Savannah Sanfield, LMFT, PMH-C
Psychotherapy for Individual Adults, Couples and Parents
Maybe you have a preschooler who seems more strong-willed than most, a kindergartener with fears you don’t know how to ease, or a tween daughter who feels perpetually distant and resentful.
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Through assessment interviews with you, the parent, we determine the scope of the challenge—what the difficult behavior looks like and what its implicit message might be. Behavior is communication, we just have to decipher the clues. We also explore how you and other family members are responding and what this might be bringing up in you. Sometimes, simply considering the challenge in the context of your own upbringing, life stressors, and expectations can create space for big, positive shifts with your child. I generally incorporate parent education and teach relational strategies to help you guide your child’s behavior in ways that foster deeper bonding, collaboration, and joy at home. I also encourage, though certainly don't require, both parents to participate in sessions.
I originally planned to be a child therapist, spending much of my clinical training with young children and teenagers. What a privilege it was to be with these little ones—getting to know them, gaining their trust during such a precious time—but I came to realize that, so often, the key to efficiently addressing a child’s needs is a stronger parent-child connection. When parents engaged deeply in the process, children (and parents!) improved more quickly. That insight, along with my own experience as a mother, shaped my approach—no one matters more to your child than you. I want to start by equipping parents with skills and strategies that make a real difference. This process of starting with the parents can be deeply rewarding, helping you connect with your child and yourself in ways you may have never imagined possible.