As a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 20 years of experience working with children and teenagers, I assist young people 8 years and up with various diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, bullying, divorce, and sexual abuse. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where children can express themselves, understand their emotions, and develop effective coping strategies.
While my office is located in the neighboring community of Agoura Hills, CA, just a short drive from Westlake Village, I am dedicated to serving children and their families throughout the surrounding areas. Whether you choose to visit my office in person or opt for the convenience of virtual therapy sessions, I am here to provide the support and guidance your child needs during their developmental journey.
Children's therapy differs from adult or adolescent therapy because children can express themselves more effectively through play and art than words. Some techniques I use in children's therapy include:
Additionally, I teach children coping techniques to help them manage their feelings and problems, allowing them to function better in their daily lives.
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.
Parents are usually encouraged to participate in their child's therapy. The extent of your involvement will be determined by your child's age and the reason for seeking treatment. I meet with parents periodically to share updates, offer support, and suggest techniques to try at home.
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.
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.
Offering Both Virtual And In-Person Sessions