(she/her)
New to Grow
Hi, I’m Denise Welsh, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to supporting children and adolescents in navigating life’s challenges. With extensive experience in school-based mental health, I work closely with students and families to address anxiety, stress, behavioral concerns, peer relationships, and emotional well-being. I understand the pressures that students face today—both academically and socially—and I strive to create a supportive space where they feel safe, heard, and understood.
In our first session, the focus is on getting to know you and your child in a comfortable, supportive environment. We will review what brought you to therapy, discuss your child’s strengths and challenges, and begin identifying goals for treatment. I will also review important information such as confidentiality, session structure, and answer any questions you or your child may have. If a parent is present, we will discuss how to best support your child moving forward. My goal is for both you and your child to leave the first session feeling comfortable, understood, and hopeful about the process.
My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and grounded in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I help students identify unhelpful thought patterns, build coping skills, and develop tools they can use in everyday life—at school, at home, and in their relationships.
I primarily work with children and adolescents, typically ages 6–17, who are experiencing challenges related to anxiety, emotional regulation, behavior, peer relationships, and school-related stress. My ideal clients are students who may be feeling overwhelmed, struggling to manage big emotions, having difficulty with focus or behavior at school, or navigating social challenges such as friendships or conflict. I also support students who may be experiencing low self-esteem, life transitions, or difficulty balancing academic and personal expectations.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help students understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. Together, we build confidence, manage emotions, and develop real-life coping skills they can use every day.