“Creating a safe space for young minds to heal, grow and thrive. “
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Child or adolescent therapy primarily involves therapeutic conversations and interactions between the therapist and the client, which may include the child, teen, or their family.
These sessions, typically lasting 45 to 60 minutes, are designed to help clients understand and resolve their challenges, manage emotions effectively, modify behaviors, and make positive changes that enhance their overall well-being. Dr. Prasad-Gaur uses evidence-based techniques, often combining approaches tailored to each individual’s needs, to ensure the best possible outcomes.Therapy sessions may include talking, play, drawing, building, or role-playing—methods that help children express their feelings, engage in problem-solving, and work through challenges in a creative and supportive environment.
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The diagnostic assessment involves clinical interviews with both the child and parent, along with the completion of self and parent rating forms to establish a clinical diagnosis and determine treatment needs.
If necessary, the assessment may be supplemented by a review of school and/or medical records and feedback from teachers and other providers. Follow-up psychological testing or additional referrals may be recommended for a more accurate diagnosis when appropriate. The assessment typically spans two to three 60-minute sessions.
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Children spend a significant amount of time in school, so it’s clear that both the school and home environments can greatly impact their sense of well-being and future success.
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Dr. Prasad-Gaur offers parent coaching and consultation to help parents understand their child’s struggles and respond to challenging behaviors.
Using Responsive Parenting and Collaborative and Proactive Solutions techniques, she guides parents in behavior modification, problem-solving, and accessing support. Sessions can be one-time or ongoing, in-person or by phone. Dr. Prasad-Gaur is also a SPACE-trained provider, helping parents support children with anxiety, OCD, and related challenges by enhancing supportiveness and reducing accommodation.
Dr. Prasad-Gaur’s clinical practice is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She takes a holistic approach in child therapy, assessing each child’s strengths and weaknesses within a developmental and contextual framework—understanding who they are and their life context.
CBT helps identify and change distorted thinking patterns and associated behaviors. It involves gaining insight, problem-solving, learning adaptive coping strategies, stress management, and improving interpersonal skills.
ACT, a third-generation CBT approach, focuses on improving quality of life by changing how one relates to their thoughts and emotions. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult emotions, ACT encourages making space for them. Through mindfulness, self-compassion, and values exploration, Dr. Prasad-Gaur helps clients recognize their inner critic and respond to challenges with greater purpose and clarity.
In addition to these approaches, Dr. Prasad-Gaur draws from other evidence-based treatments based on the client’s unique needs and concerns, taking an eclectic approach to therapy.
Establishing a strong therapeutic relationship is essential to the success of any treatment. Along with a deep understanding of human behavior, Dr. Prasad-Gaur brings warmth, positivity, and a collaborative spirit to sessions grounded in trust and confidentiality. She approaches therapy with compassion, empathy, and a nonjudgmental attitude while providing supportive guidance to help children, teens and their families overcome current challenges.
Dr. Prasad-Gaur places great value on parental collaboration, regularly seeking feedback on their child’s progress and functioning. She also strives to empower parents with the tools and strategies they need to support their child’s or teen’s growth beyond the therapy sessions.
Dr. Prasad-Gaur provides therapeutic services with cultural competence, recognizing and respecting the influence of culture on thoughts, behaviors, interpersonal relationships, and parenting practices.
She is dedicated to creating a safe, respectful space where clients can express themselves freely, without fear of judgment or evaluation. Dr. Prasad-Gaur is committed to offering LGBTQ+-affirming care and treating all clients with dignity and understanding.
Step 1: Initial Telephone Contact – Free 15-minute consultation
Step 2: Intake Meeting – 60-90 minute session. The treatment process begins with a 60- to 90-minute evaluation meeting. During this initial assessment, Dr. Prasad-Gaur gathers essential information about the child or individual, including current and past symptoms, socio-emotional functioning, and a detailed early developmental and family history.
Step 3: Assessment & Goal Setting – 2-3 sessions. Following the evaluation, Dr. Prasad-Gaur discusses the proposed therapy approach. Together with the client and their family, she establishes therapy goals, prioritizes treatment needs, and sets clear expectations.
Step 4: Treatment Phase – Ongoing sessions to address goals. Progress is reviewed periodically, and therapy goals are updated collaboratively as needed. The duration of therapy varies depending on the focus of treatment, ranging from a few sessions to a more extended period.
Step 5: Maintenance of Progress Phase – Support for continued improvement
Step 6: Achievement of Goals & Termination – Conclusion of treatment. Therapy is a collaborative effort. Decisions about ending therapy are made jointly, often based on the client’s improved sense of well-being, enhanced coping skills, and overall functioning. Clients may also choose to conclude therapy when they feel their goals have been met. Occasionally, Dr. Prasad-Gaur may recommend a “booster” session to address new challenges or life transitions.
