As a child and family therapist, my goal is to provide clients with a kind and compassionate ear. Someone who actively listens and validates their feelings while building a genuine and professional relationship. Therapy should not feel scary or boring; instead, it should be hopeful, flexible, creative, and safe. Children face numerous challenges as they grow up, and it’s essential for them to find a space that offers both autonomy and support. Therefore, I view therapy as an opportunity to build trust and collaborate with families to address their needs, guiding them toward the goals of their child or teen.
I am dedicated to understanding each client’s unique behavioral, emotional, and developmental needs, using evidence-based interventions to foster empowerment; promoting the well-being of clients and their families. I work with a diverse range of clients, focusing on issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional and behavioral challenges. My clinical skills distinguish me because I truly care about my clients; I want them to succeed and have the tools available to them to achieve their goals outside of therapy.
For children requiring additional support, I create safety plans to address issues like self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Involving parents, caregivers, professionals, exploring triggers and warning signs as well as providing local and emergency resources to aid in a time of crisis. I also utilize play and art therapy, which is a creative modality that provides a safe space for kids to express themselves freely. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective and evidenced based treatment modality that I engage clients in. Research shows its efficacy in treating various symptoms, including depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). CBT involves examining a client’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, challenging distorted thoughts and improving emotion regulation. Psychoeducation on these modalities and interventions is also provided to parents and caregivers to prepare them and equip them for current and future events. Parents should also feel free to ask questions and raise their concerns, collaboration is key.
Overall, there are a variety of techniques that can be adapted to meet each child’s specific needs. Supporting clients through a solution based approach that fosters meaningful change and healthier coping strategies. In conclusion, therapy is about cultivating self-compassion and embracing both the good and the bad. It’s a chance to pause and remind oneself: “I am doing the best I can, and that’s okay.” In therapy, you don’t need to have everything figured out. It is not a race but a marathon, enjoying the path into your destination. Trust the process, and let’s work together to embark on a journey of love and healing.
Written by Jessica Barrera Castro, LMSW