Child, Adolescent, and Family Therapy

Child, Teen and Family Therapy

Ages 5+

“Children (and teens) are resilient. With the right support, they can overcome any challenge.”

~ Dr. Bruce D. Perry

Our child and family team is committed to providing personalized and compassionate services to children, teenagers, and families. We take pride in tailoring our care to meet the unique needs of each child and family.

As a team, we are especially dedicated to offering the highest quality treatment options for children and families who have been through trauma and loss. The Catalyst Center is proud to be neurodiversity-inclusive and LGBTQIA+ affirming.

Specialities

  • Somatic Trauma Recovery for Children and Families, including Pedatric EMDR and Brainspotting
  • Parent Traumatic Incident Recovery
  • Major Illnesses and Life-Limiting Conditions
  • Major Childhood Transitions (moving, divorce, etc.)
  • Childhood Trauma
  • Grief and Loss
  • Adoption
  • Medical Trauma
  • Child Abuse
  • Perinatal & Infant Mental Health

Child, Teen, and Family Services

Pediatric EMDR

EMDR is an evidence-based practice initially developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987 as an intervention to overcome the psychologically devastating effects of trauma. EMDR with kids (Pediatric EMDR) follows the same 8-phase protocol as EMDR does for adults, with the main differences being what it looks like and how we talk about it with kids and parents. The ultimate goal is for the child to develop new positive cognitions, neural pathways, and a sense of empowerment as they integrate their trauma into their life narrative.

Learn more about EMDR with children in Libby Korrell, LCSW’s blog post. 

 

Child Therapy

Our child and family team is passionate about helping children and their families recover from major losses, traumatic events, and medical challenges. We work with children to help them process trauma, grief, and loss via experiential and play-based therapies. These somatic therapies are designed to meet children at their level and use their “language” of play. Some of our techniques include:

  • EMDR (18 mos +): A research-validated treatment for trauma with over 25 years of research supporting its efficacy.

  • Brainspotting: A therapeutic approach deriving from EMDR that is used for treating trauma, improving performance, and overcoming psychological roadblocks.

  • Synergetic Play Therapy (3-10): A research-informed model of play therapy that blends nervous system regulation and attachment principles with the therapeutic power of play.

  • Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT): Using the therapeutic power of play (including sand tray) to help children process in a way they feel safe and empowered.

  • Theraplay: A didactic model where the therapist guides the parent and child through play.
  • Parent Coaching: Supporting parents through how to help their children post a traumatic event.
Teen Therapy

Adolescence is an complex developmental period that brings on many new stressors and challenges. Our highly-trained adolescent and teen team is well-versed in therapy techniques, including family therapy, talk therapy, EMDR, and brainspotting.

Topics we commonly address:

  • Trauma recovery
  • GLBTQ+
  • Friendships, dating, and healthy relationships
  • Identity development
  • Healthy boundaries
  • Neurodivergence
Brainspotting

Trauma therapists trained in Brainspotting often use this intervention to tap into the body’s innate ability to heal itself by accessing the deeper parts of the brain that hold emotional experiences, particularly those within the subcortical regions that are not easily accessed through traditional talk therapy.

For children who have experienced trauma, Brainspotting can be especially beneficial. It provides a non-invasive, gentle way for them to process their experiences without the need for extensive verbal communication, which can be challenging depending on the child’s age, developmental level, or the nature of their trauma. This technique can help children regulate their nervous system and reduce symptoms of anxiety, fear, and other trauma-related reactions. By facilitating the processing of trauma in a safe and supportive environment, Brainspotting can aid in the restoration of a sense of calm and balance in a child’s nervous system, promoting healing and resilience. This approach can be particularly empowering for children, offering them a way to engage in their healing process actively and creatively.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback Brain Training is a 100% non-invasive, drug-free brain training system that  helps to regulate your child or teen’s central nervous system, reducing stress and improving children’s and teens’ natural abilities to cope with stress and manage transitions. Neurofeedack is also a beneficial therapeutic intervention for ADHD, trauma, anxiety, and high emotions. 

Child and Teen Psychological Assessment

Collaborative therapeutic assessment is a brief, intensive process to identify emotional, learning, and/or attentional conditions. Psychological assessment provides clear, data-driven picture of what is may be contributing to your child’s difficulties. Feedback from your clinician and a final report provide clear guidance to help your child thrive at home and school. 

Our team provides assessment for:

  • ADHD 
  • Autism Spectrum
  • Giftedness and/or Learning Disability
  • Diagnostic Clarification for emotional/behavioral concerns

We collaborate closely with parents, referring providers, and school personnel to fully understand your child and provide valuable recommendations.

Additional Child and Family Services
  • Parent Coaching
  • Nervous System Regulation (Safe and Sound Protocol)
  • Perinatal & Infant Mental Health

Meet Our Child Team Therapists

Accepting new children and families

Libby Korell, MA, LCSW

Libby Korell, LCSW is passionate about her work helping people heal from complex, multilayered traumatic histories. She has special expertise in helping children and families coping with life limiting illness, abuse, major trauma and loss. She works with children, adults and parents in a caring, direct, and warm manner. She is highly adept at working with pregnant moms, postpartum families, and adults (ages 20 and up) struggling with depression, anxiety, or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder...

Hannah Pitts, MA, LCSW

Hannah Pitts is passionate about her work with children, new mothers and parents, and complex, multilayered traumatic histories. Hannah has provided trauma-informed care to children, teens, and adults for nearly a decade. She works with all ages to provide sound care for all of her clients in a compassionate, non-judgmental environment. Hannah works with the whole family around medical issues, trauma, grief and loss, adoption, and blended families. She is trained in EMDR and Brainspotting...

Meet our Child and Adolescent Assessment Team

Accepting New Assessment Cases

🔍

Sarah Long, PsyD, LCP

Dr. Sarah Long is a gifted psychologist with over a decade of experience helping people to heal from the impacts of traumatic events and recover from eating disorders. Dr. Long leads the Eating Disorder team at Catalyst, provides EMDR, Psychedelic Assisted Therapy. Dr. Long also uses her expertise in Collaborative Therapeutic Assessment to evaluate complex Eating Disorder cases and provide guidance for treatment...

Joey Tadie, PhD, LCP

Dr. Joey Tadie is a talented psychologist with a gift for connecting with people. He is trained in EMDR and psychedelic-assisted therapy. He brings his high-energy, encouraging style to his work with clients dealing with depression, relationship problems, and trauma. He has special expertise in exploring spirituality and religion in therapy...

Erin Jacklin, PsyD, LCP

Dr. Erin Jacklin, CEO and founder of The Catalyst Center is passionate about psychedelic assisted therapy, assessing and celebrating neurodiversity, and depth supervision. A longtime meditator, and self-professed super nerd, Erin blends a calm centered presence with her deep knowledge base. She is not currenting taking new weekly therapy clients, but remains available for supervision, assessment, psychedelic assisted therapy, and business consulting...

CJ Clinkscales, PsyD

Dr. CJ Clinkscales is an intuitive clinician who has a gift for connecting deeply with clients. He brings a depth psychology perspective to his work in therapy, with adults and couples. He uses his skills in EMDR and psychedelic-assisted therapy to support deep, lasting healing. CJ is an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist who works with individuals (16-70 years old) and couples, specializing in his work with teens and young adults. He creates a space for you to be your most authentic self as you delve into the challenges you might be facing and works collaboratively with you to individualize treatment for your needs...

Chelsea Campbell, PsyD, LCP

Dr. Chelsea Campbell is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Assessment Coordinator at Catalyst. She brings a direct but caring approach to her work with couples and individuals. She has special expertise in working with athletes, high achievers, and couples communication. Working with Chelsea in therapy or assessment will help you identify and build on your strengths. She is easy to talk to and deeply knowledgeable...

AJ Grovert, PsyD, LCP

Dr. AJ Grovert is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with expertise in EMDR, perinatal mental health, psychological assessment and psychedelic-assisted therapy. She has significant experience and passion for working with Jewish clients, LGBTQ+ communities, female veterans, and those recovering from religious traumas. She has been in practice for over 10 years and specializes in a number of areas such as trauma, perinatal mental health, anxiety, and emerging adulthood...

Hear from our team

Child and Family Blog Posts

EMDR, EMDR for kids, EMDR for children, pediatric EMDR

EMDR with Children

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is an evidence-based practice initially developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987 as an intervention to overcome the psychologically devastating effects of trauma. EMDR with kids follows the same 8-phase protocol as EMDR does for adults, with the main differences being what it looks...
holiday stress

The Holiday Paradox Part 2: Strategies for Navigating Holiday Stress

One of the most effective ways to appropriately manage holiday stress is through clear communication and setting boundaries. This can be challenging, especially when dealing with family members who may not understand or respect your needs. Here are three fundamental strategies that can help empower you when navigating the holidays:...

The Holiday Paradox Part 1: Managing Stress and Family Dynamics

Welcome to the holiday season, that magical time of year when twinkling lights and festive songs somehow coincide with the urge to hide under the nearest table at family gatherings. Before you start practicing your 'I'm just here for the pie' face in the mirror, let's dive into navigating the...

Using Childrens Books to Help Communicate with a Child

Hannah Pitts is a social worker and registered play therapist with years of experience. She specializes in working with children and families. One of her favorite things about working with kids is empowering parents to be involved in their child’s growth. Her secret to empowering parents despite demanding schedules and...
how to introduce new siblings

Introducing New Siblings

A new baby completely changes the dynamic of a family. If there are already children in the family, that can mean a promotion from only child to big brother or sister, and managing feelings around that is at least as important as investing in a double stroller or buying a...
postpartum

Understanding DMER and Breastfeeding

The early days with a new child are a whirlwind. Positive, negative, or neutral, birth is always an experience. Then there’s sleep - will I ever do it again? (Yes. I promise). There are changes in a partnership that come with adding a new child to the home, whether it’s...

Helping Yourself with Stress and Overwhelm Through the Holidays

For many people, holidays are a great source of comfort and joy—a time to see family, participate in fun traditions, or start new ones with loved ones. However, for others, the holidays can be stressful and overwhelming. Many people may feel obligated to attend family gatherings or other gatherings. Maybe...

Do We Need a Therapist for Our Child?

Being a parent isn’t always easy. There are times as we parent that we might ask, is this behavior normal? Am I supporting my child in the way they need to be supported? How do I know if they need outside help? One of our Child Team Specialists, Libby Korell...
eating disorder

Reasons to Consider Therapy For Yourself When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder: Part One

Whether they are 12 or 22, seeing your child struggle with an eating disorder can be one of the most challenging and heartbreaking situations for a parent. There might be feelings of fear, confusion, shame, overwhelm, anger, or anxiety.   And for many parents, there is that secret worry that tends...

Assessment Blog

Meet Our Assessment Team

What is Psychological Assessment Anyway?

At the Catalyst Center we practice Collaborative/Therapeutic Assessment, a well-researched, individualized approach to assessment that has been shown to be beneficial to those who participate in it. We use assessment as an opportunity for brief treatment geared towards answering your questions and planning your next steps towards living the life you desire. Check out this weekly series highlighting The Catalyst Center's approach to assessment and what types of testing we can...

Mental Health Self Diagnosis and TikTok

An interesting phenomenon has been happening in therapy offices lately. A new client will come in, motivated to make an appointment because of a video (or many videos) seen on TikTok or Instagram. The videos are short, maybe 30 seconds. They might feature someone dancing in front of the camera, pointing to words on a…...

Rethinking the Stigmas of the ADHD Mind

ADHD is a diagnosis in our society that often comes with scrutiny and misunderstanding. Many dialogues proclaim that “ADHD is not a disorder” or “isn’t a big deal.” Further, individuals who have ADHD are often told they are “lazy,” “unmotivated,” “chaotic,” or “too much.” This is not true. Individuals with ADHD can hyper-focus, which often…...
catalyst-center-logo

All About Psychological Assessment

The Catalyst Center wants to help demystify psychological assessment so that you can recognize the potential benefits this could have for you and your loved ones. We are releasing a weekly blog series to help your understand what assessment is, how it can help, and what you can expect from the process. Check back weekly…...
catalyst-center-logo

About Collaborative Assessment

Why testing? Psychological testing can be a tremendous tool to help bring clarity to a wide variety of clinical, educational, and medical situations. Testing can offer insights, details, and solutions that are not possible to discern other ways. Consider that many medical tests are designed to provide information about aspects of our health that are…...

How Assessment Helps Children

Children’s Assessment at The Catalyst Center By Erin Jacklin, PsyD Did you know that Collaborative Therapeutic Assessment can be a brief, intensive way to make powerful positive changes in your child’s life? The impact of a well done assessment is that you have a deeper understanding of your child’s strengths and needs so you can…...

What Could I Gain From a Psychological Assessment?

By Joey Tadie, PhD Have you ever been in a situation at work, school, or in your relationships when you felt stumped? I imagine you would have liked to have as much information as you could get to help you understand and effectively address the challenge. You also might have wanted to know potential resources…...

Looking to Adopt? Prepare for New Beginnings.

The adoption process can be daunting and there are many opportunities for support if you know where to look! The Catalyst Center is passionate about promoting healthy families of all types and we want to offer our expertise to help you prepare for the amazing, yet challenging changes...

Could Psychological Assessment Help Me?

A Powerful Approach to Assessment Did you know that Collaborative/Therapeutic Psychological Assessment can actually be a brief, intensive, yet highly efficient way to make positive changes in your life? A thorough assessment can help create a deeper understanding of yourself (or your child) and help you develop a clear game plan for how to improve…...

Let’s Get Started!

There are two easy ways to connect with us. Call our office at 720-675-7123 and press “1” to be connected. Fill out the contact form to request an appointment or to learn more.

Ready to get started?

X