As a parent I know that you may be concerned about what to expect when bringing your child to therapy. I have been working with children and their families in Central Florida since 1999. My experience has provided me with the opportunity to work with kids from birth on up. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist I understand that everyone comes with a complex balance of strengths and weaknesses. Focusing on strengths, I work with the family to help guide each child to their appropriate stage of development. My experience in Infant Mental Health, Trauma Focused CBT, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Play and Art Therapies provides me with many tools to help your child heal, grow, and adjust to life in a healthy way.
When bringing your child to therapy, each session will include an activity based therapeutic intervention on the child’s current stage of development and will provide opportunities for growth. For kids, fun is a key part of therapy. Growth through play strategy is the best way for children to learn. This begins with birth and goes on to adulthood. In fact, many parents enjoy the activities themselves.
Safety and security are a primary focus for each client.
A child cannot grow if they do not feel safe. Parents will often join in the session activity to participate until their child feels comfortable on their own. Skills (aka activities) taught in session will be designed for parents to easily use at home thus building on what is learned during a session. In addition, child therapy includes sessions with parents without the child to give an opportunity to share freely their concerns and frustrations. This will better equip me to help your child in their greatest area of need. As a parent you are the expert on your child. You spend the most time with them, and see their day to day behaviors.
I have raised three children of my own, so I do have more than book knowledge on the real challenges of every day parenting in today’s world. My philosophy is to provide each client with a safe place to grow and to teach so that they can successfully navigate and enjoy life.
