Child Therapy

1. Emily Slavick, MSW

(She/her) Emily (Em) Slavick, L.M.S.W is a licensed master social worker in Connecticut, specializing in the treatment of children, adolescents and young adults. Em holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Western Connecticut State University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University. 

Em believes in the beauty of human connection and the importance of empathy and support in individuals’ lives. Every human being should be seen, valued, and heard. Her therapeutic style emphasizes active listening, compassion, and collaboration. By fostering a trusting relationship, she aims to empower clients to make positive changes in their lives and achieve their personal goals. Her commitment to advocacy and social justice drives her to advocate for the well-being and rights of all people, promoting resilience, and growth. 

Em brings a fresh perspective and relatable approach to her work with the younger population. Recognizing the unique challenges and pressures facing today’s youth, she is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where adolescents and young adults feel understood and empowered.

2. Laurel Bonney, LSCW

Laurel (Laurie) Bonney is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with over 17 years of clinical experience in a variety of treatment settings. Laurie is currently licensed to practice clinical social work in FL, NY and CT. She joined Sterling Institute in December of 2017 after relocating to the area with her family.

Laurie enjoys working with children, adolescents, young adults, individuals and families. Her therapeutic approach always begins with recognizing and honoring the strengths of her clients. She strives to establish an emotionally safe and secure therapeutic relationship with each client. She believes the quality of this relationship is invaluable to a client’s growth toward achieving personal goals and optimal functioning. Laurie utilizes an integrative therapeutic approach that is tailored to the needs of each client. She relies on her training and expertise with evidence-based modalities that include dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapies, along with attachment-informed and family systems interventions.

Therapeutic Modalities for Children

Our in-person child therapy sessions are conducted at our state-of-the-art facility in Danbury, CT. Designed with children in mind, our comfortable and welcoming environment helps them feel at ease, making it easier for them to open up and engage in the therapeutic process. We provide a safe and nurturing space where children can express their thoughts and feelings freely, without judgment.

Our experienced child therapists utilize a variety of evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues. Some of these techniques include:

• Play Therapy: This approach uses play to help children express their emotions and work through problems. It's particularly effective for younger children who may have difficulty articulating their feelings verbally.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps children identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It's highly effective for treating anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
• Family Therapy: This type of therapy involves family members and focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts within the family unit. It's beneficial for addressing issues that affect the entire family dynamic.

Online Child Therapy

In addition to our in-person services, we offer online child therapy sessions through our secure and user-friendly telehealth platform. This option is designed to accommodate the needs of busy families and those who may not be able to visit our facility in Connecticut. Our therapists are licensed in various states, making our child therapy and psychiatry services accessible to everyone, regardless of location. Our online child therapy sessions provide the same high level of care and support as our in-person sessions.

Conditions We Treat With Child Therapy

At Sterling Institute, we offer specialized therapy services to address a wide range of childhood issues. Our experienced therapists are trained to handle various conditions, ensuring that each child receives the appropriate care for their needs. Some of the primary conditions we treat include:

• Anxiety and Depression: Many children struggle with anxiety and depression, which can significantly impact their daily lives. Our therapists use cognitive-behavioral therapy and other effective approaches to help children manage their symptoms, develop coping strategies, and improve their overall emotional well-being. 
• ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): Children with ADHD often face challenges in focus, behavior, and academic performance. Our treatment strategies include behavioral therapy, parent training, and skills development to help children manage their symptoms and achieve better outcomes in school and social settings.
• Behavioral Issues: Disruptive behaviors can interfere with a child's ability to function effectively at home and school. Our behavioral therapy techniques are designed to address these issues, helping children develop positive coping mechanisms, self-control, and improved behavior patterns.
• Trauma and Grief: Experiencing trauma or loss can have a profound impact on a child’s mental health. We provide trauma-informed therapy to support children in processing their experiences, building resilience, and finding healthy ways to cope with their emotions. Our approach is sensitive and compassionate, ensuring that children feel safe and supported throughout their healing journey.
• Social Skills: Developing strong social skills is crucial for a child’s interpersonal relationships and overall well-being. Our social skills training programs, conducted through individual or group therapy, help children improve their communication, empathy, and conflict-resolution skills. These sessions are designed to be engaging and interactive, promoting practical learning and application.