We Got this!
As a former elementary classroom teacher and school counselor, I have experience working with children for over 15 years. I have seen the difficulties that parents face during those school years. Whether your child is struggling with school avoidance, bullying, anxiety, phobias, attention and focus, organization, low self-esteem, stress management, sleep, fixed mindset, managing big emotions, or picky eating, I can help.
“Working with Michelle was such a wonderful experience, both for me and my daughter. She connected with my daughter in such a genuine way, so the hard work of therapy easily unfolded. My daughter is in a better place now, able to use the tools that Michelle taught her. We are so grateful for our relationship with Michelle, she is a gifted therapist.”
I strive to build a colorful kid-friendly space infused with warmth and support where your child feels safe and ready to be brave. My approach is strength-based and I use a variety of techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), behavioral therapy, and mindfulness. Our time together will be filled with play, art, movement, games, and creative problem solving. I will work with your child to develop self-regulation skills that foster self-awareness of feelings, energy, and alertness. Together we work as a team to come up with a toolbox of strategies and a game plan that leaves your child feeling empowered and confident.
WHAT HAPPENS IN A THERAPY SESSION?
Knowing whether to reach out for support for your child is not always clear and may feel overwhelming. You may find yourself wondering Is this just a phase? Is this just part of growing up? During our initial conversations, we will discuss your concerns and explore questions that will guide us in knowing if individual therapy is the right level of support for your child. We will discuss any changes that may be going on in your child’s life, some of the behaviors you are observing, and how these behaviors may be impacting your child emotionally, socially, and/or academically.
WHEN SHOULD I SEEK HELP FOR MY CHILD?
Should I directly be involved in my child’s therapy?
This depends on the age of the child and what your child is working on in therapy. In certain situations, it is critical to have parent/guardian involvement and to have everyone on the same page. In other cases, in particular with adolescents and teens, privacy between the child and therapist will help establish trust and build the therapeutic relationship. We will discuss in our initial conversations how parents/guardians are part of the team.