Kania Javier
Hi! I'm a licensed mental health therapist with experience supporting children, adolescents, and families in both school-based and clinical settings. I believe every child deserves a safe, supportive space where they feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate life's challenges. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and strengths-based. I incorporate evidence-based strategies, including CBT, along with developmentally appropriate activities to help children and teens build emotional awareness, develop healthy coping skills, and grow in confidence. My goal is to meet each child where they are and help them feel supported every step of the way.
I understand that children don't always have the words to express what they're feeling, so I use developmentally appropriate activities, interactive techniques, and conversation to help them communicate and explore their emotions.
First session
During the first session, my priority is to help children and families feel comfortable, welcomed, and heard. We will spend time getting to know one another, discussing what brings you to therapy, and exploring your child's strengths, challenges, and goals. I also take time to understand the family's perspective and answer any questions about the therapeutic process. For younger clients, I incorporate age-appropriate activities and conversation to help build rapport without making the experience feel overwhelming. By the end of our first session, my hope is that your child feels a little more comfortable and that parents have a clearer understanding of how we can work together to support their child's emotional well-being.
Strengths
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to build genuine connections with children and adolescents while creating an environment where they feel safe, comfortable, and understood. I bring patience, empathy, creativity, and a nonjudgmental approach to my sessions. I understand that children don't always have the words to express what they're feeling, so I use developmentally appropriate activities, interactive techniques, and conversation to help them communicate and explore their emotions. I also value collaboration with parents and caregivers because I believe meaningful progress happens when children feel supported both in and outside of therapy. My goal is to make therapy a space where children feel comfortable being themselves while developing skills that help them grow.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients are children and adolescents who may be struggling with anxiety, emotional regulation, low self-esteem, school-related stress, difficulty navigating relationships, or major life transitions. I enjoy working with young people who may have difficulty understanding or expressing their emotions and helping them develop the confidence and coping skills to navigate these challenges. I welcome children with different personalities, experiences, and needs, and I believe meaningful progress begins with building trust and meeting each child where they are. I also value partnering with parents and caregivers to create consistency and support beyond the therapy session.
Origin story
I was drawn to this profession because I believe that feeling understood, supported, and heard can make a lasting difference in someone's life, especially during childhood and adolescence. Throughout my experience working in school-based mental health and clinical settings, I have seen how much of an impact early emotional support can have on a child's development, confidence, and overall well-being. I became a therapist because I wanted to be part of that change and help individuals recognize their strengths, navigate difficult experiences, and develop the tools they need to thrive. There is something incredibly meaningful about helping a child find their voice and realize that they are capable of overcoming challenges.
Ongoing work together
Our ongoing work together will be tailored to your child's individual needs, strengths, and goals. Sessions may include therapeutic activities, skill-building exercises, conversation, and evidence-based interventions to help children better understand and manage their emotions. We will regularly check in on progress, celebrate milestones, and adjust our approach as your child's needs evolve. Progress may look like improved emotional regulation, increased confidence, healthier coping skills, better communication, or feeling more comfortable navigating challenges at home, school, and in relationships. I also believe in partnering with parents and caregivers to help reinforce these skills outside of sessions. My goal is for every child to leave therapy with tools they can carry into everyday life.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help children and adolescents understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Together, we work on identifying unhelpful thought patterns, understanding emotional triggers, and developing healthier ways to respond to challenging situations. Depending on the child's age and developmental needs, I incorporate interactive activities, practical exercises, and real-life examples to make these concepts easier to understand. I also help clients build coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and practice applying what they learn in everyday situations. My goal is to empower children and teens with tools they can use both inside and outside of therapy.
Play Therapy
I incorporate play-based techniques to help children express themselves, explore emotions, and work through challenges in a way that feels natural and comfortable for their developmental stage. I recognize that children don't always have the words to communicate what they are experiencing, and play can provide another way for them to express their thoughts and feelings. Through games, storytelling, drawing, role-playing, and other interactive activities, I help children build emotional awareness, develop coping skills, improve problem-solving, and strengthen their confidence. My goal is to create a supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and feel comfortable being themselves.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
I incorporate Solution-Focused techniques to help children and adolescents recognize their strengths, build confidence, and focus on positive changes. Rather than focusing only on challenges, we work together to identify existing strengths, set achievable goals, and explore practical solutions. I help clients recognize their progress, celebrate small victories, and develop confidence in their ability to navigate difficult situations.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I incorporate mindfulness techniques to help children and adolescents become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Through age-appropriate breathing exercises, grounding techniques, guided imagery, and relaxation activities, clients learn to manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and feel more present. These tools can help children respond to challenging situations with greater awareness and confidence.
Location
Virtual sessions
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Licensed in
- WashingtonLicense MHC.LH.70066262