New Heights LCSW PLLC

I am a licensed clinical social worker able to provide psychotherapy services to children and families 10 years and younger. In addition, I am also a Registered Play therapist (RPT), a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, and an EMDR Certified Therapist. I have almost a decade of experience working with children and families from a variety of issues ranging from ADHD, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I focus on a interpersonal neurobiology approach (What is going on with the nervous system and its impact on symptoms) while utilizing different treatment modalities such as play therapy, EMDR, client centered, and creative arts. I am also trained to run Circle of Security groups for parents focusing on problems related to connection and attachment. My goal is for children/families to learn ways to increase connection, understand the underlying meaning of what is going on, and how to manage these issues. I am here to help provide support and education to my clients and their families. Helpful links! Synergetic Play Therapy: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/ Association for Play Therapy: https://www.a4pt.org/default.aspx Circle of Security: https://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/circle-of-security-model/what-is-the-circle-of-security/ EMDR: https://www.emdria.org/ Blog for thought May 2024: What does anxiety actually look like? Anxiety. A part of us that we all know too well. But not really at the same time. Something we don't realize is that anxiety has been with us all of our lives. The moment that we are in utero, anxiety is already making its mark. That can be both a good and a bad thing. Have you ever had a moment where you thanked yourself for having anxiety? Maybe a school performance or even taking a test? Anxiety is response in our bodies/nervous system that helps keep us aware of the possible dangers around us. It's our suit of armor ready to protect us. Let's take that math test for example, The brain activated that anxiety to keep your mind active on the material or maybe needing to study (I've been there before, many times). It kept the energy going so hopefully you won't fall asleep during that test! Or for us to slow down and think of an answer we are having problems with. Anxiety is not a bad thing. Unless that suit of armor is on too much. Think about it. Carrying that big heavy suit of armor all day, How heavy and exhausting it feels. Whether we try to shake it off with all that increase energy and aggression, or we slump to the ground with a "thunk" because it feels impossible to get out of. Making it hard to move and not want to do anything. But the question is, why is it even on us that much? What is going on around us that is making us put it on? I think that concept alone is one of the reasons why individuals seek out therapy. There is something going on that our brain and bodies are not aware of and can't process. Going back to my beginning statement, these triggers could have happened before we were even born or words were even an option. Let's think of our kids this way. Kids don't know that many words and it's impossible for them to know how to express what is bothering them. They may act mean, be aggressive, have way too much energy. Or, they may have the opposite where they shut down, won't say anything, or look depressed. Fun fact. Parents brains hate that! Why? Because their own anxiety activates and their suits of armors come on. Which again can be exhausting, confusing, and overwhelming. Anxiety is not a bad thing. But more of a reason to be curious of what is going on, and what's not making us feel unsafe. That was just a very basic topic that has many more layers to it. If you are interested in this topic, feel free to contact to get to know more information. Would love to connect. My links above can also help provide more information on this topic as well.