Children
Play is a natural form of communication for children. They often don’t have the words to express themselves when it comes to sharing their worries, fears or other difficult emotions. Play therapy is recognized as the preferred method of treatment for working with young children. It is to children what counseling is to adults.
Play therapy uses specially selected props, toys, games and activities to help children communicate in a way that puts them at ease. Play therapy not only helps children express themselves, it also helps them learn new problem-solving skills and more effective ways of communicating with others. The chance to practice and master new skills in play therapy helps a child feel empowered and builds self-esteem. The skills learned and the confidence to use them are carried into the child’s world outside the therapy setting.
Adolescents
Being a teen is never easy. Peer pressure, the need to fit in and be accepted, pressure to excel academically, family conflict and other stressors all combine to make adolescence a challenging time. When teens feel overwhelmed they often experience anxiety, depression, anger and low self-esteem. They may try to manage their feelings through acting-out behavior, withdrawal, alcohol and drug use, sexual activity or other harmful behaviors.
Teens need someone who understands the challenges they face and who knows how to connect with them. I offer a supportive therapy environment where teens can explore feelings, develop healthy coping and decision-making skills, build their self-confidence and learn positive ways to relate to the world around them.
Adults/Parents
ADULTS – Adult therapy services are specially tailored to meet the needs and goals of each individual client. Help is available for those dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues, separation and divorce, grief and loss, stress management, career and general life adjustment issues.
PARENT SUPPORT SERVICES – Parenting can be one of the most challenging aspects of life. If you are frustrated or overwhelmed in your role as a parent, counseling and parent education can provide the help you need to get back on track.
I offer practical skills and behavior management techniques to help parents achieve positive results with their children. Parents receive the support and skills needed to develop healthy relationships with their children.
Family Therapy
You have heard the saying no man is an island. When a child, teen or parent is struggling it can affect the entire family. Family therapy helps family members learn to relate to each other more effectively and to resolve conflicts in healthy ways through improved communication.
I provide a safe and supportive atmosphere where your family can work through challenges, build on strengths and move forward to a brighter more productive future.
Animal Assisted Therapy
Animal assisted therapy (AAT) is an innovative and effective way to connect with clients of all ages. It is especially helpful in reaching children and adolescents who may be anxious about or resistant to therapy.
Research shows that contact with a therapy animal can reduce anxiety, provide comfort and help create an atmosphere of acceptance, support and emotional safety in the therapy session. Clients are better able to connect and build trust with the therapist to begin the process of healing and positive change.
All therapy dog teams used in my practice are registered with a national therapy dog organization. Registration requires the animal to successfully meet standards for consistent obedience skills and a predictable, non-aggressive temperament. Using only registered teams helps to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone.
Clinical Supervision
“Andrea was an excellent supervisor, consistently providing valuable insight and feedback. She helped challenge and develop my counseling skills while being supportive and encouraging in the process”.
~ Sindhu J., LPC-Intern
Having worked with children, teens and adults in a variety of settings, I understand the skills needed to work with a wide variety of clients. I am a board-approved LPC and RPT supervisor with more than ten years experience in clinical supervision.
My approach to supervision is both educational and collaborative. I encourage, support and challenge your growth as a therapist as you develop your own unique style.
The hourly fee for individual supervision is $75. Please contact me to schedule an initial free consultation.