ANDREA BUENO-ACOSTA, CHILD THERAPIST IN HOLLY SPRINGS, NC
I believe your family has better days ahead.
You remember a time when frequent meltdowns or outbursts weren’t the “norm”, but those days feel like a distant memory. Don’t you wish you had the tools to change that?
You’re in the right place.
I’m Andrea, and I help young children (ages 3-10) and their parents (just like you: the ones that have it within them to remain attuned to their child and provide support when they’re in the midst of a meltdown, but just need the support to get there).
I help my clients find a sense of connection and increased security by equipping them and their grownups with the tools they need to better understand themselves and one another.
Many of today’s solutions for problematic behaviors occurring at home or school are one-size-fits-all, leading so many to feel like their child isn’t being seen by their therapist. And many parents are also struggling to find a parenting approach that “feels right” for them based on their core values and lack the support to try “new ways” of parenting. I know that you and your child’s circumstances are unique, so every step we take is tailored to their needs.
I am dedicated to helping children grow and thrive.
My training in play therapy means I have the expertise that your child needs (and deserves) as they start to explore their feelings, experiences, and hardships. But at the end of the day, you want to know you’re working with someone who “gets” what it means to be a parent who is overwhelmed with the intensity of their child’s big feelings and big behaviors, right?
I get it- I am a parent of a toddler and I know how difficult it can be to continue to support them when their crying, screaming, and big behaviors are stuck on a loop…. I know that sometimes you might even feel hopeless and start to believe that nothing will ever change.
So when we work together, you won’t just get a trained therapist. You’ll get someone who understands part of what you’re going through.
My core values
Acceptance
We are all doing the best we can... The playroom is a safe space where children and their grownups can express themselves freely without fear of judgment. Your child and you are accepted as you are every time we meet.
Compassion
I honestly believe that everyone is worthy of care, empathy, and understanding. My goal in session is to not “fix” behaviors, but instead to connect with and hold space for your child, or you, as you both reflect on the hard parts of life and grow as individuals.
Consistency
I believe that providing a consistent therapeutic environment as well as showing up authentically and predictably as the therapist in the playroom enhances a sense of safety.
Training & Education
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate #A16294 in North Carolina
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Appalachian State University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida International University
Completed specialized training in Child-Centered Play Therapy and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy
Actively pursuing the Registered Play Therapist credential and receiving supervision
Completed trainings focused on the use of sandtray techniques
specializing in:
Play Therapy
Parent Support
Child-Parent Relationship Therapy
