Trauma-Focused Therapy for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults

I offer a range of trauma-focused treatments for children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with traumatic stress reactions following potentially traumatic events. Trauma is a psychological injury that disrupts ones sense of control and connection, and changes the way we think, feel, feel in our bodies and act. It is usually caused by an overwhelming and unanticipated danger and can manifest itself in a range of symptoms such as irritability, sleep disturbances, flashbacks or nightmares of the event, avoidance, emotional numbing, inability to concentrate, feeling always on the alert or an exaggerated startle response. Frequently, trauma can be missed, especially in children and adolescents as a behavioral disorder or ADHD if a proper trauma history and assessment is not taken. If untreated, longer term consequences such as attachment problems, mood disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders and personality disorders can manifest in adulthood.

When working with children, my first job is to LISTEN and understand the details of your CHILD AND FAMILY’S unique experience. Once a SHARED UNDERSTANDING is gained, I will discuss treatment options that have been proven to reduce symptoms and improve functioning with you. We will MONITOR your child’s progress in therapy together, and work with as many people as needed that is involved in your child’s life, such as teachers, grandparents, pastors, coaches etc. to get optimal results. Your child’s development and well-being is my utmost priority. With you as the EXPERT on your child, coupled with my KNOWLEDGE of child development and behavior change strategies, we will embark on a journey TOGETHER to help you and your family REGAIN PSYCHOLOGICAL CONTROL in the wake of stressful events.

I am also able to address a broad range of childhood mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, attentional disorders, behavioral concerns, migratory or acculturative stress and parenting.

Below, I list several evidence-based treatments I am trained to provide:

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Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)
Parent Management Training (PMT)

Comprehensive Psychological Assessment (Psychological Testing)

What is a psychological assessment and what does it address?

A psychological assessment gathers information in several areas through a series of standardized tests, interviews, and questionnaires that evaluate an individual’s strengths and weaknesses. It can be used to diagnose a variety of mental health conditions, provide treatment recommendations, identify the presence of learning disabilities, provide insight into personality and much more. I always take an individualized approach to assessment, that is based on the needs of the whole-child. My stance is collaborative and I work with all parties involved in the child’s world (e.g. teachers, therapists, pediatricians) to ensure they are on the same page and working towards a common goal. 

Types of concerns testing can address: ADHD, giftedness/IQ, academic concerns, learning disorders, diagnostic clarification, psychoeducational assessments, socio-emotional concerns, expressive/receptive language concerns, racial/ethnic identity etc.

How does the psychological assessment process work?

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Consultation and Professional Development

I can provide CONSULTATION AND TRAINING for professionals such as pediatricians, lawyers, teachers, police, clergy, or organizations, and non-profits etc.

I can also provide individual or group SUPERVISION to mental health counselors or psychologists in training.

Areas of expertise include:
Child development
Parenting
Child and family traumatic stress
Ethnic identity
Acculturation/Immigration
Identifying mental health symptoms in children
Building a trauma-informed organization

Psychological Issues I provide evidence-based therapy for: