Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT) Therapists in Anacortes, WA

You want the very best for your child, you want them to feel confident and competent, to be able to manage their emotions, to be kind. Parenting is hard, even harder when you are caring for a child who is struggling, when your family is navigating a big transition, or when you are faced with adversity. When your child's moods and reactions are taking over the household and when power struggles and conflict are the norm, when typical parenting is not working, Parenting Academy can help. Fortunately, Children, Parents and Families are resilient!

Paula, is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Child Mental Health Specialist,Art Therapist and Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapist. with graduate degree in Psychology and BA in Biology and Psychology. Paula has trained extensively in complex trauma, childhood neurodevelopment, attachment, developmental trauma, parent/child interactionalTherapy (PCIT), and generational trauma. As a Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy, she helps identify and support the development of healing intentions and ongoing integration of insights gained through the sacred journey.

I specialize in issues of early childhood (ages 0-5) and perinatal (pregnancy and postpartum) mental health, working with young children and their parents who are in need of support. Parenting is a big life transition and unfortunately rarely goes as planned. Birth trauma, illness, separation or loss of a caregiver or parent, interpersonal conflict, accidents, developmental delays such as ASD or FASD and other stressors can further complicate the already very difficult job of being a parent. That's where I come in! I'm here to help you and your child connect and heal through the unexpected challenges that life has thrown your way.

I am dedicated to assisting adolescents and adults in overcoming life's challenges. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices and enriched by my background in progressive school administration and comprehensive sexuality education. I have received positive feedback and outcomes from individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, perfectionism, procrastination/motivation issues, navigating LGBTQ+ identities and experiences, and ADHD.

Whether through art, play, or talk, I utilize a blend of cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and trauma-informed mental health interventions for children and adolescents (ages 3+) who need support with: anxiety, ADHD, executive functioning support needs, depression, trauma/PTSD, and behavioral problems at home/school. I am also certified in providing Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), an evidence-based practice for children who are experiencing emotional and behavioral problems.

Welcome! I am a Child & Family Therapist and Drama Therapist experienced in working with children (ages 3+), teens, parents/caregivers, and families. I specialize in treating behavioral issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, adjustment difficulties, and social/emotional challenges. I also work with parents and caregivers to provide positive parenting support. My practice combines traditional talk therapy with artistic, experiential, and play-based therapeutic techniques. My approach is to compliment, enhance, and expand evidence-based cognitive behavioral “talk therapy” treatment models through creative and expressive means.

Sometimes life poses challenges, and we need some extra support to get us through. Are you wanting to make improvements in your relationship? Or maybe with yourself? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Depressed? Stuck? Therapists at SCAW bring a diverse range of academic and clinical training to their work with adults, teens, and children (ages 2+). We provide individual and couples counseling, psychological testing, parent training, PCIT, and play therapy.

Each of us have our unique history and background that shape our experience and life decision. Every individual develops unique coping skills that help them get through tough times and that they are experts of their lives. I believe individuals seek therapy to work through their hard issues, learning new ways to cope with life challenges, develop positive relationship with others, and finding meaning in life. I am a multicultural Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist experienced working with children, youth, adults, parents/caregivers, and families.

I love working with children, teens, and young adults (ages 5-25) going through all stages of development. Growing up is hard, and it’s normal to need help along the way. I have extensive training and experience partnering with families to treat children struggling with traumatic experiences, emotional distress, relationships, anxiety, depression, or grief and loss. I work with young people and family systems to build skills, understanding, and connections that support healing. I believe that we are stronger together and my goal is to support your family in achieving your goals and fostering positive, fulfilling relationships.

I specialize in working with children and teens ages 2-18 for defiance, trauma, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, child abuse, grief and loss and life adjustments. I provide highly effective research based counseling in a warm and inviting environment. I offer practical strategies and activities to help children, teens and families meet their goals and improve their lives. Modalities used include Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Triple P Parenting, Play Therapy, and Therapeutic Art Activities.

I am accepting new clients. My clients are children, adults, and families. Adult clients are usually motivated to enter therapy by intrapersonal or interpersonal issues. Children often present internalized or externalized behavior problems and are brought into therapy by a concerned caregiver. Children may be depressed, withdrawn, angry, defiant, or underachieving. Therapy with children is very different from therapy with adults and requires an approach that is developmentally appropriate. I provide a confidential, safe place to explore psycho dynamic issues and collaborate on approaches that feel right for you.

I love and enjoy working with children and parents! I am an early childhood educator as well as a mental health therapist. I offer therapy services for children and their families. I provide Infant and Early Childhood mental health and development services (ages 0-6), Children mental health (ages 7-12), parents, and perinatal mental health, and Adults (age 18 and above). I have worked with children and families for more than 6 years in a wide variety of settings, including schools, private daycare centers (infant/toddler/preschool/kindergarten), and community mental health clinics.

I counsel teens and their parents, as well as adults and couples who are experiencing a wide range of psychological and relationship difficulties due to parent child conflict, major life transitions, grief and loss and recent or historic trauma. My approach is systemic, meaning that I try to understand human problems in terms of the complex set of psychological and social systems in which they are embedded - family, social, cultural, educational and emotional experiences. I have specialized training and experience in working with Couples using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) as well as Anxiety, Depression andtrauma/PTSD.

We are all on a journey. As we face the hills and valleys of life, we need the support of others to walk alongside us to encourage and to navigate our paths. I have experience working with individuals and families experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions, parent-child interaction issues, grief, anger, relationship issues, family concerns, school issues and other mental health concerns. I am committed to providing professional, holistic, evidence-based, and compassionate mental health support. I view the counseling process as a collaboration process between me and the clients.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the Seattle area with over 8 years experience in clinical practice. I work with children, teens, adults, and families on their journey toward hope, healing, and health. I provide evidence-based strengths-, relational-, and compassion-based psychotherapy services. I have an interest and experience working with autistic individuals and their families, children with behavioral difficulties and their families, and individuals with anxiety, depression, or traumatic stress. Some areas of growth my clients focus on are emotions, education, relationships, employment, and communication.

My counselings as Solution- focused, Person-centered & Biblical approaches for individual, couple & Family conflict issues.