Specialties
Therapy for Girls + Teens
For the deep-feeling girl who’s so hard on herself, and the parent who wants her to feel like herself again.
In-Person in Charlottesville | Virtual Across Virginia
Helping Her Find Herself Again
You have a deep-feeling daughter who’s stuck, or pulling away from the girl you know her to be.
The constant worry-spiral robs her of the moments that could bring her joy. Small mistakes spiral fast into big feelings.
If you’ve ever thought:
“She’s so hard on herself. I wish she could see how awesome she is.”
“She melts down over homework, and I don’t know how to help anymore.”
“She says ‘everyone hates me’ or ‘I’m so stupid,’ and it breaks my heart.”
“She doesn’t want to talk to me about it. She needs someone who isn’t mom.”
I see it so often and it can look different.
Signs of Anxiety + Perfectionism in Girls
You might notice:
Meltdowns over “small” things
Stomach aches or tears before school
Avoiding new things in case she isn’t good at them right away
Procrastinating, then blowing up or breaking down from the stress
Shutting down completely when something goes wrong
A mind that won’t switch off at bedtime
This isn’t a phase she has to push through alone, and it isn’t a sign you’ve done something wrong.
Relief is possible.
Therapy for Anxious + Perfectionistic Girls and Teens
I work with girls ages 3–17 who are navigating:
Anxiety and constant worry
Perfectionism and a harsh inner critic
School stress and homework meltdowns
Friendship struggles and social worries
Big feelings that are hard to manage
Low self-esteem and negative self-talk
Life changes like a move, a new sibling, or divorce
Hard experiences she’s still carrying
How I Work with Girls + Teens:
Play + Creativity: Younger girls say more through play than words. We might use drawing, storytelling or a virtual sand tray to help her express what’s hard to say in words.
Real Connection: it’s talking with someone relatable who brings humor and isn’t afraid to laugh at herself. It’s never a stiff or condescending conversation.
Tools That Work: I draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to understand how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect; Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for deeper healing; and a playful approach that helps change stick. Together, we’ll tame the anxiety, quiet her inner critic, and build skills she can actually use.
Room to Be Herself: No masks needed. Want to show me a favorite drawing, teach me about her favorite hobby or her pets? I’d be honored.
What Parents Can Expect:
A Strong Start Together: We begin with a parent session so I can hear what you’re seeing at home.
Her Own Space: Therapy is a confidential place where she can open up. That trust is what makes the work possible, especially for teens.
Support When It’s Needed: Parents are a natural second for their kids. As questions come up, we can connect, and parent consultation sessions are available if you’d like guidance for yourself.
Little wins are big wins.
In the beginning, I’ll hold the mirror so she can see them. Soon, she’ll see them too.
Imagine if she could…
Try new things without fear of getting it wrong
Make a mistake without it spiraling into shame
Quiet the inner critic and be kinder to herself
Know when “good enough” really is enough
Get back to being a kid
Real Connection from Someone Who’s Been Doing This a Long Time
I’ve worked with kids and teens for most of my life, from camp counselor to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Before opening Sunnyside, I spent years as a teen counselor and supervisor of teen counseling interns, supporting girls through some of their hardest moments.
I bring warmth, humor, and a sense of playfulness that helps girls open up. I’m not afraid to be a little silly if that’s what it takes to connect.
You have so much to offer, and you are enough. You may not see it yet, but I will.
Virtual counseling for kids?! How does that even work?
I get it, and it's a great question.
Virtual therapy works for kids, too!
I use play so kids can be kids. Sand tray? Yes! Drawing? Absolutely! Want to show me your favorite picture or your pets? I’d be honored.
Prefer in person? Sessions are also available at my Charlottesville office inside Kindred Mind Collective.
Common Questions About Therapy for Girls + Teens
How do I know if my daughter needs therapy?
1
If worry, perfectionism, or big feelings are getting in the way of school, friendships, sleep, or home life, or she just doesn’t seem like herself, it’s worth a conversation. A free consult is a no-pressure way to talk it through.
Is it anxiety or a “normal” worry?
2
Some worry is a normal part of growing up. When it starts to feel bigger than her, lasts for weeks, or keeps her from things she used to enjoy, that’s a sign she could use more support.
What ages do you work with?
3
I work with girls ages 3–17. The younger she is, the more I bring in play and include parents in sessions. For pre-teens, it’s a balance of parent support and her growing need for privacy. With teens, sessions lean more on talk therapy, with more privacy.
What if my child is resistant to therapy?
4
It’s very common to feel hesitant about meeting someone new, and that’s okay. It isn’t a sign something is wrong. Our first session is simply about getting to know each other, and trust builds from there. She always gets to choose what she shares. If she tries a few sessions and decides I’m not the right fit, I’ll support that. Therapy works best when it’s her choice. My goal is for her to walk away with a positive view of therapy, so whenever she’s ready, now or later, she knows it can help.
She’s Still in There. She Just Needs Someone Who Gets It
If any part of this sounds like your daughter, I’d be honored to walk alongside her as she finds her way back to herself.
1. Book a free 15-minute consult
2. We meet for a parent session
3. She and I begin, at her pace