Lindsay Stenzel | Child & Teen Therapist in Centennial, CO
Hi, I’m Lindsay, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Synergetic Play Therapist. I specialize in supporting anxious and neurodivergent children and teens—especially those who are high-achieving, highly sensitive, and holding more inside than others can see.
If you’re here, you may be feeling confused, concerned, or even a little helpless.
Maybe your child seems “fine” on the outside, doing well in school, meeting expectations, keeping it together, but at home, it’s a different story. The meltdowns, the shutdowns, the emotional overwhelm. It can feel like they’re two completely different kids, and you’re left trying to make sense of what’s really going on beneath the surface.
You might notice that your child puts a lot of pressure on themselves. They want to get everything “just right,” and when they can’t, it’s hard for them to cope. Or maybe they internalize their feelings so deeply that it’s difficult to know what they’re actually experiencing until it all comes out at once.
You’ve tried to support them. You care deeply. And still, something doesn’t quite feel settled.
That’s where I come in. Therapy can help your child make sense of what they’re feeling and develop tools to manage it more effectively. I provide in-person therapy for children and teens in Centennial, CO, and surrounding areas, including Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and South Denver.
My work is grounded in Synergetic Play Therapy and a nervous system-informed approach to support children and teens experiencing anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and neurodivergence.
I specialize in working with kids who hold it together on the outside, but are struggling internally.
I take a neurodivergent-affirming approach, which means I’m not here to “fix” your child or make them fit into a mold. Instead, I help them understand their internal world, build regulation skills that actually work for their nervous system, and feel more confident being who they are—both at school and at home.
My goal is for your child to feel safe enough to drop the mask, express what they’ve been holding in, and develop a stronger sense of self. This leads to fewer meltdowns, better emotional regulation, and more confidence over time.
Working with Parents & Caregivers
I work closely with you from the beginning.
We’ll talk about what’s feeling most challenging, whether that’s anxiety, after-school meltdowns, emotional outbursts, or your child shutting down, and set clear, meaningful goals for therapy so we can track progress and adjust as needed. At the same time, we honor your child’s pace and what feels important to them.
You are an essential part of this process.
Together, I’ll help you:
→ Understand what your child’s behavior is communicating
→ Respond more confidently during difficult moments
→ Support regulation at home
Professional Background & Experience
Before starting my private practice, I worked as a school-based therapist in Jeffco Public Schools, supporting children from preschool through middle school. This gives me a strong understanding of how academic pressure, social dynamics, and internal stress show up across environments, and how to support kids in each of them.
I hold a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver with a concentration in Children & Youth, along with certification in School Social Work.
My Approach & How We’ll Work Together
What Sessions Look Like
Many parents wonder what therapy will actually look like for their child. Through play therapy, creative expression, and a strong therapeutic relationship, I help children process what they don’t yet have words for. Many parents worry, “What if my child won’t talk?” The good news is—talking isn’t required for therapy to be effective.
Through play, art, and attuned connection, your child can:
→ Safely express and process emotions
→ Practice regulation skills in real time
→ Increase resilience and identify new ways to approach challenges
→ Learn more about their brain & nervous system and identify strategies that actually work for them
This is where deep, lasting change happens.
Individualized Care & Outcomes
I tailor every session to your child’s strengths, needs, and developmental stage.
Therapy becomes a space where your child can practice new skills, build emotional awareness, and feel more confident navigating challenges, so those skills begin to carry over into daily life.
Over time, families often notice:
→ Fewer meltdowns and emotional outbursts
→ Better ability to manage anxiety and frustration
→ Increased confidence and emotional awareness
→ Stronger communication and connection at home
Many parents describe a sense of relief—like things finally make sense. Instead of constantly guessing, you begin to understand your child more clearly and feel more confident in how to support them.
You don’t have to keep trying to figure this out on your own.
I offer a free 15-minute parent consultation where we can talk through what’s going on, answer your questions, and see if this feels like the right fit.
Contact Lindsay
Not sure where to start? That’s okay. I’d love to hear more about your child and explore what support could look like. Fill out some info, and I’ll be in touch shortly. I can’t wait to hear from you!