Child and teen therapy in los gatos
Notice your child or teen gaining confidence as they learn to manage emotions, build self-esteem, and communicate their needs with you.
Child & Teen Therapy
Children and teens experience a wide range of emotions and challenges as they grow, and sometimes those struggles can feel too big to handle on their own. Anxiety, school pressures, peer conflicts, low self-esteem, or changes in family life can show up as big emotions, withdrawal, irritability, or behavioral issues. Therapy provides a safe, consistent space for them to sort through these experiences and build life skills to support them in their daily functioning.
My first priority in working with young clients is to build trust and rapport. Children and teens need to feel safe, seen, and accepted before they can begin to open up. Once that foundation is established, I often use play and art interventions to help them express what they are feeling in ways that are natural and comfortable for their age. Play allows children to show their inner world through imagination and action, while art creates space for self-expression when words are hard to find. These creative approaches can make therapy feel engaging and safe, while gently supporting emotional growth.
From there, we begin to develop practical skills. Together, we work on coping tools for managing big feelings, cognitive strategies for shifting unhelpful thought patterns, and ways to practice self-compassion and positive self-talk. I also help children and teens strengthen their communication skills, so they can express needs more clearly and navigate friendships and family relationships with greater confidence. Whenever possible, I encourage young clients to share what they are learning and feeling with their parents, helping to build bridges of openness and connection at home. My hope is that therapy gives children and teens both the comfort of being fully understood and the tools to feel more grounded, resilient, and confident.
Anxiety and Trauma Therapist
With years of experience working in multiple mental health settings—and my own journey through anxiety and trauma—I bring both expertise and personal understanding. This allows me to meet clients with deep empathy and create a compassionate space where clients feel supported.
I believe therapy should be tailored to each person’s unique needs. My work integrates evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to support deeper healing and growth. With children and teens, I often incorporate play and art interventions to create a safe and engaging way to express emotions and build skills. By blending these approaches, I aim to provide compassionate, effective care that helps clients of all ages move toward resilience, self-understanding, and lasting change.