LCSW, 10 years of experience
I specialize in helping children and teens understand, express, and regulate their emotions in healthy ways. Many young people feel overwhelmed, anxious, angry, or unsure how to communicate what they’re experiencing. I support them in building emotional awareness and tools to manage difficult moments. I also work closely with parents and guardians, offering guidance and strategies that strengthen connection and communication at home. My approach is warm, practical, and centered on helping families grow together with confidence and emotional clarity.
In our first session, I create a calm and comfortable space where your child can begin sharing how they feel and what emotions feel most challenging. We explore what triggers strong reactions, what helps them feel safe, and what support they’re hoping for. Parents and guardians also receive space to share concerns and goals. Together, we outline a simple plan focused on emotional regulation skills, communication tools, and family support. The session ends with clarity, direction, and a sense of relief.
My approach is unique because I focus on emotional regulation as the foundation for change. I teach children and teens how to understand their feelings, connect those feelings to body cues, and use calming tools to stay grounded. I combine skill-building with warmth, patience, and a communication style that feels relatable to youth. I also actively include parents, helping them learn strategies that support emotional growth at home. This blend creates lasting progress and strengthens the entire family system.
I’m best positioned to support children and teens who feel overwhelmed by their emotions — whether that looks like frequent frustration, anxiety, sadness, or difficulty calming down once upset. I help young people build emotional insight, self-awareness, and coping skills that make daily life easier. I also support caregivers who want guidance in understanding their child’s emotional world and responding with confidence. Families who want to strengthen communication, connection, and emotional balance are an excellent match for my work.
My approach to TF-CBT focuses on helping children and teens understand how past experiences influence their emotions today. I begin by teaching grounding, relaxation, and emotional awareness skills so they feel safe and prepared before discussing difficult memories. I move at the child’s pace and use creative, age-appropriate tools to help them express thoughts and feelings. I involve caregivers throughout the process, helping them understand trauma responses and support their child with calm, consistent strategies that promote healing and emotional regulation.
Psychoeducation is woven into all of my work with children, teens, and caregivers. I teach youth how emotions work in the body, why certain feelings feel so strong, and how their thoughts and sensations are connected. This helps them understand themselves rather than feel confused or “out of control.” I also provide parents with clear guidance on emotional development, regulation strategies, and supportive ways to respond during difficult moments. Psychoeducation empowers families with knowledge, shared language, and tools that make emotional growth possible.
I use DBT skills to help children and teens manage intense emotions, stay grounded, and make thoughtful choices. My approach emphasizes mindfulness, calming strategies, emotional identification, and healthy communication skills. Youth learn practical tools they can use during moments of overwhelm, frustration, or conflict. I teach skills in simple, relatable ways that fit their developmental level. I also coach parents on how to support these skills at home, creating a consistent environment that encourages emotional balance and healthier reactions.
7 ratings with written reviews
August 13, 2025
I was searching through all of the providers selected for me from my filtering and for whatever reason (at that time) I kept coming back to Dr. Kortney. I came back to her 4 times. Scheduled my first session and I don’t regret it one bit! I’m beyond happy I chose her. She is warm, she is welcoming, she is direct, she is comforting, she has awesome ideas and makes me connect dots I never even knew would connect. After each session I feel relieved, I feel empowered and ready for what I need to do.
May 2, 2025
I’ve never felt more aligned with a therapist, and I’m so grateful for the care and clarity Dr. Clinton brings to every session. What sets her apart is how intentional and empowering her approach is. She provides thoughtful exercises and tools that help me continue the work between sessions, which has made a real difference in my growth. She asks the kinds of questions that make you pause and truly reflect, helping you discover insights that stick—not just in the moment, but long after.
April 24, 2025
Kortney is very passionate about her job and she has helped me during difficult times.