Hi there, I’m Shanda. Does your child or teenager have a lot of “big feelings” leading to behaviors that are becoming difficult to understand or manage as a parent? Are you an adoptive or foster parent having trouble connecting with your child or teen? This can be a confusing and challenging role to fulfill. The same parenting rules do not apply to a "non-traditional" family system. If your biological, adopted, or foster child or teenager is struggling with depression, anxiety, anger, or ADHD, or has experienced a stressful life event such as bullying, relocation, grief/loss, or trauma and you’re not sure how to help as a parent, I am here to listen to your family’s needs and guide you toward hope, healing, and positive change. I empower parents and caregivers to support their children and families to overcome life’s challenges that can result in those “big feelings”. As a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist, I love blending play and art therapy, mindfulness, and conversation to get to the root of your and/or your child’s struggles. In our sessions together, I'll provide a safe, non-judgmental space and utilize evidence-based techniques so you and your family can overcome life’s challenges and connect on a deeper level. I’d love to meet you and work together!

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Starting therapy can feel like an overwhelming experience, but I am here to help make that first step feel much different! I have a warm, professional, and personable approach in working with my clients. Our first session is called the "intake" session which looks different than typical talk therapy sessions, which are usually more conversational in nature. Intakes are typically 50-55 minutes in length, and during this time I will review some important practice policies and limits to confidentiality, and I will ask a lot of questions to get a better understanding of what brings you to therapy while briefly exploring several areas of your life. We will identify your treatment goals and ways to best support you in reaching those goals.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

I utilize Client-Centered, Family Systems, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approaches, focusing on the unique needs of each adult, child, and family I treat. As a Registered Play Therapist, I also utilize play-specific interventions that are both non-directive and directive approaches when working with children and teens (and sometimes even adults!). These interventions include reflection statements, art therapy, sand tray, meditation, mindfulness, sensory experiences, and grounding exercises. I’m also trained in Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). My goal is to increase self-awareness and teach the tools needed to cope and self-regulate when difficult feelings or situations arise.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

While I specialize in Play Therapy, adoption-related issues, and trauma, I’ve worked with people of all ages and backgrounds, treating those suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, and adjustment disorders. My therapeutic style is collaborative, strengths-based, and creative. I believe therapy is a partnership, and takes a lot of vulnerability, self-reflection, and hard work. I'll provide a safe, non-judgmental space and help guide you and/or your loved ones toward the path of self-discovery and healing.

About Shanda Barnett, California LMFT and Registered Play Therapist