Whitney Barrell Counseling
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Working with you and your child. 

If you have concerns about your child’s moods or behaviors, lets work together. 
Perhaps you’re concerned that she is overwhelmed by her emotions, maybe his teachers call with bad news more often than you’d like. 

As parents we naturally worry about our kids. My first conversation with you is an opportunity to share what's going on with your child. Is there trouble at school? Loss of friends? Is divorce a part of the equation? You are the expert on your child. Your instincts tell you when something is going on. 

Together, we will work as a team to teach your child self-regulation skills, feelings identification and social skills. All key components to living a happy, healthy childhood. Reach out and let's get to work!

Whitney has specialized training in attachment based play therapy to address parent-child relationship issues originating in biological families, foster care, or adoption. This approach has proven effective in improving relationships and as a result, the child's behavior. 

Also, as a parent myself, and prior to being a parent I didn't think that the in-vivo experience of parenting made a difference, I knew all the theories, right?! Boy was I wrong! Now I am much more realistic about the interventions that are possible given all the other responsibilities required to parent, work, be in a relationship, and contribute as a good, well-meaning human. 

Prior to starting my own practice, Whitney taught parenting classes instructed fellow therapists on the use of attachment based interventions, and formulated and lead social skills groups for children. She works with children based on a developmental model, keeping in mind any cognitive or developmental limitations. 


Tell me more:
Does my child need therapy?
Other than your gut instinct (which is a typically a good guide), concerns that may warrant intervention. 

Trauma, Brain and Relationship
An interview with Dr. Seigel and Dr. Perry outlining the intersection between trauma, our brains and the importance of relationship. 

Harnessing the power of play therapy with your child. 
Simple tips to integrate play therapy techniques in your interactions at home. 

Resiliency in Children: Helping your child to foster their inner grit. 
Four ways to cultivate resiliency in your child. 

Adoption: Discussions throughout the developmental stages. 
Curious about how to talk to your child about their adoption story? I've outlined things to keep in mind as well as conversation starters for preschoolers through age 9. 

Adoption Myths Debunked.  Or, the audio version which includes an appearance by yours truly, on the Your Adoption Coach Podcast. 
If you are an adoptive parent, I am preaching to the choir! 

Help, my child is out of control! Understanding emotional regulation.
Feeling overwhelmed by the intensity of your child's emotions? They are too! This article is for you. 

The biochemistry of good parenting. Findings from research with rat pups provide evidence that nurturing impacts us on a cellular level. 

Fear and the first day of school. 5 ways to help your child succeed. 
Separation anxiety and ways to quell it.  

  • Anxiety, social anxiety, school refusal. 
  • Mood Dysregulation
  • ODD Oppostional Defiant Disorder
  • Improving social skills
  • Confidence Building
  • Depression
  • Parenting 
  • Attachment
  • Aggressive Behavior
  • ADHD
  • Defiance
  • Bullying
  • Difficulty with peer relationships
  • History of abuse or trauma
  • Adoption (domestic and international)
  • Family conflict
  • Impulse Control
  • Chronic illness
  • Academic Challenges
  • Sibling Conflict
  • Perfectionism
  • Divorce/Separation
  • Blended Families
  • Grief and Loss



Preferred Treatment Models

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Trauma Focused CBT
  • Non-Directive Play Therapy
  • Attachment Based Interventions
  • 123 Magic Parenting Techniques
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