Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Auburn, CA.

Young children use play for therapy. We have specialists who help children express their emotions and learn coping skills through play therapy, art therapy, and sand tray therapy. If you have a concern about your child’s mental health or behavior. Getting a professional’s opinion on what to do is recommended. However, common things that bring children to counseling include: Anxiety Extreme separation anxiety Depression or extreme and persistent sadness Trauma and/or PTSD Grief and loss ADHD Conduct concerns, aggression, and poor emotional regulation Nightmares and bedwetting School refusal Social anxiety or becoming socially withdrawn Life transitions such as divorce, parental separation, moving, etc.

Many therapists share they use play therapy in their practice with children, but have not taken further training on its use in therapy. I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, which means I completed 3 years and 3000 additional hours of practice after licensure, clinical supervision, consistent continued education courses, and significant focus in at least two play therapy evidence based practices. I utilize Child Centered Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, Digital Play Therapy, and Prescriptive Play Therapy to address children's needs in addition to creative arts therapies (Drama Therapy, Art Therapy interventions).

Decades of research has taught us that the world of the child is one of exploration and play. A child lacks the ability to verbalize their feelings, but, if given the opportunity, can “play out” those feelings in a safe environment. Therefore, we believe that a child’s primary language for expressing their feelings is through their play. In our therapy sessions we strive to meet the child at his/her level and invite them to play freely in our playroom under the watchful eye of our trained play therapist. Through the vehicle of play we help the child to express their confusing and often overwhelming feelings, help them to change negative behavior, and learn more adaptive behaviors.

“I love working with adolescents (I see clients 10 years and up). My inner child comes out and I meet them where they are at. My background in dance, love for art, work with horses/animals and my athletic side really help me relate with them.” Therapy includes: art therapy, movement therapy, behavioral therapy, guided imagery and Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Heart Centered Therapy (HCT), attachment focused therapy and Brain Spotting (BSP).

Having worked in the elementary schools as well as raising six young children myself, I have extensive experience in working with this group. I use a family systems approach to therapy and prefer to partner with parents in the treatment of their children. If family therapy is not a possibility, I will see children on their own, also creating a strong collaborative alliance with their parents.

Today it is more complicated than ever to be a teen. With so much going on, it’s common for teens and children feel anxiety, irritability, isolation, low self esteem, and sadness. Teens just need someone to talk to, that isn’t a family member about difficult topics they are experiencing. It’s not that they don’t trust their family, but many times teens need a private, non-judge mental space of their own to gain insight. I have extensive experience working with teens and children, even those resistant to therapy. I specialize with teens managing high academic & athletic achievement. Through therapy teens will learn to manage their emotions, reach goals, and grow into healthy young adults.

GRIT Kids exists to allow parents or caregivers to aid their children in the work of self-awareness—at every developmental stage— to better understand themselves and the world around them. Simple behavioral management fails to develop the internal locus of control that is necessary for developing character and self-discipline. Forming a self-identity and learning to live with purpose is a necessary life skill for children to learn in order to live into their fullest self. GRIT Kids Coaches are trained to help you do the work of raising your child with intention so you can see that little person grow into all they are capable of.

Many times, child therapists overdo the family system in their quest to seek effective solutions for emotional, learning or behavioral concerns with young children. And many times doctors overpathologize issues that shouldn’t be medicated necessarily. This leaves parents wondering what is the best route for their child? Introducing brainwave optimization technology. A fast, effective, natural, and less expensive way to allow your child's brain to make the optimizing changes it desires to make---on its own! Without any external force, opinion, medication, diagnostic, etc. Contact kevin@kevinflemingphd.com or 877-606-6161.