Youth and Families
Is your child struggling with overwhelming worries, perfectionism, self-criticism, health anxiety, fears about judgment from others, fears about getting sick, or time consuming compulsions? I specialize in evidence-based therapies for anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in youth.
Depending on a child’s age, needs, and willingness to participate, I may recommend varying levels of parental involvement. I support children and teens in developing the skills needed to navigate their worries so they may persist in taking brave and meaningful actions. Along the way, I help parents learn strategies that encourage, support, and create space for children to take courageous actions and cope independently. My work is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Helping youth with anxiety re-engage with the parts of their lives that matter most has been a tremendously rewarding experience. Therapy is individualized to meet the unique goals and preferences of each client.
In addition to being a licensed psychologist, I have over a decade of experience working with youth and families. I earned my PhD from UC Berkeley with a specialization in school psychology and worked in schools for many years. I have a unique understanding of how mental health impacts an individual’s experience at school and I know how important it is for youth to feel successful while they are there.
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)
SPACE is an evidence-based, parent-focused therapy for addressing anxiety, OCD, and related issues in children. The treatment works by helping parents make two key changes to their behavior:
Increasing Supportive Responses: Parents learn to communicate empathy for their child's distress while also expressing confidence in their child's ability to cope and manage their feelings.
Reducing Unhelpful Accommodations: SPACE guides parents to identify and gradually reduce unhelpful accommodations so their child can learn to face their fears and build independence
Children typically do not attend SPACE sessions. SPACE can be implemented alongside individual therapy for a child or as a stand alone treatment. Clinical trials show SPACE can be as effective as working directly with a child in therapy. If you are interested in learning more about SPACE, please reach out!