Child Issues

I have helped countless children and their families overcome a wide range of issues. The family has to be a part of this process, as the hope is that therapy continues outside of sessions and into the homes and school.

I’ve spent a significant portion of my career working in CBC programs with children, teens, and parents in the Sarasota-Manatee area. My clients have included those voluntarily seeking therapy as well as individuals court-ordered to receive services. This experience, along with the specialized training I’ve received, equips me to offer a unique and valuable service to children, parents, and families, addressing their needs with a deep understanding and tailored approach.

Your child has been struggling yet you aren't quite sure why. You have tried everything. The teachers aren't helpful because they just say the same thing over and over. Friend's don't understand, their kids seem to be perfect angels. It feels like you have done something wrong but don't know how to fix it. You have heard play therapy can be helpful but not sure how to start. Just reach out today and a therapist can guide you through this process together.

Child/Play Therapy helps children to improve communication and interpersonal skills. It focuses on a child's interests and encourages interaction based on the child's favorite activities. Our professionals, collaborate to help children deal with emotional trauma, anxiety, grief, behavioral problems, neurological conditions and mental illness.

Our providers work with children 11 years of age and up. We are able to provide both therapy and medication evaluations and treatment.

If being a parent is difficult, being a kid is near impossible today. I am passionate about working with children and adolescents in close collaboration with parents/care-givers to assist in a myriad of issues, including anxiety, depression, school avoidance, bullying, self-esteem, divorce, co-parenting, and trauma. I utilize a unique combination of interactive play therapy, relational therapy, and EMDR (if appropriate) in order to give your child the most effective therapy experience.

In therapy, children often communicate through play, a language I actively encourage and facilitate. Collaborating closely with caregivers, I guide therapeutic play sessions to bridge communication gaps and uncover underlying emotions or struggles. By nurturing this form of expression, we enhance connection, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. My attachment-based approach emphasizes the pivotal role of parents as experts and primary resources for their children.

I work with children 0-5 years old using play based models. I work closely with the parent to help the understand age appropriate and developmental concerns. I help the parents with behavior modification and how to handle negative behaviors. I use different approaches that help your child respond better to you.

We absolutely love taking care of children & teens, and we have excellent outcomes. We are trained to bring therapy to the developmental level of your child, making it effective and resonant. We use Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Bibliotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, & Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), to name few of the best treatments available for minors. We always include parents in the care, so you are always in the loop. Contact us today.

We treat and evaluate a large range of child issues including developmental disorders (Autism Spectrum Disorder), anxiety, video game addictions, ADHD, anger management/emotional regulation, parenting strategies, and depression.

When working with youth, I typically integrate Play Therapy, Strengths-Based, and Mindfulness techniques to establish a foundation for them to trust themselves and learn how to show themselves self-compassion. I love working with kiddos, preteens, and teens to help them through tough things in life and be more fully themselves.

I work with parents of children who may have a learning, attention, or behavior disorder, struggle to complete classwork and homework, are fearful of certain situations, have sleep problems, have difficulty regulating emotions and self-control, experience separation anxiety at home and school, become easily frustrated or overwhelmed, or are stubborn and defiant with adults. I offer psychoeducational/psychological evaluations, child therapy, and parent support sessions.

Human development was a significant part of my doctoral program studies. I engaged with multiple theories on child development and received direct supervision on multiple cases from a prominent child therapist in the Chicago metro area. On top of that, I hold my work with children and families to be very important to me. It is always an honor when a family allows me into their life to join them in the ups and downs of family life.

I utilize play therapy and sand tray therapy to create a comfortable and fun environment where children are able to express and explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without facing the pressure of needing to understand or verbalize these things. With limited life experience and verbal repertoires, traditional talk therapy is difficult and frustrating for children.

Do you feel like you are walking on egg shells or wondering what happened to the child you once knew? You're not alone. Many parents feel like they are unable to connect with their children and are experiencing extreme stress, shame, isolation or anger. I can help your family reunite, strengthen bonds, and heal. I specialize in working with families with children who are suffering and acting out.

At Newport Academy, we believe that true transformation occurs as our teens learn to see themselves as beautiful, bright, and powerful people who can take control of their own lives. In order to help our patients achieve that goal, we maintain the highest possible standards for our services, and commission third-party evaluations of our programming. By consistently gathering and analyzing data related to our outcomes, we’re able to make more strategic and tailored decisions for our patients.

I serve clients across the lifespan. However, I have significant experience working with minors ages 4 to 17 in private practice, community clinics, ADHD camps, and school settings. My approach is to "keep it real" with my tiny human clientele and integrate evidence-based interventions that fit THAT client with THEIR identities in their current life situation. I prioritize strength-based approaches and help reframe client behavior from "attention-seeking" to "connection-seeking."