What does treatment look like?

My approach begins with thorough assessment. This includes examining how your concerns might map onto a disorder in our diagnostic manual, but it also means understanding how your thoughts, behaviors and emotions are functionally connected. In cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT), we leverage those connections and focus on shifting patterns of thinking and learning new behaviors in order to feel differently.

I draw primarily from CBT approaches, applying evidence-based treatments and principles flexibly for each individual and family. We don’t simply sit and talk about what’s going on. We try new actions and new ways of thinking about the problems you’re experiencing. We learn new strategies for managing distress and coping with big emotions. I will expect you to practice these new skills outside of our sessions so that you can use them in your life, where they really make a difference. I love these treatments because they are active, creative, and fun, and most of all, because they work.

How are parents involved in child therapy?

Parents are nearly always an essential part of treatment, and we will collaborate on what that looks like for your family. You are with your child far more hours per week than I could ever be, and you are an integral player in enacting positive change in their life. Being part of the team does not imply that you have caused the problems, only that you are willing to help solve them!

For most young children (3-7 years), I work primarily or solely with parents. For many problems, this approach has been shown to be just as effective, or even more effective, than treating the child alone.

For older children or teens who are able to participate more independently, individual therapy may be complemented by parent education and guidance to help improve family functioning and communication.

Parenting Interventions

I often work with parents who specifically seek guidance around parenting children of any age with anxiety, OCD, or challenges with behavioral and emotional regulation. We sometimes refer to this as parent coaching, although that term is used broadly to refer to many different approaches. The principles and strategies I teach come from evidence-based parenting interventions. If your child sees their own therapist, I will ideally coordinate care with that provider, with written permission.