Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Buena Park, CA.

School refusal? Early indications of OCD? Don't feel helpless as a parent. We have helped hundreds of kids and teens through anxiety and fears they and their parents often could not understand. OCAC conducts an age appropriate assessment in office or at home. The goal is to help a child feel comfortable answering questions about a feared situation. Coming to understand a child's world is essential to relating and communicating. After underlying contributors have been established, a treatment plan is recommended, which often includes participation of parents or caretakers. OCAC provides clear direction and explanation and is always available by phone. Our care is highly personalized.

My practice is specifically focused on children, adolescents, and young adults. Working with younger children requires a playful insight and I frequently employ play therapy and games to challenge anger, anxiety, and frustrations. Further, through play I am able to work with children on managing social situations, dissapointments, and develop problem solving techniques. Following these sessions I work closely with parents to train on these behavioral interventions in order to further reinforce in the home environment. This consistency and collaboration allows us to more effectively shape behaviors and booste self esteem beyond the therapy session.

Many therapists share they use play therapy in their practice with children, but have not taken further training on its use in therapy. I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, which means I completed 3 years and 3000 additional hours of practice after licensure, clinical supervision, consistent continued education courses, and significant focus in at least two play therapy evidence based practices. I utilize Child Centered Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, Digital Play Therapy, and Prescriptive Play Therapy to address children's needs in addition to creative arts therapies (Drama Therapy, Art Therapy interventions).

In my work with children, I utilize play therapy, which creates a secure environment where children can express themselves, try new things, learn more about how the world works, learn about social rules and boundaries, and work through their problems. The process of spontaneous play allows children to resolve the psychological tensions created by stressful events in a child’s life. Children are able to face difficult events because they are using familiar language and reactions where they have control of the play. The new scripts and schema that children create in the Play Therapy room are then generalized to their external environments.

The inner world of a child is rich with emotion and depth. It can be difficult to watch your child struggle, whether it is socially, academically, or in the home. Child therapy can be beneficial in not only providing current support and problem-solving, but can also serve to be preventative for potential longer-term issues. Young children in particular have a language of their own -- play! I will work with your child using play and art therapy techniques to communicate and develop more effective coping tools to thrive in his or her environment and family.

Is your child going through a difficult time or life transition? They may be stuck in a cycle of mood swings or behavioral reactions. It sounds like your child or adolescent would benefit from counseling, and you have the heart and motivation to get them the help they need. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and offer professional counseling for children, teens, and families. I'm also a certified Family Wellness Instructor. Additionally, I have experience as a student director and teacher and enjoy working with children, adolescents, and young adults in issues relating to identity and development. If you are ready for your child to begin the healing journey, I am here to help.

Studies show that our most important years of development are between the ages of 1 and 5 years old. Often what is learned here shapes us the rest of our lives. As any parent knows, a lot can happen in one year with a child, much less five. Fear, trauma, abuse and bullying can have a lasting effect on a child if it goes unaddressed. In my work with your child I will not only help them overcome tough moments but also build resilience for future challenges. If your child is suffering from in emotional or behavioral problems, I'd love to help. You don't have to go it alone.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is a passionate about children. I believe these little ones are unique beings, created by God. I utilize play therapy and help parents gain the insights they may need to help navigate their way with their young children. I help children through play therapy. Also, I have been trained to do EMDR with children.

Children often lack the verbal and emotional regulation skills needed to express their feelings. Add that to the guilt, shame and fear that comes from believing something may have been their fault, and you have one hurting little kiddo. Child Therapy enters the child's world of play to help him or her identify and process grief, work through trauma issues, express feelings, and develop new coping skills. You can learn more about us at www.HealPlayLove.org

I work with 12 year olds and up. For young teens we use games, pillow fights, exercise, drawing, any medium that would make it more comfortable for the teen to open and share. When beneficial, I bring the parents into the end of the session so that they know what the teen is needing in their assistancxe with that next week. Art and journaling are a significant part of homework to allow the youth to express and reduce their emotional overload.