Trauma therapy for kids and teens
It’s 2 AM and you can’t sleep. Again.
Since that terrible thing happened to your child, everything has been upside down. Your child is a shell of themselves. Once full of laughter and joy, now withdrawing from friends and family. You can see the worry and fear in their eyes, and they’re often lost in their thoughts.
The seemingly simple joys of childhood—playing, learning, dreaming—now seem overshadowed by an invisible weight they can’t seem to shake off. Sudden outbursts over seemingly minor things. Trouble sleeping and nightmares that leave them exhausted and irritable. School called again about dropping grades, missed assignments, and lack of focus.
The thoughts are swirling in your head: Will my child ever be OK? Is their life ruined? Could I have done something differently? Am I to blame?
Every ounce of you wishes you could take away their pain.
You’ve tried talking to your child, offering comfort, offering space, but nothing seems to help. You’ve sought advice from friends, family, and professionals and although everyone has an opinion, no one really “gets it.”
It’s time to seek help from someone who understands. Someone who is skilled and specializes in trauma. Someone who can help your child heal the wounds from their past and reignite their spark.
Dear Parent or Caregiver,
Hello and welcome! I’m so glad you are here. Your child is struggling and needs help. I understand what you are experiencing with your child can be overwhelming. But there’s encouraging news. With my qualifications and experience, we can work together to improve the situation for you and your child.
I am a licensed professional counselor with experience in community, hospital, and school settings. I provide virtual psychotherapy throughout the state of Pennsylvania. I specialize in children over 8 years old and teens who have a history of trauma. This might include abuse (sexual, physical, emotional), neglect, witnessing domestic violence, serious illness, accidents, disasters, traumatic grief, divorce, separation from a parent, placement in the child welfare system, and other traumatizing events.
I use scientifically-grounded approaches and view healing from a mind-body perspective. Information about the specific modalities I most often use can be found here. I also understand that healing cannot take place without first building a trusting relationship. Therefore, I do everything I can to create a secure therapeutic environment and help children and teens feel empowered. I honor individual differences and strive to meet each client’s unique needs. I work alongside parents and caregivers because, after all, you are the expert of your child.
If you feel that I might be a good fit for your child, please reach out for a consultation. I’m here to support your child every step of the way.
With warmth and respect,
Sarah Sternlieb
Education
BS Psychology, Ithaca College MS Mental Health Counseling, Suffolk UniversityCredentials & Memberships
Licensed Professional Counselor (Pennsylvania) Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) Certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy Trained Childhood Traumatic Grief (CTG) Trained Parent-Child Interaction Training (PCIT) Trained Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Trained American Counseling Association Member Pennsylvania Counseling Association Member EMDR International Association Member“Sarah is an outstanding therapist. We are truly grateful for how she’s helped our son.”
“My sons love doing therapy online and I can see a huge difference in our family dynamic. Sarah is playing a tremendous part in helping my boys recover from their traumatic early experiences and blossom.”
“Sarah is an outstanding therapist. We are truly grateful for how she’s helped our son.” “My sons love doing therapy online and I can see a huge difference in our family dynamic. Sarah is playing a tremendous part in helping my boys recover from their traumatic early experiences and blossom.”
Services
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy designed to help people process and heal from traumatic memories. Imagine the brain as a library where memories are stored as books. When someone experiences trauma, some books (memories) get misplaced and cause distress whenever they encounter them.
EMDR helps by using bilateral stimulation, like side to side movements, to organize these misplaced books and put them back in the right place. This makes the traumatic memories less vivid and less emotionally charged, allowing your child to live life without being constantly triggered by them.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral (TF-CBT) Therapy
TF-CBT is an evidence-based therapy designed to help children and teens who have experienced traumatic events. Imagine a child's mind as a house that's been shaken by an earthquake (the trauma). TF-CBT is like a toolbox that helps rebuild and strengthen that house, making it more resilient to future shakes.
FAQs
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$200 per 50 minute session.
Insurance
I’m an "out-of-network provider,” which means I don't work directly with insurance companies. I'm happy to provide a superbill each month, which you can submit to your insurance company to request reimbursement. Please be aware that a diagnosis is required by insurance companies and reimbursement is dependent upon your out-of-network benefits.
Good Faith Estimate
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the No Surprises Act, healthcare providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
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As we work together, you can expect:
- An initial consultation to discuss your child or teen's needs and goals
- Regular sessions tailored to your child/teen's development, strengths, and specific concerns
- Evidence-based therapeutic approaches
- A collaborative approach, involving you in the process as appropriate
- Ongoing assessment of progress and adjustment of treatment plans as needed
- A supportive, non-judgmental environment for your child or teen to grow and heal
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Therapy sessions are delivered virtually, allowing for:
- Convenience and flexibility in scheduling
- Comfort for your child/teen in their familiar home environment
- Elimination of travel time and costs
- Access to quality care regardless of your location
- Continuity of care even during times when in-person meetings aren't possible
I use a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform to ensure your child or teen's privacy and confidentiality during online sessions.
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I understand parents' desire to be informed about their child or teen's therapy. However, maintaining confidentiality is crucial for building trust and ensuring the effectiveness of the therapeutic relationship. Here's what you can expect:
- Regular parent/caregiver sessions to discuss general updates on your child or teen's progress.
- Guidance on ways you can support your child or teen's growth and healing.
- Information on any homework or practices that may benefit your child between sessions.
While specific details of your child or teen's sessions remain confidential, there are circumstances where this confidentiality may be breached. My approach balances respecting your child's privacy with keeping you informed and involved in their therapeutic journey.
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Step 1: Click the "Get Started Now" button to schedule a free consultation
Step 2: Fill out some quick forms on the confidential client portal
Step 3: Show up for your child/teen's first session and help them start feeling better
