From our founder, Katie LearI was that kid, too.
I was an anxious, non-athletic, creative, nerdy kid who would probably be called "twice exceptional" by today's standards. I was diagnosed with OCD at 7, but ERP (exposure and response prevention) wasn't a thing in the 90s, so it took years to figure out what worked.
I didn't feel like I fit in anywhere. But I discovered theater early, and those rehearsal rooms were like a little island amidst all the suck—a place where I felt like I was good at something and good FOR something. I belonged there.
More than any technique, approach, or diagnosis, my whole career is about trying to create that experience for kids. Whether through individual therapy, D&D groups, or whatever else, a place where feeling different is an asset, not a problem.
in the room with usThere can be tears at times… there's also lots of laughing.
Facing your fears isn't easy. If it were, nobody would need to come to therapy.
But it can also be genuinely fun—and the kids who walk through our door tend to be bright, creative, and hilarious to be around, so we definitely laugh our heads off a lot.
We also bond over fantasy novels and drawing, Legos, performing arts, or whatever else a kid is obsessed with because that's how trust gets built. It's not unusual for a therapist here to build rapport with a new client over a shared obsession with a very specific topic.
Most parents notice it pretty quickly—their kid actually wants to come to their appointments. That's usually a good sign we're on the right track.
"Katie [founder] is compassionate and highly skilled. She truly cares about her clients and has made a real difference in our lives."
Justin S.
our approachWhat sets us apart.
02Skill-focused
We're not just playing Uno here. Your kid will leave with real tools they can use right now and for years to come.
03Purpose-built
This practice was built for the sensitive and quirky kids that other therapists don't always know what to do with.
04Parent-facing
No mystery behind closed doors. You will always know the plan, the goals, and how your kid is doing along the way.
meet the teamThe therapists your kid will get to know.
Katie Lear
LCMHC, RPT, RDT
Founder & NYT-Reviewed Author
Katie specializes in OCD and is IOCDF-certified in ERP. She combines evidence-based treatment with creative arts therapy and the kind of geeky enthusiasm that makes a kid who's into fantasy novels or D&D feel immediately understood.
Heather Page
LCSW
Therapist
Heather specializes in anxiety disorders and childhood grief. She uses CBT and creative arts therapy because she's seen how much faster kids open up when their hands are busy (building, drawing, making something) while they talk.
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