When your child is struggling, it affects everything. You may find yourself second-guessing how to respond, wondering what’s typical versus something more, or feeling like nothing you try is quite working.
Children don’t always have the language to explain what they’re experiencing, so it often shows up in other ways, such as big emotions, withdrawal, behavioral challenges, or changes at school or with friends. This might include anxiety, emotional outbursts, behavioral difficulties, or challenges with school or peer relationships.
In my work, I help make sense of what your child is going through and support both you and your child in responding to it more effectively. This often includes working directly with your child while also collaborating closely with you, so that changes in therapy carry over into everyday life at home.
The goal is not simply to reduce symptoms, but also to help your child feel more understood, more confident, and better able to navigate challenges.
Common Concerns I Help With
Children and teens do not always say directly what is wrong, but their struggles often show up in patterns over time. In my work with kids and families, I often support:
Emotional and Anxiety-Related Concerns
- Anxiety and excessive worry
- Separation anxiety, school anxiety, and social anxiety
- Emotional outbursts or difficulty regulating feelings
Behavioral Challenges
- Defiance and power struggles
- Difficulty following through at home or school
Social and Relational Difficulties
- Trouble making or maintaining friendships
- Navigating peer dynamics or feeling left out
Self-Esteem and Sensitivity
- Low self-confidence or high self-criticism
- Being easily overwhelmed or discouraged
Attention and School-Related Concerns
- School-related stress, avoidance, or academic pressure
- Attention and focus challenges, including ADHD
My Approach
I take a collaborative, developmentally informed approach to working with children and adolescents. This means understanding your child within the context of their personality, developmental stage, and family system.
I work directly with children in a way that helps them feel safe, understood, and engaged, while also maintaining close communication with parents. Parent involvement is a central part of the process, as meaningful change often happens when insights from therapy are supported and reinforced at home.
My work integrates evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with relational and insight-oriented frameworks. This allows for both practical tools and a deeper understanding of the patterns contributing to your child’s difficulties.
I work closely with both children and their parents, with a strong emphasis on helping changes in therapy translate into real life at home.
FAQs About Child and Adolescent Therapy in Los Angeles
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
If your child’s emotions, behavior, or functioning feel consistently hard to manage, or you are noticing patterns that are not improving with time, therapy can be helpful.
How involved are parents in the process?
Parent involvement is a central part of my work. While your child has space to build their own relationship with me, I also work closely with you to support change at home.
What does therapy look like for children versus teens?
Therapy with younger children often includes play and creative approaches, while work with teens may feel more similar to talk therapy.
How long does therapy usually take?
This depends on your goals and what your child is going through. Some families come in for focused support, while others engage in longer-term work.
Getting Started
Reaching out for support for your child can feel like a big step, especially if you’ve been trying to manage things on your own or aren’t quite sure what’s going on. If you’re noticing patterns that feel hard to shift, or you have a sense that your child could benefit from additional support, we can start with a conversation to better understand what’s going on and whether this feels like the right fit. We can also discuss whether to begin with parent-focused sessions, direct work with your child, or a combination of both. You can reach out to schedule an initial consultation, and we can talk through your concerns, your child’s needs, and what next steps might look like.
Therapists who work with children & adolescents
