Therapeutic Services

Child and Adolescent Therapy

Trust, respect and compatibility are major components of a strong therapeutic relationship. Child-centered play therapy helps children and adolescents engage and feel at ease when describing their challenges. It is an effective intervention in complementing their personal and interpersonal development. It provides a contained way for the client to express their experience and feelings through an imaginative self expressive lens.

Imaginative play, creative art and storytelling facilitate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).  The goals of CBT are straightforward and the success of treatment depends on the client’s engagement. Play, praise and rewards are therapeutic tasks with the goal of decreasing symptoms, questioning thoughts and changing behaviors. Identity formation, education and goal setting are important tasks of CBT. 

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a educational method that aims to foster social and emotional skills. Evidence-based curriculum is integrated into play therapy to help children and adolescents identify and regulate their emotions in order to feel self confident and have positive interactions with others.

The therapeutic approach is individualized based on each client’s needs. My counseling approaches, may include, but is not limited to:

• Client Person Centered Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Family Systems Therapy

• Humanistic Therapy

• Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

• Strengths Based Therapy

Parent Collaboration and Consultation

Parenting can be rewarding and challenging. Each child possesses different qualities, needs and challenges. Parent engagement in children and adolescent treatment is critically important. When parents and the family is involved, children feel more supported. They understand that the work is not just on them, but there is a team of people that are supporting them.

I offer consultation on a range of issues that families confront, including opposition/defiance, tantrums, difficulty with transitions, impulsivity, sibling rivalry and adjusting to school demands. I use a judgement free, confidential approach to help you parent at your best. You can build a stronger, healthier relationship with your child, feel more confident as a parent and know which strategies work with your child.

Adoption Expertise and Family Building

Family building options come in many different paths. It is important to explore each as the best fit for you. Being informed will help you feel empowered to decide what is best for you.

For many years, I have worked with adopted and foster youth, adoption organizations and their adoptive and biological families in understanding their unique journey. I provide support to all members of the family constellation. I understand the importance of family biology, to help form identity and understand their paths. I can help facilitate open and honest communication. At times this can be difficult, but imperative so their journey is not construed as secretive or shameful. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow and celebrate all that has been achieved. 

I am registered with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) as an Adoption Service Provider (ASP). I work with expectant couples to explore their parenting options and consider their hopes and desires for themselves and their unborn child. 

I also conduct step parent adoption investigations on behalf of Bay Area County Courts. I support blended families who are creating their families through step parent adoption.