of self. Narrative therapy encourages them to see themselves as resilient, capable individuals, which is particularly helpful when dealing with issues like trauma, self-esteem, and difficult transitions.

Culturally Responsive Therapy recognizes the importance of cultural identity in a child’s emotional and psychological development. This modality takes into account the unique cultural, ethnic, and family backgrounds of each client, ensuring therapy is inclusive and affirming of their cultural experiences. For children and teens who may be navigating challenges related to their cultural identity, discrimination, or family dynamics, this approach creates a safe space where they can explore their identity, embrace their strengths, and work through cultural challenges. It encourages self-expression while respecting the cultural context in which they live.

Mindfulness-based therapy incorporates mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, guided meditation, and body awareness to help children, teens, and young adults stay present and manage overwhelming emotions. This approach teaches clients how to become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the moment, without judgment. For children who struggle with anxiety, impulsivity, or emotional regulation, mindfulness can help them develop greater self-control, emotional balance, and clarity. It also encourages a sense of calm and peace, helping children feel grounded in their daily lives.

Solution-Focused Therapy is a strengths-based, goal-oriented approach that focuses on finding solutions to current challenges, rather than delving deeply into past issues. In this modality, the therapist helps your child set specific, achievable goals and develop strategies to make positive changes in their life. Solution-focused therapy is often ideal for addressing short-term challenges, such as academic stress, family conflict, or behavioral issues. It’s a positive, action-oriented approach that helps your child move forward and build confidence in their ability to overcome obstacles.

Positive Discipline Parent Coaching focuses on teaching parents effective strategies for guiding and nurturing their children without resorting to punishment or authoritarian tactics. This approach emphasizes connection, mutual respect, and empathy between parent and child, while also promoting the development of problem-solving skills, self-discipline, and responsibility. Whether your child is struggling with behavior challenges, emotional regulation, or interpersonal conflicts, Positive Discipline Parent Coaching provides you with the tools to foster a supportive, cooperative relationship and set healthy boundaries while encouraging your child’s emotional and social growth.

School Advocacy and Collaboration is an essential part of supporting children and teens who may be experiencing challenges in their school environment. This modality involves collaborating with school staff, including teachers, counselors, and administrators, to ensure that your child’s academic, emotional, and social needs are met. Whether your child requires accommodations for learning differences, support for anxiety, or assistance with social integration, I can work alongside you and the school to create a comprehensive plan that addresses your child’s individual needs. This approach helps bridge the gap between therapy and school, ensuring that your child’s well-being is supported in all areas of their life.

Therapists often use an eclectic approach, blending different modalities to best support your child, teen, or young adult. Every child is unique, so therapy is tailored to address their specific needs, whether it's managing anxiety, coping with grief, or navigating life transitions. By combining techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and strengths-based strategies, therapists create a flexible, personalized plan that empowers your child to overcome challenges and grow emotionally, socially, and mentally.