Hi and Welcome! I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and young adults to address mental health concerns and improve their quality of life. My clients have come to me for a variety of reasons. These include: Seeking guidance, addressing unhelpful thinking patterns & behaviors, goal-setting, improving level of emotional regulation & self-care, increasing self-awareness & self-compassion, treating mental health symptoms related to anxiety & depression or simply craving a safe space. There are no concerns too small to begin your therapeutic journey! I believe that everyone can achieve and is deserving of a happy and fulfilling life. I take a collaborative and well-rounded approach to guide those in achieving their therapeutic goals. Together we will work towards what is most relevant to you or your child for your or their presenting concerns. By using my clinical skill set, creativity and emphasis on the therapeutic relationship I have been able to make a positive impact with my clients!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together I will take the time to get to know you, understand your presenting concerns and gain relevant information about you related to your background, social life, emotional state, family and typical behaviors.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My path to becoming a therapist included many types of work experiences, internships and volunteering opportunities. I have always been drawn to helping professions related to working directly with others. I have been able to gain knowledge and experience in different settings (school, hospitals, clinics and private practice). I consider myself to value versatility, knowledge and curiosity. These drive what my strengths are as a therapist.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I am best to serve school aged kids (above 8 for virtual sessions), teens and young adults (below the age of 40).
About Adriana Santiago
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Address
3580 Mystic Pointe Dr, Aventura, FL 33180Appointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use a particular treatment method when the core principles align with my client's presenting issue. ACT focuses on improving mindset inflexibility or rigidity, mindfulness, understanding & accepting self and your values to help lead to committed actions towards goals that align with your values and needs.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is a more structured, traditional type of therapy where the key components include me providing psychoeducation, focus on the core understanding of your thoughts, feelings, behaviors and their connection, challenging unhelpful thinking patterns, learning relaxation techniques, exposure to practices to conquer fears and setting SMART style goals.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is a therapy is very skill based and present oriented. DBT focuses on the skills of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal skills with emphasis on consistent real life application of skills reviewed.
Child Parent Psychotherapy
There are varying presenting issues I can help parents, kids and teens with. I use principles of behavior management techniques to aid and teach parents skills. I adapt the method of CBT to be age appropriate for children or teens struggling with anxiety or depression. I also have extensive experience with school related issues, whether it is guidance for parents or working with a child or teen who is having issues related to the school setting (academically, behaviorally, socially or emotionally).