Looking for the Right Therapist for Your Child? Start Here
Finding the right therapist for your child is no small task. You want someone who truly sees your child—not just their behaviors, diagnoses, or struggles—but the whole, incredible person they are. You want someone who understands how their brain works, honors their individuality, and knows how to support their unique needs.
If you’re here, you’re likely searching for a therapist who “gets it”—someone who can help your child feel safe, understood, and empowered to grow. Here’s how I approach therapy and why I might be the right fit for your family:
1. Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy
I understand that every brain works differently, and I work with—not against—those differences. In my sessions, I focus on neuro-affirming goals and offer sensory supports to help your child feel comfortable and regulated. I also share ideas for sensory-friendly strategies you can use at home, so the tools we use in therapy carry over into daily life.
My goal is to provide a safe space where your child can show up authentically and unmask, and for your child and the people in their lives to better understand how their brain works.
2. Trauma-Informed, Nervous System-Focused Care
When children experience stress or trauma, it impacts their nervous system deeply. I use bottom-up, body-based approaches to help with nervous system repatterning—helping your child feel safer in their own body and better able to process difficult experiences.
Whether your child is experiencing anxiety, chronic dysregulation, or traumatic stress reactions, there are patterns that have become deeply ingrained in their nervous system—that’s where Synergetic Play Therapy can help. Sessions go beyond learning strategies—we are practicing and integrating new patterns so your child widens their window of tolerance and is better able to regulate through their feelings and take on challenges.
3. Specialized Support for Anxiety
Anxiety and panic can feel overwhelming, both for kids and their families. I combine evidence-based practices with my own lived experience to help children expand their window of tolerance. Together, we work to reduce anxiety’s grip so your child can move through life with more confidence and ease—rather than using avoidance as a protective strategy, your child will learn how to move through anxiety and panic.
4. Strengths-Based, Interest-Led Approach
I meet your child exactly where they are, honoring their strengths, interests, and passions. Therapy should feel safe and supportive—not forced or uncomfortable—so I build on what lights your child up to create an engaging and affirming space for growth.
When I initially talk to parents and caregivers, they often have worries about how their child will show up in the therapeutic space:
“What if my child doesn’t talk?”
“What if my child doesn’t play or participate?”
“What if my child won’t even enter the room?”
The beautiful thing about Synergetic Play Therapy is that, however your child shows up, we can work with that. Whether the session is silent, doesn’t involve much play, or even takes place in the waiting room or the parking lot, it still gives me information about where your child’s nervous system is currently at, their perspective and what is currently feeling challenging, and what they might need.
No matter where the session takes place or what happens, there are ample opportunities to model and practice regulation skills so children start to learn and internalize new ways of responding to their feelings and challenges.
5. Relationship-Centered Healing
The therapeutic relationship is at the heart of healing. I prioritize building trust, safety, and connection with your child, knowing that real progress happens when they feel understood and accepted and they are able to show up as their authentic selves. One of the most healing things that takes place in sessions is that children feel truly seen and understood, and as insights and skills are shared with parents, that translates at home as well.
6. A Non-Judgmental Space for the Whole Family
Parenting is one of the hardest jobs out there, and I hold space for you, too. Therapy with me is judgment-free—a place where your whole family can show up authentically, as you are now. No parent is perfect—but your child doesn’t need perfection, they just need a connection with you. Whole-family healing happens when we give ourselves grace and compassion.
7. Behavior as Communication
All behavior tells a story. Instead of simply “managing” behaviors, I work to understand what your child is communicating underneath—whether it’s anxiety, sensory overload, or unmet needs—and help them learn healthier ways to express themselves over time.
8. Collaboration and Advocacy
Your child doesn’t exist in a vacuum. I collaborate with schools, care teams, and other systems to ensure your child’s needs are met across environments. I’m here to advocate alongside you so your child feels supported not just in therapy, but everywhere they go. As a former school-based therapist, I love collaborating with teachers and school staff so that your child’s needs are met across environments.
Is This the Support You’ve Been Looking For?
If this approach resonates with you, I’d love to talk more about how we can support your child’s growth, healing, and confidence. You don’t have to navigate this alone—together, we can create a plan that honors your child’s needs and helps them thrive. Click the button below to schedule a free intro call today.