Kitty McQuaid, LPC | 484-925-0528 | 30 S. Valley Road, Paoli, PA 19301
Child & Teen Therapy to Improve Confidence and Self-Control
Compassionate and Effective Therapy for Children and Teens
I specialize in helping children and adolescents navigate the challenges of growing up with confidence and emotional resilience. Whether your child is struggling with overwhelming emotions, anxiety, self-doubt, or negative thought patterns, I offer a warm, supportive space where they can develop the skills needed to manage life’s ups and downs.
Children: Understanding and Managing Big Emotions
Children often experience strong emotions that they don’t yet have the tools to understand or express. I work with young clients to help them identify and make sense of their feelings, teaching them ways to self-regulate and communicate more effectively. Through play-based activities, art, and storytelling, I create an engaging and age-appropriate environment where children feel safe to explore their emotions.
A key part of my work with children involves developing coping strategies to manage frustration, anxiety, and sadness. By using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I help children recognize negative thought patterns and reframe them in a more positive and realistic way. This is especially helpful for kids who struggle with low self-esteem, perfectionism, or persistent worries. My goal is to equip children with lifelong tools that empower them to feel more confident, secure, and capable of handling their emotions.
Teens: A Safe Space for Self-Discovery and Emotional Growth
The teenage years can be a time of emotional intensity, identity exploration, and increased stress. Many teens struggle with anxiety related to social and academic pressures, self-doubt, or overwhelming emotions that can lead to maladaptive coping behaviors. I offer a safe, confidential space where teens can share their thoughts and feelings openly without fear of judgment.
It's important to meet adolescents where they are, validating their emotions, and working alongside them as they develop their identity and sense of self. Whether they are struggling with anxiety, self-esteem issues, peer relationships, or academic stress, I provide guidance and tools to help them feel more in control of their lives. Through CBT and other evidence-based approaches, I help teens challenge negative thinking patterns and build healthier perspectives. I also provide support for teens engaging in unhealthy patterns of behavior, such as avoidance, self-isolation, or unhealthy stress management techniques, and work with them to develop more positive and effective coping strategies.
A Collaborative Approach to Care
I believe that emotional well-being is best supported through a team effort. While I respect each child and teen’s confidentiality, I also work closely with parents, school officials, and other supports to ensure a collaborative approach to their mental health and emotional needs. I provide parents with guidance on how to best support their child’s growth outside of therapy sessions and offer referrals when specialized care is needed beyond my scope of practice.
If you’re looking for compassionate and effective therapy for your child or teen, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to build confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being.