THERAPY FOR CHILDREN, TEENS & FAMILIES

ESTABLISHED IN ORANGE COUNTY, ONLINE ACROSS CA, NC, & PSYPACT STATES

Tools to help your child grow with confidence. Relief that helps your family breathe easier.

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Bunny rabbit stuffed animal sitting in a child sized chair, surrounded by toys. This represents how Sabrina Stutz, child psychologist, uses toys, props, and games to engage children, teens, & families in online therapy in Orange County, CA & NC

You’re doing everything you can to help your child — it’s heartbreaking to watch them struggle when nothing seems to work.

You’ve tried reasoning with them, comforting them, and setting limits—all with love—but your child is still anxious, having meltdowns, or completely shutting you out. You’ve talked to their teachers, to pediatricians, and maybe even tried taking them to therapy, but progress has been slow or short-lived. You know your child has so much potential, but right now, these challenges are holding them back, and you’re not sure how to reach them anymore.

  • Seemingly small frustrations turn into another day-ruining tantrum. Your child worries constantly, lashes out, or cries over things other kids seem to handle with ease. Any changes in routine can cause them to spiral, and even fun plans often turn stressful fast. You love your child more than anything, but you’re exhausted, embarrassed, and unsure how much longer you can keep this up.

  • Getting dressed, finishing homework, going to bed, leaving the house—these simple routines turn into daily tests of patience. Teachers may be calling home to report disruptive behavior, and it’s difficult for them to make or keep friends. Family time often ends with someone in tears, even when you’re trying your best to stay calm. You can see how much they want to do well, but something keeps getting in their way.

  • You can see your child’s strengths, curiosity, and kindness, but they’re having a hard time hitting the mark when it comes to school or extracurriculars. Maybe they struggle to follow through, freeze when things get hard, or seem constantly overwhelmed by tasks that should be easier. Teachers and relatives may say they’re “bright but inconsistent,” and you feel torn between supporting them and pushing them—never sure which approach will help. More than anything, you just want them to feel capable and confident, and to have the tools that let their potential shine through in real life.

  • Maybe you’ve tried play therapy, occupational therapy, or parenting advice that promised results but didn’t translate to real change. Your child might not have felt connected to past therapists—or maybe they just weren’t ready to open up. You’re looking for something more active, something that teaches them (and you) clear skills that actually make daily life feel easier.

Maybe they’re struggling with…

how i can help

Therapy designed to help your child feel comfortable & stay engaged.

When I first meet with a child or teen, my goal is to truly understand who they are and what life looks like for them and you. I gather a solid history, learn your family’s story, and use parent assessments to build a clear picture of strengths and areas of need. From there, I’ll share recommendations for the kinds of therapy approaches that best fit your child’s age, development, and willingness to participate. Every session ends with something tangible, like a new skill, resource, or plan you can take with you right away.

Sabrina Stutz seated on a white couch, legs crossed, ready to listen to children & teens in therapy in Orange County California, North Carolina, & PSYPACT States

As a mom, I never recommend anything I wouldn’t do with my own kids.

I often tell families, “I’m an expert in child psychology, but you’re the expert on your child. Together we’re going to figure out the right steps for you.” That partnership is what makes therapy effective. Whether I’m working with a hesitant preschooler or a teen who’d rather be anywhere else, I adapt to meet them where they are.

Therapy with me isn’t like what you see on TV. Yes, we’ll talk about feelings, but we’ll also play games, draw, use books or songs, and practice new skills. That way, even if your child doesn’t feel like talking, they’re still learning something new every time. And if they’re not quite ready to engage, I’ll start with you through parent or sibling sessions until they feel comfortable joining in and finding their voice.

Unlike many therapists, I include parents in the process at every stage.

You’ll always know what your child is learning, how progress is measured, and what you can do at home to keep things moving forward. I use a blend of evidence-based approaches—including CBT, ACT, trauma therapy, and parent-child therapies—tailored to your child’s age and attention span. Because I’ve been doing virtual therapy with kids since long before the pandemic, I know how to make sessions fun, flexible, and effective—so your child can build real skills to use at home, at school, and everywhere in between.

Learn more about working with me

imagine a life where…

Your child handles difficult moments with confidence.

Their big feelings don’t feel so big anymore. They can calm down after disappointment, use their words when they’re upset, and bounce back faster when something doesn’t go their way. You see them learning to trust themselves, and that confidence starts to show up in everything they do.

Home feels like a sanctuary again.

Evenings don’t revolve around meltdowns or resistance, and you spend less time and emotional energy getting out the door in the morning. The tension in the house fades, replaced by small moments of calm and connection. You find yourself noticing more smiles, more laughter, and more ease in your family’s rhythm.

Their relationships grow stronger.

You and your child understand each other better. There’s more respect, more communication, and fewer misunderstandings between you. They start talking about their friends at school or daycare, and seem more able to maintain these connections. Teachers, relatives, and friends start to notice the change too, and even comment on how much happier and more flexible your child seems.

They’re thriving in every environment.

Your child feels secure enough to explore new things and express themselves more freely. School, playdates, and transitions—like turning off the tablet, cleaning up toys, or leaving for school—go smoother every day. They’re not just coping or bottling their feelings, they’re growing into the capable, resilient person you always knew they could be.

faqs

Common questions about therapy for children & teens

  • If your child’s worries, behavior, or mood are making daily life harder (for themselves or the whole family), it might be time for support. Therapy can help them learn skills for managing feelings, solving problems, and communicating. I work to ensure that our sessions feel safe, comfortable, and even a little fun.

  • That’s okay! Many kids are nervous at first. I meet them at their comfort level—using games, art, and humor—to build trust. Often, they start looking forward to sessions once they realize therapy is about making the hard stuff easier.

  • It’s more engaging than most people expect. I’ve been doing telehealth with children since before the pandemic, and I know how to adapt for attention span, comfort, and privacy. I’ll guide you through setup and keep things interactive and meaningful.

  • Usually, both. I always include parents for at least part of the session because your involvement is key to lasting change. I don't usually meet with a child alone virtually unless they're in middle school or older, and I usually let the child's comfort level guide those decisions. I'm flexible in my approach to accommodate the needs of your kid, offering alone time if they need it, but prioritizing  family relationships and involving parents as much as makes sense. We’ll balance your child’s privacy with family communication so everyone feels supported.

  • As a neuroaffirming therapist and a mom with neurodiversity in my family, I have deep experience supporting kids with neurodivergent diagnoses and medical complexity, including diabetes, ADHD, and sensory needs. Together, we’ll create strategies that fit your child’s learning style and daily routines, so therapy feels supportive, not stressful.

This is the start of your family’s brighter future.

Your kid is worth it.

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Established in orange county | supporting clients through online therapy across california, north carolina, and Psypact states.