Parent Support & Medication Management for Child Counseling in Washington

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Understanding Your Child’s Needs

If your child is struggling with emotions, behaviors, or life events that feel overwhelming or hard to manage, support is available—for both you and them. While I do not provide direct online child therapy for children under 11, I work closely with parents to help improve their child’s emotional and behavioral wellbeing through guidance, strategies, and, when appropriate, medication management.

This approach focuses on empowering caregivers, improving the home environment, and addressing challenges that impact the whole family system. I also collaborate with child therapists to ensure that your child receives comprehensive care when child counseling is needed.

Common concerns I support families with include:

  • Anxiety, fears, or excessive worry

  • Mood challenges like depression or irritability

  • ADHD, impulsivity, or attention difficulties

  • Autism or other neurodivergent experiences

  • Emotional regulation or sensory processing issues

  • Behavioral struggles at school or home

  • Major life transitions (divorce, relocation, new sibling)

  • Adoption or foster care-related issues

  • Grief, loss, or trauma

  • Questions about medication for young children

How I Support Children & Families

Through parent-focused support and, when appropriate, medication management, I help families address emotional and behavioral challenges in ways that are developmentally appropriate and sustainable. This collaborative approach can lead to meaningful improvements in a child’s daily life—at home, at school, and in relationships.

This kind of support may help your child and family:

  • Improve emotional regulation and reduce outbursts or anxiety

  • Navigate attention, focus, or hyperactivity challenges (such as ADHD)

  • Address mood concerns like depression or irritability

  • Support social development and communication skills

  • Build structure and routines that help your child thrive

  • Manage symptoms related to autism or sensory processing differences

  • Explore whether psychiatric medication may be a helpful part of your child’s care

  • Strengthen the parent-child relationship and overall family dynamics

Therapeutic Approaches

While I don’t offer direct therapy for young children, the work I do with parents is grounded in evidence-based approaches that support both the child and the broader family system. I tailor each session to your family’s unique needs, drawing from a blend of therapeutic models to guide our work together.

  • I use CBT-based tools to help you recognize unhelpful thoughts, manage stress, and support positive behavior changes at home.

  • When trauma impacts your parenting, I draw from CPT to help you examine how past experiences may be shaping your current beliefs, reactions, and emotional responses.

  • I draw from DBT when helping you handle emotional overwhelm, improve communication, and stay calm during tough parenting moments.

  • I help you tune in to your child’s emotional needs and respond in ways that strengthen your connection.

  • I may explore how different “parts” of you show up in parenting—like the perfectionist, the protector, or the overwhelmed part—so you can respond with more intention and compassion.

  • We may explore long-standing beliefs or patterns that influence your parenting, especially if you’ve experienced trauma or difficult relationships in the past.

  • Above all, I bring warmth, empathy, and deep respect to our work. I believe you are the expert on your child—and I’m here to support you, not judge.

  • I support you in building a secure, trusting relationship with your child by helping you understand their emotional needs and cues.

  • I look at the bigger picture—how patterns in your family may be influencing your child’s behavior—and help you make small shifts that lead to meaningful change.

  • I often integrate mindfulness techniques to help you stay grounded and model emotional regulation for your child.

  • “Mauvia has such a warm, grounded presence that instantly puts people at ease. She brings a thoughtful, down-to-earth approach to her clinical work and genuinely cares about the people she serves. You can tell she’s in this work for all the right reasons—her clients are lucky to have her in their corner.”

    Anonymous

  • “Mauvia listens and genuinely cares. She is warm and approachable. She is also better than others I’ve been to, in that she gives you applicable tools and methods to feel more positive and control in your situation. She is wonderful and I would recommend her to anyone.”

    Anonymous

  • “I have known Mauvia for 10 years. She has a calm demeanor, is a good listener, compassionate and at the same time professional in her approach. She was very helpful assisting family members and knowledgeable in suggesting other resources. I would highly recommend her counseling services.”

    Anonymous

  • “Mauvia is an amazing provider. She is kind, easy to talk to and genuinely cares. She has been able to listen and help me navigate through challenges in the most professional and helpful way. Would recommend 100%!”

    Anonymous

  • “Mauvia Sorensen is kind, professional, and truly listens. She has helped me through more than a few challenges. Highly recommend her for anyone looking for compassionate mental health care!”

    Anonymous

  • “Mauvia is a compassionate and knowledgeable provider who brings warmth and professionalism with every patient. Her dedication to evidence-based care and her calming presence make her a trusted and impactful provider in the mental health space.”

    Anonymous

  • “I’ve been working with Mauvia for nearly eight years and she has helped me in more ways than I can count or list in a review. Through my battles with diverticulitis, then my fight with cancer, and all things in between— Mauvia has been a consistent support in navigating life and guided me in building new supportive cognitive behaviors. There’s no other person I would want to have on my team as I continue to work through all the struggles life has thrown at me.”

    Anonymous

  • “Mauvia is an amazing provider who really shows what compassionate care should be all about! She takes the time to listen and truly understands your concerns, making you feel comfortable and supported during your healing journey.”

    Anonymous

  • “Mauvia, is an exceptional provider who truly exemplifies what compassionate care should look like. Mauvia genuinely listens, takes the time to understand concerns, and creates a safe and supportive environment for healing. Her approach is thoughtful, patient-centered, and filled with empathy. She is deeply committed to the well-being of her patients. Highly recommend!”

    Anonymous

How It Works

Booking your first therapy session is simple — just follow these three easy steps.

1.

Schedule a Therapy Appointment

2.

Develop a Customized Therapy Plan

3.

Begin Your Journey to Wellness

Ready to start your healing journey? Take the first step towards better mental health with compassionate, personalized care tailored to your unique needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I don’t offer direct therapy (such as play therapy or talk therapy) for young children. Instead, I work closely with parents and caregivers to provide support, guidance, and, when appropriate, medication management. I often collaborate with child therapists as part of a holistic care plan.

  • Yes, I offer psychiatric evaluations and medication management for children. If medication is appropriate, we’ll work together to monitor its effectiveness, side effects, and overall impact on your child’s wellbeing. I take a collaborative, conservative approach and only recommend medication when it’s truly needed.

  • Child counseling typically involves direct therapy with the child using techniques like play therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). My role focuses on supporting parents and caregivers with tools, strategies, and medication management when needed. This approach can be especially effective for younger children, where change often begins with the adults in their lives.

  • Yes. I frequently work alongside child therapists to provide medication support and help parents reinforce therapeutic progress at home. Coordinated care between therapy and medication often leads to the best outcomes.

  • I typically work with children under 11 through parent sessions and medication management. For older children and teens, I may work more directly depending on the situation. If therapy is needed in addition to medication, I can help connect you with trusted providers.

  • This is a common question—and a very personal decision. During our initial evaluation, I take time to understand your child’s history, symptoms, and environment. I always prioritize non-medication strategies when possible and discuss all options with you in detail so you can make an informed choice.