Supporting Children and Teens as They Grow, Struggle, and Thrive
Engaging mental Healthcare for Children and teens
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in Acton, MA, specializing in working with children and teens. Many of the kids and adolescents I support struggle with big, overwhelming emotions like anger, frustration, sadness, anxiety, or loneliness. Even when they’re trying hard to cope, it can feel like their emotions take over instead of the other way around.
For some, challenges with self-esteem, anxiety, or connecting with peers can lead to feeling isolated or misunderstood. My goal is to help kids and teens better understand what they’re feeling, build confidence in who they are, and learn practical, age-appropriate skills to manage strong emotions and navigate daily challenges with more balance and control.
My Approach
My therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic principles. With teenagers, I focus on helping them build tangible skills in emotional regulation; such as challenging unhelpful thoughts, reducing self-criticism, and practicing grounding and mindfulness strategies. For younger clients, I use play-based therapy to provide a safe, expressive environment that fosters emotional awareness and growth.
I encourage all clients to recognize their unique strengths and inherent resilience, fostering greater self-confidence as they navigate daily life. Each session is tailored to the individual’s needs, personality, and preferences, ensuring that therapy feels engaging, relevant, and effective.