Child & Teen Therapy in Carpinteria

When a child or teen might benefit from therapy

• Worry, fears or panic that get in the way of school, sleep or friendships
• Ongoing sadness, irritability, withdrawal or low self-esteem
• Meltdowns, defiance or behavior that's hard to manage at home or school
• A frightening or painful experience, including abuse, violence or loss
• Big changes like divorce, a move, a new sibling or a new school
• Struggles with peers, social situations or school performance
• ADHD, autism and other neurodivergence that call for tailored support

How therapy with kids works

With younger children, sessions often use play therapy, drawing and storytelling, because play is how children naturally express feelings and practice new skills. Teens usually prefer conversation, and we use cognitive behavioral tools to manage anxiety, challenge harsh self-talk and build coping skills that work in real life.

Parents are part of the process. I'll keep you informed, share strategies to use at home and, when it helps, bring the family together for joint sessions, while giving older kids and teens the privacy they need to trust the process.

Experience with children and families

Ashley Labistour has more than 20 years of experience working with children and families, and specialized training in trauma-focused CBT and PCIT.

Sessions take place at the Carpinteria office or online. Many families travel from Santa Barbara, Goleta and Ventura.