About

I provide child therapy for kids in Decatur, Georgia. I work with kids from toddlers to high school age. I help them with a variety of developmental, social and emotional issues. I help kids identify and resolve problems they have with school, family, friends or anything that impacts their life.

I’m qualified to assess and diagnose mental health conditions, but your kid doesn’t need a label or a diagnosis to benefit from therapy. Some kids just need that one-on-one time from a caring adult, knowing they can do or talk about whatever they want. They feel free to just be happy and to be kids.

I do not provide psychological testing. If I conclude after consultation and/or observation that psychological testing is indicated, I will provide referrals for psychologists who provide this service.

Kids don’t come with a manual

Raising kids is hard, especially in today’s fast-paced society with its unrealistic expectations of perfection. Kids encounter stress from every angle…school, family, friends, medical conditions, you name it. When a child struggles, it affects the whole family. Parents don’t always have the answers. This is where I come in. I’m the impartial third party that can work with your child to identify his or her stressors and figure out how to work through them. I know that parents are an important part of the picture. I help parents understand their role in the child’s struggles and I empower them to bring about positive changes.

What makes me different?

I let kids be kids. I meet them where they are. I’m truly happy when I’m down on the floor building block towers with a child who’s revealing, little by little, his secret hopes and fears. This is how I build trust, which is very important. Once we establish this trust, I can begin to uncover what’s troubling the child, and I work with the whole family to come up with treatment goals.

How do kids benefit?

When they’re with me, kids can relax and let go. They don’t have to worry about the things that weigh them down…the scary medical procedures, trying to please their parents, having to sit alone at lunch, failing the test. I help them identify their struggles and break them down into pieces. Together we figure out why they do the things that they do. We find ways to deal with the challenges, to build a positive self image and encourage positive behavior.

Goodness of fit

This is a very common term among therapists. It just means that we get along and there’s a good fit between the child’s needs and the benefits I can provide to him or her. A good fit is essential for therapy to be successful. If after a few sessions I find that there isn’t a good fit or rapport between your child and me, I will help you find a therapist with a better fit.