Child Issues

Working with children and families is one of my great joys. I have significant experience working with children, teens and their families. My work with children and families is based in family systems theory, which means that I believe that each component and relationship of the family deserves attention. Therapy with me would include sessions with parents, child/teen and at times, all of us together. I want to be a supportive and caring change agent for your family.

We see children ages 5 and up. We also see adolescents and teenagers. Our therapists, Shelby Jo and Laura are experienced with children 5 + and have a unique ability to really build rapport with the children they work with. We have seen a lot of positive growth in our past younger clients. Sara also enjoys working with ages 11 + and she also takes Anthem and United Healthcare. We'd love to work closely with you to help your child grow and work through difficult issues that may be impacting them.

We treat and evaluate a large range of child issues including developmental disorders (Autism Spectrum Disorder), anxiety, video game addictions, ADHD, anger management/emotional regulation, parenting strategies, and depression.

Working with children and families is one of my great joys. I have significant experience working with children, teens and their families. My work with children and families is based in family systems theory, which means that I believe that each component and relationship of the family deserves attention. Therapy with me would include sessions with parents, child/teen and at times, all of us together. I want to be a supportive and caring change agent for your family.

I have a background in school-based mental health and have experience providing therapy to children ages 3-15

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.

Working with children and families is one of my great joys. I have significant experience working with children, teens and their families. My work with children and families is based in family systems theory, which means that I believe that each component and relationship of the family deserves attention. Therapy with me would include sessions with parents, child/teen and at times, all of us together. I want to be a supportive and caring change agent for your family.

I focused my studies at UCONN School of Social Work on child and adolescent mental health issues, and went on to train and work for almost a decade at the Yale Child Study Center - working with children, adolescents, parents and families both in-home and through outpatient services. I believe in the motto "Children do well when they can." I work through a strengths-based lens that allows me to be more effective in helping my clients develop the skills and mindset they need to succeed.

Childhood is a period of rapid growth and change. Their lives are often in the hands of their parents, which means that life transitions, move, and family dynamics may happen and bring up complex feelings and fear. As a child therapist, my primary goal is to create a safe space for children to explore the world that is moving around them and help them find their unique place in the chaos. My balance of play and talk will help them develop productive ways to express the complex emotions of life.

My work with children and adolescents fills me up! I love seeing a kid's face light up that moment when they start to realize how awesome they really are. I especially love working with kids who feel like an outsider--the ones who feel like life has let them down and struggle to fit in. I became a therapist because I have seen too often how unequal power dynamics can harm folx. I love seeing kids feel empowered & feeling like the experts on themselves.

If being a parent is difficult, being a kid is near impossible today. I am passionate about working with children and adolescents in close collaboration with parents/care-givers to assist in a myriad of issues, including anxiety, depression, school avoidance, bullying, self-esteem, divorce, co-parenting, and trauma. I utilize a unique combination of interactive play therapy, relational therapy, and EMDR (if appropriate) in order to give your child the most effective therapy experience.

Working with children and families is one of my great joys. I have significant experience working with children, teens and their families. My work with children and families is based in family systems theory, which means that I believe that each component and relationship of the family deserves attention. Therapy with me would include sessions with parents, child/teen and at times, all of us together. I want to be a supportive and caring change agent for your family.

I have a certificate in Play Therapy and believe strongly in the power of play. Play is a child’s natural language. Using Play Therapy provides a therapeutic approach that is child-centered and evidence based. It helps children process a variety issues from anxiety, traumatic experiences, social difficulties, life changes and many more issues. Through attuning with the child the therapist builds trust, helps with social and emotional regulation and improves communication skills.

Child/Play Therapy helps children to improve communication and interpersonal skills. It focuses on a child's interests and encourages interaction based on the child's favorite activities. Our professionals, collaborate to help children deal with emotional trauma, anxiety, grief, behavioral problems, neurological conditions and mental illness.

I spent eight years as a therapist and then Assistant Director of Clinical Services at the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center working with children and non-offending caregivers that experienced neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or witnessed a violent crime and supervising other therapists. I have extensive training and experience in child development, assessment of children, parenting, play therapy, TF-CBT, and EMDR. I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor.

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.

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.

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.

I have a background in school-based mental health and have experience counseling children ages 3-15

Children’s therapy looks different from adults or adolescents because typically, children are better able to express themselves through their play and art than just through words. Using these methods, I will help your child express and understand their feelings and problems.