Amy Davis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, who specializes in providing therapy for children, teens, young adults and their families. Her areas of expertise include treating anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, low self-esteem and improving the parent-child relationship. Amy has extensive training in child, adolescent and teen mental health and over 16 years of clinical experience in working with youth and families within a variety of community based and outpatient settings.

I understand that seeking help may be difficult, especially when it comes to deciding whether therapy is the right choice for your child. In taking this next step, remember that you are a great parent and only want the best for your child. You know your child better than anyone else. You have always been there to support, no matter what, and help your child manage through life. But things may be different this time. You’re exhausted from the arguments and worry. You just want it to go back to how it used to be. If you child’s emotions have become too big and have gotten in the way of academics, school attendance, classroom behaviors, personal relationships or sleep/eating patterns, I can help.

My clients describe me as a warm, empathetic, playful and energetic therapist who is skilled at promoting healing and wellness. I practice with a child-centered approach and strengths-based lens, meaning that I start my sessions with where my clients are and with what is most important to them. I work to explore each child’s personal values and goals, without forcing my own agenda or plan. I simply serve as a guide in helping the child navigate his or her own path, while gently facilitating change. Throughout the therapeutic process, I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space for children to explore and understand feelings, as well as underlying issues that are the source for difficult emotions. I also weave in interventions meant to reinforce individual strengths, talents and interests in order to bring out a true sense of pride and self-confidence. Finally, I partner with parents and provide therapeutic support, guidance and education along the way.

My specific trainings include Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Adoption Competency, Youth Mental Health First Aide and a variety of therapeutic expressive arts such as play and art therapy. In addition to my trainings, I am also member of the Florida Association for Play Therapy and actively take part in professional development workshops.

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS (6-12 YEARS OLD)

Childhood is precious stage of development as the goal of strengthening creativity and imagination, forming secure attachments and creating opportunities for learning and discovery is primary. Therapy provides an opportunity for early intervention in order to address emotional, behavioral, and developmental concerns before they escalate into more significant issues. During my individual sessions with children, I use a range of evidence-based
interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and mindfulness. My practice is based on the understanding that children express themselves and navigate challenges differently from adults. Therefore, I emphasize the use of play as the primary method of delivery for therapeutic interventions. Therapeutic play offers a holistic approach to addressing a child’s emotional and behavioral challenges in order to help guide toward a path of healing and growth. In the therapy room, I work to create a warm, safe and supportive environment in order to foster the use of creative self-expression. The play materials offered are based on the individual interests of the child and typically consists of toys, games, art materials and imaginative activities. I also strive to teach and practice calming skills, mindfulness and self-regulation skills in order to fill your child’s toolbox with a variety of useful skills that can be implemented right away. I also provide parents with colorful handouts and recommendations for resources in order to support the practice of newly learned skills in between sessions.

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULT

Our teens are stressed and, unfortunately, continue to struggle with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma and low self-esteem. Therapy offers support, coping strategies, and interventions to address these issues and improve overall well-being during this crucial stage of development. My individual sessions with teens and young adults are initially centered on building therapeutic rapport and fostering a sense of safety. Therapeutic goals are also created in order to allow for self determination, focus and to promote a sense of motivation for healing. Sessions are tailored to meet the individualized needs of your teen via the use of evidenced based modalities, to include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Mindfulness. Interventions may be delivered via talk and/or creative self-expression. I also offer calming and self-regulation strategies for practice in between sessions, in order build your teens’ tool box of skills. These skills have been found to promote a sense of mindfulness and assist teens in experiencing a release from worry and stress, while also improving self-esteem, relationships and overall daily functioning.

PARENT CONSULTATION

Parent consultation sessions are available, as needed, along the way. This is an optional service offered in addition to the individual sessions with your child. During a parent consultation, time will be spent discussing your child’s progress in therapy, as well as, collaborating on treatment planning, discussing goals, strategies and expectations for therapy. When needed, I will also
provide psychoeducation about your child’s development, behavioral management techniques, communication strategies, and ways to support his or her emotional well-being. In addition to this, parent consultation sessions offer a safe and supportive space for parents to discuss any challenges or concerns they may be facing in parenting their child. I will partner with you in order to help problem solve difficult situations, address behavioral issues, and develop effective parenting strategies that align with the goals of therapy.

I am a Licensed Therapist in the State of Florida. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (BA) from the University of Central Florida and my Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from the University of South Florida. I completed my graduate internship at Gracepoint Wellness Community Mental Health Center in Tampa and served children who suffered from complex trauma and severe mental health issues. As a pre-licensed intern, I worked as a school based therapist with a community based mental health program, Healing Educational Alternatives for Deserving Students (HEADS) in Pasco County. The population served included children who experienced abuse, neglect, family violence and out of home placements.

With over 16 years of clinical experience, I have had the pleasure of working with a number of children and their families in a variety of settings to include outpatient, in-home, and in-school. In addition to my role as a therapist, I have also served the community as a School Social Worker for Hillsborough County Schools and Comprehensive Behavioral Health Assessor for the family court system in Hillsborough County. It is through my extensive experiences, that I have gained a high level of compassion for those who suffer from mental health issues, complex trauma and loss. I have also gained a unique skill set and expertise in the area of youth mental health, which I continue to bring to my clients and their families every day.