San Antonio Therapists & Counselors

A child who is melting down, shutting down, acting impulsively, or struggling to follow through is communicating something, even when it does not look that way in the moment. Tori helps children and teens understand what is happening in their brains and bodies so they can begin developing the skills to respond differently.

Her work is especially suited to young people with ADHD, autism, anxiety, OCD, emotional regulation difficulties, or behavioral concerns. Tori takes a neurodiversity-affirming perspective, recognizing that the goal is not to make a child appear more typical. Instead, she focuses on helping young clients understand themselves, communicate what they need, and develop strategies that support everyday functioning at home, at school, and with other people.

Skills are practiced in concrete, age-appropriate ways. Tori teaches clients to recognize connections between thoughts, emotions, physical responses, and behavior while experimenting with tools for impulse control, communication, anxiety, and emotional regulation. Her experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings has also shaped a direct, practical style that balances understanding with clear goals for treatment.

Parents are an important part of Tori’s work. Through parent coaching, she helps caregivers better understand the reasons behind certain behaviors and identify ways to respond with greater consistency. This may include adjusting expectations, practicing regulation strategies together, improving communication, or finding approaches that reduce recurring conflict within the family.

Tori emphasizes small strategies that can actually be repeated outside of therapy. Pausing before reacting, taking space, moving the body, noticing a thought, or trying a different response may seem simple, but practicing those moments over time can help children and families develop new patterns.