As a counselor, I am committed to serving
children and
their families and have completed specialized training to treat children, adolescents, and family issues whose symptoms may include trauma/abuse recovery, depression, anxiety, lying, stealing, self mutilation, school difficulties, attention deficits, anger and aggression, and other behavioral/emotional challenges. I specialize in providing counseling services to children
ages 3-18 both individually and within the context of their family through education and support services. I believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.
Families deal with many different issues in varying degrees and in different ways. Professional help is available and can help the child and family through a difficult situation.
The following list is just a sample of the types of clients I work with and issues I can address.
**Please click on the blue text for more information and examples**
Children With Behavior Problems or Emotional Difficulties Who May Be:
Sometimes your child may act out with inappropriate or problem behaviors, or become anxious or withdrawn for what seems like no reason at all. As your child grows, he or she will encounter stressful events that may lead to emotional or behavioral difficulties.
- overly argumentative or oppositional
- defiant or disobedient
- hyperactive, impulsive, or having difficulty concentrating
- disruptive in the classroom
- verbally aggressive (name-calling, teasing, mocking, humiliating, threatening, intimidating, blaming, or resenting others excessively)
- angry or hostile much of the time
- exhibiting frequent temper tantrums or low frustration tolerance
- physically aggressive (hitting, kicking, biting, hurting, or fighting with others)
- damaging or destroying things
- overcome with worries or fears, either general or specific
- avoiding certain people, places and things because of fears or worries
- having difficulties falling or staying asleep or suffering from nightmares or night terrors
- having problems making or keeping friends
- struggling with shyness and social anxiety
- experiencing difficulties going to school or are refusing to go to school
- struggling with being away from parents
- excessively "clingy" to parents or other adults
- exhibiting frequent headaches or stomach aches
- having difficulties with toileting, or are wetting or soiling clothing or bedding
- excessively sad, pessimistic, or suffering from low moods
- suffering from low self-esteem or feelings of inferiority
- withdrawing from people or activities previously enjoyed
- making negative self-statements or exhibiting self-destructive behaviors
- unable to remember certain events, unusually forgetful or confused about things, or going into a daze
- a serious illness, injury or hospitalization to self or a family member
- the death of a family member or friend
- a motor vehicle accident
- a residential fire
- starting school for the first time or moving to a new school
- social or academic difficulties
- being bullied
- moving or relocation to a new home
- birth of a sibling
- frequent parental conflict
- parental separation or divorce
- a parent's remarriage
- drug or alcohol abuse in the family
- witnessing or being a victim of family violence
- physical or emotional abuse or neglect
- sexual abuse
- foster care or adoption
- witnessing or being a victim of criminal activity, community violence, or terrorism
- a natural disaster, such as a flood, earthquake, hurricane, forest fire, etc.
Parents Who Are Overwhelmed With Their Child's Difficulties And May Be:
- worried that their child's behavioral or emotional problems may get worse
- feeling powerless or that they are being controlled by their child
- frustrated or distressed by their child's behaviors or emotions
- confused because they can't understand their child
- feeling inadequate in their role as a parent
- uncertain as to how to parent more effectively after reading parenting books or hearing advice from others
- discouraged by too much or too little parenting information
- concerned about a report from a teacher, principal, daycare provider, doctor, coach, or other adult indicating unsatisfactory progress or inappropriate behaviors from their child
- upset about constant conflict between themselves and their child and wanting to improve the parent-child relationship
- anxious about the lasting effects of a stressful or traumatic experience on their child
- feeling like they don't know what to do and are at their wit's end
- as a parent, you want to do what is best for your child, but you may not know what to do or you may be using ineffective or unhealthy parenting skills without even knowing it
Through child play therapy, teen counseling, parent consultation/counseling, and family counseling, you and your child can experience the following benefits:
- your child's behavior problems can be reduced or eliminated
- your child can learn to safely express his or her feelings and gain relief from difficult feelings or upsetting memories
- you can learn new parenting strategies and gain confidence in your parenting skills
- you will feel calmer and your stress levels will be reduced
- you will feel supported in expressing your feelings as a parent
- you can strengthen your relationship with your child
