My approach is practical, collaborative, and focused on helping clients (and their families) truly understand what’s going on, not just talk about it. For kids, sessions often include games, coloring, or other hands-on activities, because that’s how they naturally communicate (and because sitting still for 45 minutes usually isn’t their idea of a good time). With teens and young adults, sessions may be more conversation-based, skill-focused, or a mix of discussion and interactive strategies. But don’t worry, we can absolutely still play UNO while we talk.
I focus on helping clients build awareness of the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, while developing tools and strategies that fit their day-to-day life. A big part of the work is slowing things down, identifying patterns, and helping clients better understand why they respond the way they do. Once those pieces start to make sense, it becomes easier to build skills that feel practical, personalized, and actually useful.
I take a holistic approach, looking at the full picture of the client within the context of their family, school, and broader environment so that change feels realistic, supported, and lasting. I draw from several evidence-based modalities including play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and other experiential or skills-based approaches to tailor treatment to each client’s developmental level, personality, and goals.
I also work closely with parents and caregivers, as they are a key part of a child’s treatment, especially with younger kids. We work together to build practical strategies, increase consistency, and support progress outside of sessions. I genuinely enjoy parent support work, because parents play such a central role in their child’s life, and there’s so much meaningful change that can happen through that relationship. By looking at the whole system, therapy can support changes that feel realistic, supported, and lasting.