Child & Adolescent Therapy in Westport, CT

Helping Kids & Teens Build Confidence, Emotional Resilience, and Healthy Relationships

Is Your Child Struggling with Big Emotions, Acting Out, or Taking Risky Behaviors?

As a parent, it’s heartbreaking and frustrating to watch your child struggle—whether they’re lashing out in anger, constantly defying authority, isolating themselves, or making risky choices.

Maybe your child is talking back, refusing to follow rules, skipping school, or pushing boundaries in ways that concern you. Maybe they’ve started hanging out with a new crowd, and you worry they’re making dangerous choices.

You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Many kids and teens resist therapy at first—especially those who act out or push back against authority—but my approach is different.

As a younger clinician, I build trust with kids and adolescents by meeting them where they are. I help them feel heard without judgment while guiding them toward better choices without making them feel like they’re being “fixed”.

If your child is struggling with anger, defiance, or risky behaviors, early intervention can make a significant difference in their emotional regulation, decision-making, and future well-being.

Signs Your Child or Teen May Benefit from Therapy

If your child is experiencing any of the following, therapy can provide them with tools and guidance to improve their emotional regulation, decision-making, and relationships.

1. Aggressive, Defiant, or Oppositional Behavior

Frequent tantrums, yelling, or angry outbursts

Arguing with parents, teachers, or authority figures over everything

Deliberately ignoring rules or refusing to follow directions

Physical aggression (hitting, throwing things, breaking objects)

2. Acting Out at School or Home

Skipping class, refusing to do schoolwork, or failing classes

Getting detentions or suspensions due to disruptive behavior

Refusing to listen, pushing back on every rule, or constantly challenging authority

3. High-Risk Behaviors & Substance Use

Experimenting with alcohol, marijuana, or other substances

Hanging out with negative peer influences or engaging in risky social behaviors

Lying, sneaking out, or engaging in reckless behavior

4. Social & Emotional Struggles

Difficulty managing emotions (frequent anger, frustration, or sadness)

Friendship problems, bullying, or social anxiety

Seeming withdrawn, irritable, or easily triggered

5. Signs of Anxiety, Depression, or Stress

Constant worrying, panic attacks, or excessive stress

Mood swings, irritability, or prolonged sadness

Lack of motivation, energy, or interest in things they used to enjoy

Specialties: Areas of Expertise in Child & Adolescent Therapy

Every child is unique, and therapy is tailored to their specific needs. Some of the most common concerns I address include:

ADHD Support – Helping kids improve focus, impulse control, and organization.

  • Social Anxiety & Low Self-Esteem – Building confidence in social situations.

  • Academic & Athletic Performance – Managing school stress and expectations.

  • Friendship & Peer Struggles – Teaching social skills for healthier relationships.

  • Substance Use & Risky Behaviors – Supporting kids in making positive choices.

  • Oppositional Defiant Behavior (ODD) – Helping kids respect boundaries while feeling heard.

  • Anger Management & Emotional Regulation – Teaching kids to manage frustration in healthy ways.

  • Depression & Anxiety – Addressing sadness, worry, and overwhelming emotions.

  • Grief & Loss – Helping children process the loss of a loved one.

  • Selective Mutism – Encouraging confidence in communication.

  • Panic Attacks & Stress Management – Teaching coping strategies for anxious moments.

  • Bullying (As a Victim or Aggressor) – Addressing the impact of peer conflict.

How Therapy Helps Kids & Teens Who Are Acting Out

Many kids and teens resist authority and traditional therapy approaches—as a younger, yet experienced clinician I am able to relate and understand teens in a way most therapist's struggle to relate.

In therapy, we’ll work on:

Understanding the Root Causes of Behavior – Identifying why your child is acting out (unmet needs, stress, emotional struggles).

Emotional Regulation & Coping Skills – Teaching them how to express anger, frustration, and sadness in healthier ways.

Improving Family & Parent-Child Dynamics – Helping parents set boundaries without constant power struggles.

Decision-Making & Consequence Awareness – Teaching teens how their choices impact their future.

Replacing Risky Behaviors with Positive Outlets – Encouraging healthier coping mechanisms (sports, hobbies, social connections).

FAQs About Child & Adolescent Therapy

  • Many kids—especially those with anger, defiance, or behavioral issues—are hesitant about therapy. That’s why my approach is:

    Relatable & Engaging – I help kids feel comfortable opening up without pressure or judgment.
    Behavior-Focused – Instead of just talking, we use real strategies to improve actions and decision-making.
    Collaborative with Parents – Guidance for you on how to set boundaries and support positive change.

    The goal isn’t to “fix” your child—it’s to help them develop the skills to thrive.

  • If your child is struggling with anger, defiance, social issues, academic stress, or emotional regulation, therapy can provide tools for positive change.

  • Many kids—especially those who are resistant to therapy—are hesitant at first, but I focus on building trust and connection so they feel comfortable.

  • Yes! I provide online therapy for children and teens in Connecticut and Northern New Jersey so families can access support from anywhere.