Child Issues

In therapy, children often communicate through play, a language I actively encourage and facilitate. Collaborating closely with caregivers, I guide therapeutic play sessions to bridge communication gaps and uncover underlying emotions or struggles. By nurturing this form of expression, we enhance connection, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. My attachment-based approach emphasizes the pivotal role of parents as experts and primary resources for their children.

Kiddos and families can regain harmony in the household when big transitions make it difficult to see hope.

I have been working with children under that age of 10 using play therapy and art therapy. I truly enjoy working with this population and continue to attend continued education courses to gain more information and insight on how best to work with children and their changing needs.

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.

In my work with children, I create a playful, engaging space where kids feel safe to express themselves. Using age-appropriate modalities like art and play therapy, we'll explore their inner world through creativity and imagination. My specialty is supporting kids managing big emotions or undergoing life changes. I partner with parents, providing psychoeducation and coaching around neurodiversity, social-emotional needs, and gentle parenting.

I have helped countless children and their families overcome a wide range of issues. The family has to be a part of this process, as the hope is that therapy continues outside of sessions and into the homes and school.

I utilize play therapy and sand tray therapy to create a comfortable and fun environment where children are able to express and explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without facing the pressure of needing to understand or verbalize these things. With limited life experience and verbal repertoires, traditional talk therapy is difficult and frustrating for children.

https://www.zenzonehealth.com/childrens--services

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.

As children grow, they go through many mood and behavior changes. Although these changes can be difficult – both for the children and for the caregivers – they are usually normal, predictable and no cause for concern. However, when a child is having trouble at home, school or with friends, or is struggling to process a routine or traumatic event (for example the birth of a sibling, death of a loved one, bullying, or abuse), the help a professional may be needed.

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.

When working with youth, I typically integrate Play Therapy, Strengths-Based, and Mindfulness techniques to establish a foundation for them to trust themselves and learn how to show themselves self-compassion. I love working with kiddos, preteens, and teens to help them through tough things in life and be more fully themselves.

I serve clients across the lifespan. However, I have significant experience working with minors ages 4 to 17 in private practice, community clinics, ADHD camps, and school settings. My approach is to "keep it real" with my tiny human clientele and integrate evidence-based interventions that fit THAT client with THEIR identities in their current life situation. I prioritize strength-based approaches and help reframe client behavior from "attention-seeking" to "connection-seeking."

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.

I have been a family therapist for close to 40 years. Much of my work has been working with families around child and adolescent issues, as well as providing family therapy supervision , consultation, and training.I am a structural family therapist, and an approved supervisor by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy ( AAMFT). My work has covered the gamut of issues that bring children into therapy from behavior problems to suicidal ideation.

Children’s behaviors show us if their needs are met or unmet. It may be the need to be heard, to be seen, to be held more, or to be given more space to grow. Play, movement, art, and visualization can be very helpful for children. Samantha is very adept at creative interventions. She will also give your child, kid friendly mind-body-energy tools, that are supportive at various stages of development.

School transitions Social skills School Behavior Anxiety ADHD ASD

I decided to study child issues because children are incredible little beings with so much wonder and curiosity, they are open to change and eager to learn new ways of doing things. I may specialize in childhood disorders, but I don’t solely focus on illness. I find it critical that children are aware of their feelings on their body and mind, and how to effectively express their emotions to learn to better communicate and relate to their peers and family.