Children (6 to 10) Therapists in Ballston Spa, NY

Having completed my degree from the State University of New York at Albany in 1999, I now work as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a wealth of experience in individual and group psychotherapy, program development, management, and clinical supervision. My areas of interest include the use of technology in social work and implementing a strength-based approach toward recovery. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Techniques to facilitate a shift toward more realistic thinking patterns. I firmly believe in forming a collaborative partnership with my clients to guide them on their journey toward recovery. Your journey starts here.

Hi there! I am a NYS Licensed Master of Social Work practicing psychotherapy at Clearwater Counseling Associates. I utilize a variety of theoretical approaches based on the wants and needs of my client. I strive to understand who you are, who you want to be and develop an individualized treatment plan to help you reduce stress, symptoms and meet your fullest potential.

Are there times that you notice you or child is having problems with something? Feelings of being overwhelmed? Notice changes in behaviors? You or your child may not be able to explain how they feel or what is going on. It can be hard for both you and your child. I’m a licensed therapist as well as a Registered Play Therapist, Certified Synergetic Play Therapist and EMDR Certified Therapist with experience working with children and families have experience treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, and trauma. But most importantly, I am here to help provide support and education to my clients and their families.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Registered Art Therapist (ATR) who loves to help others connect with their authentic self. I have worked with clients of all ages with various concerns related to anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma and PTSD in both a psychiatric hospital setting and private practice. I believe that with positive support, a change in mindset, and creativity true transformation can happen. Just like the Lotus we too have the ability to rise from the mud, bloom out of the darkness, and radiate into the world. - Author Unknown.

Receiving a proper diagnosis through testing can help a person receive the support they need to live more fully. Treatment may focus on therapy, medication, or specialized programs to assist students with learning disabilities. Psychological assessments do not tell a person that something is wrong with them. Rather, they bring struggles to light and highlight strengths so that the person can get help and use their strengths to their advantage. Understanding your strengths allows you to hone in on them. This might mean finding outside-of-the-box ways to go about things so that they work best for you.

I have over 30 years of experience working for the Jewish Board in NYC as a clinician, supervisor, director and senior director with clients ranging in age from 7-85. Additionally i have had a private practice in New Jersey since 2003. I employ an eclectic mix, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral, psychodynamic, supportive and family systems approaches, depending on the age and circumstances of the client.

I am the founder of ECS Psychological Services and serve as the clinical director. I work with children, adolescents, and adults, but currently focus my work on providing comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, consultation to school districts and community education programs for mental health-related issues. I provide educational workshops for teachers with a focus on recognizing, understanding, and supporting students with mental health difficulties.

I enjoy working with individuals of all ages and am experienced in addressing difficulties including: anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, child and adolescent behavioral and developmental concerns, adjustment and life transitions, challenges faced by military families, stress management, family dynamics, and addiction. I have developed an expertise in utilizing a trauma-informed and motivational approach with my clients. I am also skilled at offering play therapy and animal-assisted therapy when it is appropriate for my clients. I am passionate about providing a solution-focused framework and delivering individualized and holistic treatment to each of my clients.

Getting started is the hardest part. This is true of most things requiring significant time and energy. The decision to seek psychotherapy may not sound difficult, but acting on it can be. Seeking help suggests that we can't do it alone. Whether or not we can, I believe we shouldn't have to. Life is hard. Relationships are complicated. The world throws us a curveball and we find ourselves overwhelmed, disappointed or depressed. We lose a loved one, a job or have trouble finding meaningful work. We make bad decisions, or when we make good decisions, things don't turn out as we expect.

I have worked with children, adolescents and adults with various emotional and mental health needs. My career began working with at-risk youth suffering from severe emotional disturbances. I later began working with children and families within their homes to secure a healthy balance of support and resources, while enhancing their sense of self. I enjoy working with individuals, families and couples. I am open to networking with any provider (i.e., teachers, primary care physicians, psychiatrists,etc.) that are involved in one's care. I believe in helping individuals identify their strengths and incorporating these strengths into their daily lives.

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?Trust that your within you lies personal power. You may not have fully tapped into that yet and that is okay. Self compassion goes a long way and we are all met with challenges we don’t understand. It can be very confusing. I say “the deeper the cut, the deeper the ability to start healing.” The key to unlocking our potential is to be open to seeing life in a different lens. I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which helps you reprogram your brain and alter thought patterns. When you change your thoughts, you change your world.

As part of my counseling, I work with students and professionals who want to try modern therapy. Many of my clients want to overcome the stress of significant life changes that have challenged their beliefs about themselves and others. I emphasize choice and collaboration over "knowing what is best for you." I enjoy working with individuals that struggle with indecisiveness, especially when it comes to overthinking what others might think of you. I work well with clients that would like to how to understand their inner critic and respond to those beliefs about whether you are "worth it" a helpful manner.

I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker with almost 20 years experience. I offer a space where clients can overcome challenges by "leaning in" and embracing their strengths. I have worked in both clinical and school settings and have experience with adults, teens and children. I specialize in anxiety, depression, stress reduction, coping skills, chronic illness, tech addiction, and digital health and wellness.

I have over 20 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families with various emotional and mental health needs. My goal is to help you succeed in achieving your life goals and happiness.

Contrary to popular opinion, I do not believe in safe spaces as a viable, long term solution to anyones’ challenges, unless you’re willing to sacrifice your autonomy and allow fear to dictate how you live. However, I firmly believe that therapy should be a safe place to explore the issues that are creating fear and discomfort. Life is chaotic and unpredictable, and while there is a time and place for utilizing safe spaces, they should only be used in the short term. I’m very invested in empowering my clients to foster bravery, resilience, and perseverance so they are well equipped to navigate the challenges life throws their way.