Julie P. Sanniota, PhD

We assume that childhood is a carefree happy time for kids, but for some children, this just isn't the case. Worries, instability, shyness, learning issues, sadness, attention problems, impulsivity or out of control emotions can rob even our littlest children of the joys of being free to play and learn in a healthy way. If you have concerns about your child, I can help! If your child struggles with the developmental tasks of growing up or if your child experiences anxiety that makes it difficult to do they things they want or need to do, I can help! Children sometimes need a safe relationship with someone outside the family to help them work through their challenges. This is particularly important when there is a divorce, a blended family, a significant loss, parent-child conflict, anxiety or mood issues in adolescence. Parents also benefit from the support and education inherent in the therapeutic process. I have expertise working with children and teenagers with anxiety and depression. In children and adolescents mood issues can be internalized and can be presented as sadness, boredom or apathy. These emotions can also be externalized and can be expressed as anger or acting out behavior. Children who need excessive reassurance, can't sleep alone, struggle to try new things or struggle to adapt to changes may also be suffering from excessive anxiety. High achieving teenagers may be masking their extreme anxiety by staying busy and productive but may not be able to cope with disappointment when things go wrong or function well when they have unstructured social situations. If any of these descriptions sound like your child, I can help!