Change for Me Therapy, PLLC

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child’s ability to focus, control impulses, and regulate their energy levels. It can present in different ways, including inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, often impacting a child’s performance at school and interactions at home.

I am qualified to conduct comprehensive ADHD assessments with parents to determine whether your child meets the criteria for ADHD. The assessment process utilizes a thorough tool that gathers feedback from both parents and teachers, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of your child’s behavior in different settings. Afterwards, I carefully review the results with you, providing clarity and guidance throughout the process. Following the assessment, I will be able to determine if an ADHD diagnosis is appropriate.

I work with families to develop strategies that help children manage their symptoms, as well as offers practical techniques and interventions that parents can implement at home to support their child’s success and well-being. Regardless of whether your child is diagnosed with ADHD, I am able to provide you with resources and techniques that will help promote healthy behavioral and emotional regulation in your child.

Trauma is a psychological response to an event or series of events that are distressing, overwhelming, or life-threatening. It can affect an individual’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being, often leading to difficulties in coping with daily life. In adolescents, trauma can result from various experiences, including physical or sexual abuse, neglect, domestic violence, the sudden loss of a loved one, natural disasters, serious accidents, or exposure to community violence. When trauma is severe or prolonged, it can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a condition characterized by intrusive memories, heightened anxiety, emotional numbness, and avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event.

To diagnose PTSD in adolescents, I conduct a thorough assessment that gathers information from both the child and their parents. This process helps to determine whether the child meets the clinical criteria for PTSD by evaluating their symptoms, behaviors, and emotional responses in different settings. The assessment ensures that both the child’s and parents’ perspectives are considered, providing a comprehensive understanding of the child’s experience.

Once a diagnosis is established, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is the primary intervention used to treat adolescent trauma. This evidence-based approach helps children process their traumatic experiences, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and reduce distressing symptoms. Through structured sessions, TF-CBT incorporates cognitive-behavioral techniques, psychoeducation, and parental involvement to support the child’s healing. By working through their trauma in a safe and supportive environment, adolescents can regain a sense of control and emotional stability. Please note that I will do two sessions per week while using this intervention – 1 session with the child and 1 with the parents.

Anxiety and depression are mental health conditions that can significantly impact an individual’s emotional and physical well-being. Anxiety is characterized by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, restlessness, or difficulty concentrating. Depression, on the other hand, involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of motivation or interest in daily activities. Both conditions can interfere with a person’s ability to function in their personal and professional life.

To determine whether you meet the criteria for anxiety and/or depression, I can provide a comprehensive assessment. This evaluation helps identify symptoms, their severity, and how they affect daily functioning. The evaluation process ensures a thorough understanding of your emotional state and guides the development of an effective treatment plan.

Various factors can trigger anxiety and depression, including persistent negative thoughts, low self-esteem, overwhelming stress, past trauma, and challenging life circumstances such as financial struggles, relationship conflicts, or major life changes. These stressors may lead to anxiety attacks, social withdrawal, or prolonged feelings of sadness and despair.

To address these challenges, I utilize a range of evidence-based treatment approaches such as the following: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – helps individuals identify and reframe negative thought patterns, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression; Motivational Interviewing – supports clients in finding personal motivation for change and overcoming ambivalence; and Humanistic Therapy – focuses on self-exploration, personal growth, and building self-acceptance. By tailoring treatment to your unique needs, I can then help you develop effective coping strategies and regain a sense of emotional balance and well-being.

Being a first-generation immigrant or American can be a complex and challenging experience, as it often requires balancing multiple cultures while trying to establish a sense of identity. I understand this as I too am a first-generation immigrant/American. From an early age, individuals in this position may find themselves navigating the differences between their family’s traditions and the culture of the society they are growing up in. These differences can be seen in many aspects of life, including language, religion, food, music, and social norms. A significant struggle often arises from the contrast between collectivistic cultures, which emphasize family and community, and individualistic cultures, which prioritize independence and self-expression.

The journey of identity formation can be particularly difficult, as you may feel caught between two worlds—wanting to honor your family’s expectations while also seeking to fit in with your peers. You may struggle with pressure to succeed in ways that align with your parents’ values, which are often shaped by a different culture and time, while also trying to pursue your own goals and personal happiness. This internal conflict can lead to feelings of guilt, confusion, and self-doubt, making it difficult to fully accept yourself.

Therapy can provide a supportive space to explore these challenges and develop coping mechanisms. Through therapy, you can gain a deeper understanding of both your own perspectives and those of your family, learning how to navigate cultural differences with greater confidence. Therapy can also help foster self-acceptance, allowing you to embrace your unique identity rather than feeling torn between two or more cultures. By developing strategies to manage expectations, communicate effectively, and cultivate self-compassion, therapy can empower you to find balance, fulfillment, and a sense of belonging in your multicultural experience.