Sara Bond, MA, NCC

Do you find yourself struggling to understand or help with your child or teen’s emotions or behaviors? Do you sometimes feel like what you’re doing is not enough?

Children and teens are developing at a rapid and different pace than adults are. They have different ways of understanding their own world, expressing and managing emotions, and interacting with others. While at times, guardians may feel stuck, the child or teen may feel the same way, yet struggle to process and understand how they’re feeling. From a developmental perspective, children and teens view the world differently from adults. Without proper coping tools, support, and warmth, they may find themselves struggling further. This is where I can help.

A child’s main language of processing and understanding the world around them is through play. Your child’s emotions and feelings are very real; and, through a safe therapeutic environment, I intend to deliver a space where I can work with your child to both process and regulate emotions, navigate difficult situations, and learn skills to cope with these situations all through the power of play.

I utilize a child-centered approach when working with children; and, depending on your child’s needs, I will tailor treatment that I deem to be the most effective and beneficial. I use an integrative approach of using directive and nondirective strategies to build trust, foster creativity and build connection. I believe it is essential to create a trusting environment when working with clients of any age. When working with children, I find leaning into a more playful side can help foster a strong therapeutic rapport that allows my clients the space to feel heard and understood. I create this safe and understanding environment with your child using different techniques, which can include, expressive arts activities, play, sand tray, and movement exercises.

I have a history of working with children specifically with neurodevelopmental disorders (Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Other interests of mine include emotional regulation skills, attachment issues, behavioral concerns, social skills concerns, anxiety, and issues within the home or school.

Overall, my hopes are to work with your child so that they may be able to recognize and process emotions, foster a stronger sense of familial connection, provide strategies or coping tools, and tune into the power of creativity and play.

MORE ABOUT ME:

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The George Washington University
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University
• National Certified Counselor (NCC)
• Member of the American Counseling Association (ACA)
• Member of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI), Rho Theta Chapter – Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society International

SUPERVISED BY:

Jennifer Munroe, LPC, NCC

CREDENTIALS:

Resident in Counseling

PRELICENSE:

VA 0704015899