Mental Illness
I have worked with seriously emotionally disturbed adolescents (SED), and other high risk behaviors including suicidal, physically and verbally aggressive cases, as a Primary and Rehabilitation Therapist, by providing four hours of group therapy daily in an acute locked down psychiatric facility. Despite being gravely disabled and presenting with self harm and dangerous behaviors towards others (DTO), adolescents with these diagnoses benefit with 24 hour care within a multidisciplinary team of professionals for the most effective treatment and recovery. Utilizing client-centered clinical skills and age appropriate interventions, I help build and foster healthy therapeutic relationships with my clients, by working collaboratively with my team.

Children & Adolescents
I work with children in numerous ways by keeping them engaged in activities such as Play Therapy, Sand Tray, Art Mediums, and Drawings to name a few. I provide support to adolescents by creating a safe and warm environment in order to build trust and rapport. I use self disclosure of myself, reflective and active listening skills, positive reinforcement, and unconditional positive regard to help keep my clients engaged and successful thus alleviating mental/behavioral health struggles that interfere with their functioning in their daily lives.

Anxiety & Depression
While depression and anxiety are two different mental health struggles, their symptoms, causes, and treatments can often overlap. This is because many people with anxiety also develop depression and vice versa. The most important quality that anxiety and depression share is that they are both very treatable conditions. In working with children and adolescents with anxiety, they respond best to down regulation techniques such as listening to relaxation music, practicing deep breathing exercises while paying attention to each breath, and mindfulness activities that train their brain to focus and be calm. By down regulating my clients, who struggle with anxiety, using Mindfulness modalities, they are able to be grounded and self soothe.

Depression
Depression is a serious mental health problem that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities. Although depression can occur at any time in life, symptoms may be different between children and adolescents vs. adults. Issues such as peer pressure, academic expectations and changing bodies can bring a lot of ups and downs. Signs and symptoms include a change from an individual’s previous attitude and behavior that can cause significant distress and problems at school or home, in social activities or other areas of life. When treating depression I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helping my clients change negative thought patterns by reframing them to positive ones, through simple guidance and encouragement while meeting them where they are at. I also discuss the importance of Self Care and different Self Care methods that overtime will help improve their mood, self esteem, and confidence in themselves.