Children are a source of joy, laughter, and some of the most unadulterated love out there. They are streams of pure consciousness that remind us what life is truly about- being present. Children seek to be seen, heard, and understood by their parents, but they can’t do it alone. Sometimes they need help learning to process and express emotions appropriately. Other times, children need more than validation or tools for expression. Studies consistently show that children who suffer from anxiety have less structure and boundaries in their homes. The unpredictability of daily life can be incredibly stressful to children, and they often need systems in place to reassure them that everything is and will be okay. These systems include daily schedules and routines, consistency in parental discipline, and constant communication within the family. 

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My goal is to meet each child, and each family, where they are at. Some children may need to process traumatic events while other children may need help managing behavior. Some children may benefit more from creative therapies, while others may need a more cognitive approach. My goal is to tailor treatment to the individual and work collaboratively with parents, families, and children to see what is working and what is not. I do not ascribe to a single theoretical orientation, but I do use a lot of storytelling, nature therapy, sand tray therapy, mindfulness therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

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A little bit more about me: I graduated from University of Florida with a B.S. in Psychology. While studying psychology, I became very fascinated with the mind-body connection and earned my 200-hour yoga teacher certification. After graduating from college, I lived in Taiwan for a year and a half as an English teacher. In my time there, I taught pre-school, first grade, and third grade and communicated frequently with families about their children’s progress in learning the English language. It was very fascinating to get to learn a whole new way of child-rearing and education, and I developed a deep admiration and respect for the Taiwanese people and their culture. Since returning to the States, I have worked at several dual diagnosis treatment centers which specialize in treating substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, and grief. 

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I would be more than happy to help you and your child. As a Resident in Counseling in the state of Virginia I am under the supervision of Brooke Buck, LPC.