At times, challenges arise.
Children face all kinds of stressors that impact their social and emotional development. National and global and closer to home events contribute to “offlining” your nervous system. Your child’s heightened anxiety, angry outbursts, and negative feelings about themselves take a toll on the whole family. Trying to support and manage “big feelings,” particularly during transitions, can trigger parents’ stress response which often sends children into feelings of guilt and shame. This disrupts your relationship and creates tension and emotional distancing. The impact of screens and setting limits around their use is also a common conflict. Charged emotions that cannot be soothed often bring up feelings of inadequacy or resentment as a parent.
We are all shaped by our early attachments and imprints often weigh in on how we parent. It's important to pay attention to what's happening inside ourselves when we feel upset. Doing so and practicing self compassion creates a path to really seeing your child as who they are and fosters relatedness and deeper connection. My parent coaching style is direct yet exploratory.
Play therapy helps children regulate their emotions, learn new skills and process current and past feelings. I integrate this with the Family Systems approach along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness activities.
Together we will find…
Your desire in reaching out is for your child to feel safe and secure in the world and to help them make sense of it all. Therapy should provide a safe space for your child to express a full range of emotions. All feelings are allowed and encouraged! I have had great success in helping children construct an “emotional toolbox,” by helping them to utilize mindfulness techniques to empower and build a positive sense of self. With parents I observe and reflect on patterns and themes that can derail connection and will support you in finding ways to slow down and to also give attention to what’s going well. It’s important to acknowledge and take in victories even when they feel small. I specialize in working with children between 4 and 15.
About Me
Giving children confidence and demonstrating my curiosity, interest, and wonder is my life’s passion. I find it easy to relate to children and am relishing my experience as a mom to a vibrant 12-year-old. My roots as a helper go way back where growing up in Indiana I decided one summer to work with children with developmental disabilities instead of going to camp. From college, I supported traumatized youth in a group home setting and later worked as a counselor to children who experienced foster care. I did my graduate work at the Erikson Institute of Child Development in Chicago and spent several years working in community mental health. In the Bay area, I have worked as a therapist and Early Childhood Consultant in a variety of school and family settings. I would love the opportunity to support you and your family!
I currently have some in person availability. My office is in North Oakland. I also offer Telehealth.
Contact Me.
Fee for 50 min Session: 235
Sliding Scale: Yes
Pay By: Cash or Check, Zelle
Out of Network: I do not accept insurance but upon request can provide you with an invoice that you may submit to a third party.