I specialize in working with anxious, emotionally reactive, or shut‑down kids and teens, and I actively include parents in the process instead of keeping you in the dark. Sessions are practical and relational, so your child feels understood while you walk away with clear tools and scripts to use at home.

I also offer options like walk‑and‑talk sessions and a therapy‑dog‑in‑training for kids who feel uncomfortable in a traditional office. Parents often tell me they finally feel like someone “gets” their child and their family, not just the diagnosis.

I work with children ages 6 and up, tweens, teens, and their parents. Many families come to me for support with transitions in elementary school, middle school, and high school when anxiety, ADHD, school stress, or big feelings start to feel unmanageable.

If you’re unsure whether your child is the right age for therapy, we can talk it through on a free parent consultation call.

Some signs that therapy could help include frequent meltdowns, intense worry, trouble focusing, school refusal, big emotional swings, or withdrawing from friends and family. You might notice more conflict at home, constant homework battles, difficulty sleeping, or your child saying things like “I hate myself” or “What’s the point?”.

You don’t need to be sure it’s “serious enough” to reach out; part of my job is helping you understand what’s going on and what level of support makes sense right now.

A sudden shift - like becoming more anxious, irritable, angry, withdrawn, perfectionistic, or shut down - is usually a sign that something underneath needs attention.

Sometimes this shows up as more arguments at home, changes in grades, sleep or appetite, or losing interest in activities they used to enjoy. It doesn’t always mean there’s a crisis, but it does mean your child is struggling and could benefit from extra support.

In our parent consultation, we’ll talk through what you’re seeing and whether therapy, parent coaching, or another resource is the best next step.

This is extremely common, especially with anxious or skeptical kids and teens. I make the first sessions as low‑pressure and relational as possible, focusing on building trust rather than diving straight into “hard work.”

Options like having my therapy‑dog‑in‑training, Arlo, in the room or doing walk‑and‑talk sessions on the Cardiff Rail Trail can help therapy feel more relaxed and natural.

Before your child ever comes in, we’ll talk about how to introduce therapy in a way that feels safe, respectful, and aligned with your values.

I work with parents as active partners, not as bystanders. That can look like dedicated parent sessions, brief check‑ins, or parent coaching to give you specific strategies, language, and scripts for real‑life moments at home.

When parents feel more confident and supported, kids and teens usually feel safer and more regulated too. Together, we’ll decide how to balance child/teen sessions and parent sessions so your whole family benefits.

I use a evidence-based, practical approaches that helps children and teens build emotional regulation skills, confidence, and lasting coping strategies.

I combine attachment‑based, play, CBT, DBT‑informed, and psychodynamic approaches, but I always start with what will feel most comfortable and useful for your child and family. Each session is designed to feel safe and collaborative, and to give you at least one clear, practical takeaway you can use at home or school between appointments.

Learn more about how I work here.

My office is in Cardiff‑By‑The‑Sea (Encinitas), San Diego, and I offer in‑person sessions for children, teens, and parents in the local area. I also provide secure, virtual therapy and parent sessions for families throughout California, Colorado, and Utah.

During your parent consultation, we can talk about whether in‑person, online, or a mix of both would be the best fit for your child and your schedule.

A free 20‑minute parent consultation is a no‑pressure first step where you share what you’re seeing at home and at school, and I help you make sense of it. I’ll ask thoughtful questions, offer initial impressions, and walk you through options for next steps - whether that’s therapy with me, parent coaching, or a different resource.

This call is not a sales pitch; it’s a chance for you to feel heard, get clarity, and decide whether working together feels like a good fit. If I’m not the right therapist for your family, I’ll provide trusted referrals so you’re not left without support.