Our Approach

Treatment Approach

Treatment starts with a thorough diagnostic assessment appointment with the parent/s and we make a specialized plan for your family. Although I am always reading and listening to learn more about psychology, the brain and human connection, I believe parents are their child’s expert. I bring to the table a wealth of experience in working with hundreds of families and an intense curiosity to understand the meaning behind a child’s behavior.

I use evidence based treatment for anxiety conditions. ‘Evidence based’ means that a specific treatment approach has been proven in research studies to be effective within a certain population of people (typically, neurotypical individuals). Exposure based Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is shown to be very effective in treating a variety of anxiety disorders. This type of CBT helps a person face feared situations or emotions in a slow, intentional manner. I do this by helping my client create a hierarchy or ‘ladder’ from easy to harder tasks. I then help my client face these situations in therapy sessions and I coach families on helping their child outside of sessions, often at home, school and the community.

In addition to CBT, I also often use components of Parent Child Interaction Therapy for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM), as modified by Dr Steven Kurtz. I also use elements of DIR/Floortime, Theraplay, Internal Family Systems and Polyvagal Theory. Treatment is never a one-size-fits-all approach, I cater my work to each family’s unique needs. My work is squarely based in the science of the brain, relationships and connection.

The majority of my work currently involves treating Selective Mutism, as there are so very few providers who have significant training and experience in this. However, I also have training and a passion in providing neuroaffirming care to families- such as parenting support for children with PDA profile of Autism.

I believe in the benefits of a team approach and I work closely with others in your child’s life. I often collaborate with teachers, schools, pediatricians and other professionals.

I provide teletherapy to families in North and South Carolina, as well as in-person services to families local to the Charlotte area. Teletherapy has proven to be extremely successful in treatment and often families prefer teletherapy due to the convenience. We discuss which approach (in person or virtual) would be best for your family’s situation.

Conditions treated

• Selective Mutism

• Social Anxiety

• Separation Anxiety

• Specific Phobias

• School anxiety

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder