Child Issues

Whether your child/teen is experiencing anxiety, disruptive behaviors, difficulties in school, or another concern, or you would like some new positive parenting strategies, I am here to support your family's growth. When working with children, I collaborate closely with their parents and caregivers in order to practice new skills outside of therapy.

When working with kids with big emotions I use a child-centered play therapy approach. Sometimes our emotions are so BIG we cannot even talk about them. Play therapy is beneficial for kids of all ages! I inspire healing through the therapeutic powers of play. I employ art, sand tray, and storytelling techniques to help gain emotional regulation, process major events, build coping skills, and foster resilience.

Children’s behaviors show us if their needs are met or unmet. It may be the need to be heard, to be seen, to be held more, or to be given more space to grow. Play, movement, art, and visualization can be very helpful for children. Samantha is very adept at creative interventions. She will also give your child, kid friendly mind-body-energy tools, that are supportive at various stages of development.

I utilize play therapy and sand tray therapy to create a comfortable and fun environment where children are able to express and explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without facing the pressure of needing to understand or verbalize these things. With limited life experience and verbal repertoires, traditional talk therapy is difficult and frustrating for children.

Human development was a significant part of my doctoral program studies. I engaged with multiple theories on child development and received direct supervision on multiple cases from a prominent child therapist in the Chicago metro area. On top of that, I hold my work with children and families to be very important to me. It is always an honor when a family allows me into their life to join them in the ups and downs of family life.

I help kids (& their families) who long to be themselves, but are held back by believing they are "too much" or "not enough." Kids whose voices get buried under past hurts, worries, shame & anger. Kids who have tried everything (fighting, running away, hurting themselves, perfectionism) to get away from mean voices stuck in their heads--the ones saying, "You're not good enough," "No one would believe you," "You're too loud/sensitive/not tough enough."

Do you feel like you are walking on egg shells with your teenager, or wonder what happened to the child you once knew? You're not alone. Many parents feel like they are unable to connect with their children and are experiencing extreme stress and shame, or even anger and isolation. I can help your family reunite, strengthen bonds, and heal. I specialize in working with families with children who are suffering or acting out in dangerous ways.

I serve clients across the lifespan. However, I have significant experience working with minors ages 4 to 17 in private practice, community clinics, ADHD camps, and school settings. My approach is to "keep it real" with my tiny human clientele and integrate evidence-based interventions that fit THAT client with THEIR identities in their current life situation. I prioritize strength-based approaches and help reframe client behavior from "attention-seeking" to "connection-seeking."

I serve clients across the lifespan. However, I have significant experience working with minors ages 4 to 17 in private practice, community clinics, ADHD camps, and school settings. My approach is to "keep it real" with my tiny human clientele and integrate evidence-based interventions that fit THAT client with THEIR identities in their current life situation. I prioritize strength-based approaches and help reframe client behavior from "attention-seeking" to "connection-seeking."

I decided to study child issues because children are incredible little beings with so much wonder and curiosity, they are open to change and eager to learn new ways of doing things. I may specialize in childhood disorders, but I don’t solely focus on illness. I find it critical that children are aware of their feelings on their body and mind, and how to effectively express their emotions to learn to better communicate and relate to their peers and family.

When working with youth, I typically integrate Play Therapy, Strengths-Based, and Mindfulness techniques to establish a foundation for them to trust themselves and learn how to show themselves self-compassion. I love working with kiddos, preteens, and teens to help them through tough things in life and be more fully themselves.

I have a play therapy certificate and help children, adolescents, and teenagers who are struggling with emotional regulation, school issues, social issues, family issues. I utilize cognitive behavioral and child-centered play therapy techniques in my approach to treatment.

At Newport Academy, we believe that true transformation occurs as our teens learn to see themselves as beautiful, bright, and powerful people who can take control of their own lives. In order to help our patients achieve that goal, we maintain the highest possible standards for our services, and commission third-party evaluations of our programming. By consistently gathering and analyzing data related to our outcomes, we’re able to make more strategic and tailored decisions for our patients.

With children, I use non-directive play therapy to build self-esteem and confidence as children are provided space to process and integrate their experiences. Sessions are tailored to meet the needs of the child as well as the parents. I also work with parents to explore their experiences and to support them through the challenges they are facing. Parents can expect a nonjudgmental and supportive space where we explore their concerns and ways to help support the child in and out of sessions. I i

There are many types of therapy that can improve child issues. Working with children and their families is one of my favorite kind of therapy. The different stages of a child's life can be very hard to navigate and if the family has other challenges happening at the same time life can be overwhelming. I can help you and your family get things back in balance to a happier and calmer flow in your family 's life.