Child & Adolescent Therapy
WORKING WITH CHILDREN
& ADOLESCENTS
In today’s world, family structures are more diverse and complex than ever before, challenging traditional notions of what a family should look like. As a child and family therapist at Anchor Psychotherapy, I specialize in supporting children and adolescents through the stress and storm that many experience as they navigate the complexities of both identity development and relationships rooted in a secure and healthy attachment that serves them across their lifespan.
CHILD-CENTERED PLAY THERAPY
As a child and family therapist, I believe that play is one of the most powerful tools children have to express themselves, work through their emotions, and make sense of their experiences. For young children, verbal communication can be difficult, especially when they are dealing with complex feelings or situations. Play allows them to communicate in a way that feels safe and natural, offering a window into their inner world. By creating a non-judgmental space where the child is in control and is able to direct the play, I can help them process their thoughts and feelings at their own pace and in a way that accounts for their individual developmental needs.
In play therapy, the child leads the process, choosing the toys, activities, and stories that feel most meaningful to them. This approach honors their autonomy, giving them a sense of control in an environment where they may otherwise feel powerless. Through play, children can re-enact scenes from their lives, work through fears and anxieties, or even experiment with new ways of handling emotions and relationships. My role as a therapist is to provide a safe, accepting space for the child to explore, offering guidance and support when needed, but always respecting the child’s choices and pace.
Child-centered play therapy is about giving children the opportunity to express themselves in ways that are meaningful to them, while also helping them develop coping skills, problem-solving strategies, and emotional regulation. It’s an empowering approach that fosters a child’s self-confidence, self-expression, and emotional resilience, enabling them to navigate the challenges in their lives with greater understanding and strength.
The therapeutic relationship is central to working with children of all ages. Children often struggle to trust adults, especially if they’ve experienced trauma, stress, or conflict in their lives. By engaging with them through play, I focus on building a trusting and safe connection that helps them feel seen, heard, and understood. This bond allows the child to feel supported as they explore difficult emotions and begin to heal.
THERAPY FOR CHILDREN 0-5 YEARS OLD
Working with children 5 years old or younger requires specialized training and unique appreciation for the developmental milestones specific to each child’s age and stage. The 0-5 population is particularly vulnerable. The mental health of this population is often dismissed, with an assumption that children are inherently resilient and will bounce back from disruptive or traumatic events.
Working with children 5 years old or younger requires a unique approach, as this age group is still in the early stages of emotional, cognitive, and social development. At this age, children are just beginning to develop language skills and may have difficulty expressing their feelings or understanding complex emotions. This is why play therapy is especially effective for young children, as it allows them to communicate through play, a natural form of expression for them. Using toys, art, and other hands-on activities, I help young children explore their feelings and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. For younger children, therapy often focuses on building trust, teaching emotional regulation, and helping them develop basic social skills. It’s also important to involve parents or caregivers in the process, as they play a critical role in supporting the child’s growth and reinforcing the skills learned in therapy. By addressing challenges early, we can help young children develop a strong emotional foundation that will support their future growth and well-being.
WORKING WITH ADOLESCENTS
Working with adolescents presents its own set of unique challenges and opportunities. During this stage of development, young people are navigating significant emotional, physical, and social changes as they search for independence, separation from their parents, and a sense of identity. This can sometimes lead to conflict with parents, feelings of confusion, or difficulties with self-esteem and peer relationships.
When working with adolescents, my priority is to focus on building a relationship rooted in trust. It’s normal for adolescents to struggle with feelings of vulnerability and opening up to adults, so creating a non-judgmental, empathetic space is vital. For therapy to be effective, it’s important that pre-teens and teens experience the therapeutic relationship as a safe space where they can explore their feelings, develop healthier coping strategies, and build a deeper understanding of who they are and how they understand themselves. It’s essential to respect their growing need for autonomy while also providing guidance and support to help them navigate the challenges they face. With the support of therapy, adolescents can learn to manage stress, communicate more effectively with others, and make more informed decisions about their lives, ultimately helping them transition into adulthood with a greater sense of confidence and emotional resilience.
BULLYING & PEER VICTIMIZATION
Peer victimization, defined as being emotionally, verbally, and/or physically targeted by peers, can have a significant and lasting impact on a young person's social development, emotional wellbeing, and academic trajectory. Research indicates that in any given year, approximately 75% of students report experiencing some form of peer victimization, with roughly 7% enduring severe victimization on a chronic basis. Students who are bullied consistently report elevated rates of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and diminished self-worth compared to their non-victimized peers. These psychological effects can persist long after the bullying has ceased, affecting academic performance, social relationships, and a young person’s sense of safety, as well as their ability to trust others.
My approach to understanding and addressing bullying is grounded in decades of research on peer relationships and social dynamics in diverse school settings. Bullying is not simply a conflict that occurs between two peers—it’s a complex social phenomenon shaped by peer group norms, status hierarchies, social marginalization, and the broader school climate. Effective intervention requires we look beyond individual characteristics and examine the social contexts that either enable or prevent bullying behavior. This means understanding how peer networks operate, how bystanders influence outcomes, and how feelings of belonging and acceptance protect young people from both perpetrating and experiencing victimization.
In addition to supporting children and adolescents, I also partner with parents to create a supportive home environment and effective communication patterns, to address the underlying factors contributing to bullying situations—whether that means helping your child find their voice, process trauma, develop empathy, or learn healthier ways to navigate social challenges. Further, we focus on building authentic connections with supportive peers, developing assertiveness skills, and working with schools to change the environments that allow bullying to flourish.
WORKING WITH A FAMILY SYSTEM
As a child and family therapist at Anchor Psychotherapy, I believe it’s important to understand the role a child plays within their family. Children don't exist in isolation—they are deeply influenced by the relationships, roles, and patterns of interaction within a family. To best understand a child, it’s helpful to also understand how that child functions within their current family structure.
Families are the foundation for a child’s emotional well-being. When family members are supportive, nurturing, and communicate openly, children feel safe and secure, which is crucial for healthy development. However, when there are conflicts, misunderstandings, or unhealthy patterns of behavior, children can struggle to thrive. Family therapy helps to create a space where everyone can feel heard, learn new ways to interact with one another, and develop stronger, healthier relationships. When the whole family works together toward positive change, it creates a nurturing environment where children can feel supported and empowered to reach their full potential.
EARLY INTERVENTION IS KEY TO MENTAL HEALTH & CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Intervening early is crucial when it comes to treating children, as the earlier we address emotional or behavioral challenges, the more effective treatment will be. The brain of a developing child is highly adaptable during their early years, making this period a critical window for growth and development. When issues such as anxiety, trauma, or behavioral struggles are identified and addressed early on, children have a better chance of developing healthy coping mechanisms, emotional resilience, and positive relationships. Left unaddressed, these challenges can lead to more significant issues later in life, including struggles in school, difficulties in social relationships, and limit resilience. By intervening early, we can help children build a strong foundation of emotional well-being that supports their overall development, helping them to thrive both now and in the future.
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT THERAPY: HOW TO BEGIN
Seeking child and teen therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate your child’s struggles alone. With a supportive, research-informed approach, your family can find clarity, connection, and relief. At Anchor Psychotherapy, your child receives the trusted guidance and safe space they need to grow with confidence.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD HEALING
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OTHER MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES OFFERED AT ANCHOR PSYCHOTHERAPY, INC.
In addition to my work with children and adolescents, I provide a wide range of mental health services to support you and your family throughout your journey. These services include individual therapy for adults, couples therapy, child and family therapy, trauma-informed therapy, EMDR and AF-EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and binge eating disorder treatment. I also offer specialized support for families navigating high-conflict divorce, parental alienation, and complex family dynamics. Visit my blog for guidance, tools, and reflections that help you support your child’s emotional growth and strengthen your family system.