Child Issues

I am a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and love working with children. I have worked with children and their families for over 10 years in a variety of settings over the years. Play therapy is always such a unique way of connecting with children and seeing them grow through various struggles. My goal is to empower each child to thrive by creating interventions to their unique needs and strengths.

I help kids (& their families) who long to be themselves, but are held back by believing they are "too much" or "not enough." Kids whose voices get buried under past hurts, worries, shame & anger. Kids who have tried everything (fighting, running away, hurting themselves, perfectionism) to get away from mean voices stuck in their heads--the ones saying, "You're not good enough," "No one would believe you," "You're too loud/sensitive/not tough enough."

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.

With children, I use non-directive play therapy to build self-esteem and confidence as children are provided space to process and integrate their experiences. Sessions are tailored to meet the needs of the child as well as the parents. I also work with parents to explore their experiences and to support them through the challenges they are facing. Parents can expect a nonjudgmental and supportive space where we explore their concerns and ways to help support the child in and out of sessions. I i

Parents often come to my practice wondering what they can do when their child is struggling in school or finding it hard to make friends. Children develop at very different rates and it isn’t always clear when getting in trouble is something to be concerned about or just kid stuff. I offer a comprehensive suite of services and will coordinate with teachers, related service providers, pediatricians, and, of course, parents to ensure that the work we do is generalizable and effective.

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.

We absolutely love taking care of children & teens, and we have excellent outcomes. We are trained to bring therapy to the developmental level of your child, making it effective and resonant. We use Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Bibliotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, & Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), to name few of the best treatments available for minors. We always include parents in the care, so you are always in the loop. Contact us today.

Dr. Vivyan has experience in treating a wide variety of children's mental health issues, focusing on emotion regulation, behavioral problems, tantrums, and meltdowns. With a deep understanding of child development, she employs evidence-based techniques to help young clients express their emotions and manage challenging behaviors. Dr. Vivyan creates a nurturing environment, allowing children to feel safe while exploring their feelings. By collaborating with families, she helps kids to thrive.

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.

Our providers work with children 11 years of age and up. We are able to provide both therapy and medication evaluations and treatment.

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.

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.

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

In my practice, I take a comprehensive approach to addressing child and adolescent issues by integrating cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral techniques, and parent management training. With a focus on evidence-based practices, I collaborate closely with children and adolescents to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to their difficulties.