Camilla Schnaitmann LCSW

I have extensive experience working with children and families who have experienced direct trauma, or live within a family or community system that is rife with generational trauma. I am trained in a few different trauma-focused models that I use in my practice to help my clients process their trauma and learn to move forward to happier, healthier lives.

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.

Our youth today is bombarded with so many mixed messages, whether it be through social media, peer pressure or high expectations from the adults in their lives, that it is no wonder we are seeing a crisis in mental health within this age group. I have an abundance of empathy for my adolescent clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, oppositional behaviors, and trauma. I work through a strengths-based lens to foster skill development and positive self-image.

DBT is a great therapy model for clients who struggle with self-harm, anxiety/OCD, and anger issues. I utilize this model to help clients who feel a need to always be in control but struggle to get control of themselves and their lives. This model, born out of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy theory, provides concrete strategies and a sense of structure by promoting a balance between our rational thoughts and our emotions.

This is the theoretical model that has always made the most sense to me in my education and training. At the base of it, this theory promotes that we all experience life through a combination of thoughts, feelings and behaviors - each having an effect on the other two. I utilize this model when treating most mental health issues with my clients by helping them shift how they think, feel or respond to certain stimuli / triggers to promote neutral or positive outcomes.

Attachment theory plays a very important role how we understand a baby's social and emotional development, communication, and ability to develop healthy relationships in life. A disruption in this early attachment can lead to a host of mental health and behavioral issues. Whether I am working with a young child, adolescent or adult, I am always working to identify deficits in that client's attachments in order to help them build a bridge to healthier socio-emotional relationships.