CHILDRENS THERAPY IN AGOURA HILLS, CA
Children's Therapy
Child therapy helps children ages 8 and older work through anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, divorce, and behavioral challenges using age-appropriate approaches. Children often cannot put their struggles into words the way adults can, so therapy meets them where they are and gives them tools to express and manage their emotions.
For over 20 years, I've worked as a child therapist, assisting children and teenagers with various diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, bullying, divorce, and sexual abuse.
When it comes to therapy and counseling, your child's needs vary depending on their developmental stage. I work with your child to identify their developmental stage and provide them with appropriate treatment.
Children's therapy differs from adult or adolescent therapy because children can express themselves more effectively through play and art than through words. I use these methods to help your child express and comprehend their emotions and problems, which in turn helps them to function better.
Techniques used in Children's therapy
Some techniques I use in children's therapy are expressive art, age-appropriate mindfulness exercises, and therapeutic games. Additionally, I teach children coping techniques to help them manage their feelings and problems.
If you're thinking about starting therapy for yourself or your child and want to see if I'm the right fit, I'd be happy to chat with you during a complimentary phone consultation.
Children's Therapy FAQ
Does my child need therapy?
Therapy may be beneficial if your child is struggling with their mental health and it is interfering with their daily life. Children who are anxious, depressed, have low self-esteem, or struggle to interact with their peers may fall into this category. Therapy can also be beneficial for children who are dealing with significant life changes, such as a divorce, a traumatic event, or the loss of a loved one.
Will I be participating in my child's therapy?
Parents are usually encouraged to participate in their child's therapy. The extent of your involvement will be determined by the age of your child and the reason for seeking treatment. I meet with parents periodically to share updates, offer support, and suggest techniques to try.
At what age can children start therapy?
I work with children ages 8 and older. Younger school-age children often benefit from creative and expressive therapeutic approaches, while older children and teens may engage more through conversation.
How do I explain therapy to my child?
Keep it simple and positive. You might say something like, "You're going to talk to someone who helps kids with their feelings. They're really nice and it's a safe place to share anything." Avoid framing it as punishment or something being wrong with them.
How will I know if therapy is helping my child?
You may notice improvements in your child's mood, behavior, sleep, social interactions, or school performance. I meet with parents regularly to share observations and discuss progress. Change is often gradual, so patience is important.
What issues do you help children with?
I help children with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, divorce adjustment, behavioral challenges, low self-esteem, social difficulties, and the effects of sexual abuse. Each child's treatment is tailored to their specific needs.
Do you offer virtual therapy for children?
Yes, I offer both in-person sessions at my Agoura Hills office and virtual therapy throughout California. Many children adapt well to virtual sessions, though younger children sometimes benefit more from in-person work.
Parenting Therapy
In addition to working with children and teenagers, I offer parenting therapy to help parents navigate the challenges of raising children. Parenting can be a rewarding but also demanding experience, and it's common for parents to feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to best support their children.
During parenting therapy sessions, I work with parents to identify and address any issues they are having with their children, as well as to develop strategies for building strong and supportive relationships with them. This can include assisting parents in setting boundaries, communicating effectively, and dealing with stress and conflict.
Parenting therapy can be beneficial for parents with children of any age. By working together, we can help you to become a more confident and effective parent and to create a positive and nurturing environment for your child.
In-Person and Virtual Therapy Options Available
My office is located in Agoura Hills, CA 91301. I provide in-person therapy to patients in Agoura Hills and the surrounding areas, including Westlake Village, CA, Oak Park, CA, Calabasas, CA, Thousand Oaks, CA, Woodland Hills, CA and Simi Valley, CA. I also offer virtual therapy sessions to individuals located anywhere within the state of California.
