Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in La Riviera, CA.

“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).

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.

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.

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.

After 11 years of working with children, I find it more effective to work with you, the parent. This is not because you are responsible for the way your child is behaving or what your child is going through, but because you have the most positive power and influence in your child's life. If I can use what I know through education and experience to empower you the parent to connect to your child, it will be more impactful and long lasting than if I spend therapy sessions with them. Your child will also find healing through their relationship with you, increasing trust, and strengthening your relationship for the present and future. You will have your Parenting Power back, stronger than ever!

Children are wonderful. It is through understanding, respect and commitment we can effectively work with a child. A parent successfully can connect with that child by engaging in their feelings and emotions. We can work together and engage the child in a way that will count and you will learn to really be there. When your child is acting out and they are sad, frightened or angry you will be there with them and coach them through these emotional times. This is not about a particular theory or a set of rules It is based from feeling of love and respect for the child even if there feelings are running high. We can work together engage the child and create a positive change.

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).

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.

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.

Some of the therapists at our Soul Wisdom Therapy group practice work with young children and their parent(s). We offer play therapy and art therapy for the children and a powerful parent-child therapy called Watch, Wait and Wonder for parents with their young child. Please contact us for more information.