Child Issues

I work with young kids (infants, toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarterners) with behavioral and emotional difficulties.

The children I work with struggle with a range of issues including tantrums, anger management, trauma, anxiety, depression, and emotion regulation. In therapy I focus on the child's strengths as well as their struggles. I use a child-directed play therapy model which teaches children emotion regulation tools through modeling. Parent involvement is vital to a child's success in therapy and I include parents in the therapy process through coaching and parent-child interaction therapy.

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.

27 years experience, working with children and adolescents, who experience, depression, anxiety, self harm, and suicidal ideation

Human development was a significant part of my doctoral program studies. I engaged with multiple theories on child development and received direct supervision on multiple cases from a prominent child therapist in the Chicago metro area. On top of that, I hold my work with children and families to be very important to me. It is always an honor when a family allows me into their life to join them in the ups and downs of family life.

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.

I work with parents of children who may have a learning, attention, or behavior disorder, struggle to complete classwork and homework, are fearful of certain situations, have sleep problems, have difficulty regulating emotions and self-control, experience separation anxiety at home and school, become easily frustrated or overwhelmed, or are stubborn and defiant with adults. I offer psychoeducational/psychological evaluations, child therapy, and parent support sessions.

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.

Anxiety, depression, social anxiety, emotional regulation, peer and adult relationships, organization and school related issues. I work in collaboration with parents to help teenagers overcome their daily challenges. I also provide parenting skills as needed when working with teens and parents.

When working with kids with big emotions I use a child-centered play therapy approach. Sometimes our emotions are so BIG we cannot even talk about them. Play therapy is beneficial for kids of all ages! I inspire healing through the therapeutic powers of play. I employ art, sand tray, and storytelling techniques to help gain emotional regulation, process major events, build coping skills, and foster resilience.

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.

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.

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 work with children 0-5 years old using play based models. I work closely with the parent to help the understand age appropriate and developmental concerns. I help the parents with behavior modification and how to handle negative behaviors. I use different approaches that help your child respond better to you.

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.

Do you sometimes feel like you are walking on egg shells with your teenager, and are wondering what has happened to the child you once knew? You are not alone. Many parents feel like they are unable to control their children; and are experiencing extreme stress, shame, anger, and isolation. I can help your family reunite, strengthen bonds, and heal from the chaos you have been living through. I specialize in working with families and children who are suffering; and with children who continue to

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.

There are many types of therapy that can improve child issues. Working with children and their families is one of my favorite kind of therapy. The different stages of a child's life can be very hard to navigate and if the family has other challenges happening at the same time life can be overwhelming. I can help you and your family get things back in balance to a happier and calmer flow in your family 's life.

I have been an Infant Mental Health Specialist for 15 years. IMH focuses on supporting children from birth to 5 yrs old related to mood, behavior and attachment concerns. I work with the parent and child together in session so the parent can build confidence in parenting skills and their relationship with their young child.