Experienced professional child counselors and therapists in Soldotna and Homer.
It’s tough being a child in today’s modern world. From jam-packed schedules and academic pressures to the instant gratification and stimulation of technology, it’s harder than ever for children to navigate the nuances of relationships and social interactions.
Learning to navigate emotions can be difficult for kids. KPMH’s team of professional counselors are experienced in working with kids to gain skills around emotional regulation and effective coping. Counseling can help your child translate these skills into their everyday life, increasing their successes and overall functioning.
Our KPMH child counselors in Soldotna and Homer will work with you and your little one to address the various factors that may be contributing to your child’s difficulties. From diet, nutrition, and issues with sleep, to the negative effects of too much screen time, our providers will work with you and your child to provide support in a wholistic and comprehensive way.
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Daniela Kopec - LPC-S
Daniela has over 15 years of experience working as a counselor in the mental health field. Though she has experience working with clients across the life span, she has found that she is most passionate about walking alongside those that have experienced trauma, addressing the symptoms of anxiety and depression that are often co-ocurring. Daniela believes in utilizing an integrative approach to health and wellness that looks at mind, body and spirt, and is motivated to give people the tools to develop their inner strength and confidence to make the changes they desire. Native to the Soldotna community, Daniela has called Alaska home for many years.
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Autumn Collings - LMFT, LPC
Autumn is passionate about showing up with others in a way that allows them to feel deeply seen and truly known. She believes authenticity and connection are at the heart of meaningful therapeutic work, and is committed to showing up honestly and inviting her clients to do the same. She loves bringing creativity to her sessions and often offers hands-on learning opportunities for her clients, something that comes naturally to her given her history of coaching softball and being a collegiate athlete. Autumn loves to be outdoors, and enjoys fishing, hiking, and hunting.
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Mary Kuepper - LPC-S
Mary has over a decade of experience working in community based mental health. Though she has worked with people across the lifespan, she specializes in work with kids, teens and families, as well as in maternal mental health. Mary is passionate about giving people the tools they need to not only function well, but to thrive in their everyday life. Though not native to Alaska, she has fallen in love with the abundant resources of this beautiful place. When not working with clients, Mary can be found adventuring, hiking and exploring. She loves to fly fish our local creeks, dig in the dirt of her backyard garden, and get in quality time with her friends, and beautiful family.
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Ally Legard - MA
Working out of the Homer office, Ally has been dedicated to serving clients in the mental health field since 2020, primarily focusing on children and adolescents. Drawing on her experience as a former Division 1 track and cross country athlete, she brings a holistic approach to counseling, addressing both mental and physical well-being, incorporating aspects like exercise, nutrition, hydration, and sleep. Ally earned her Masters of Counseling from Oregon State University - Cascades in Bend, Oregon. She fosters a safe and welcoming environment where clients can build rapport before addressing challenging topics. Ally believes in the power of healing through a trauma-informed and client-centered approach.
What can I expect from child counseling?
Once you reach out, our KPMH Intake Coordinator, Tiffany, will be in touch to talk about your particular circumstances, and get you set up with an initial session. This initial session can vary depending on your wishes, and may include just the parent, the parent and child together, the parent and provider for a portion of the session, or the provider and child for a portion of the session.
While respecting the trust of your child, and the therapeutic limits of confidentiality, our providers make a habit of assisting with open communication between you and your child. There will always be a “check in” either prior to or following session, ensuring everyone on the treatment team is “on the same page.” During this time, your youth will be encouraged to share their experience of session, what they learned, what they’re taking away, or what their “homework” is.
Generally, therapy sessions with children occur one time weekly for 50-60 minutes. However, depending on the circumstances that bring your child into therapy and the interventions being used, it is at times helpful to flex this schedule according to your specific needs. These details will be discussed with you and your child throughout the process.
Can professional counseling help your child?
There are many ways your child might communicate they are in need of increased support. Some may engage in acting out behaviors, becoming increasingly defiant, disruptive, and disrespectful. Others, however, might withdraw, demonstrating isolative behaviors, a poor sense of self, tearfulness, etc. Our providers are experienced at exploring the underlying factors that may be contributing to your child’s difficulties, and identifying the root cause of their behavior, which can include a variety of symptoms.
However your child’s symptoms manifest and whatever their root cause, go with your gut. Remember, you know your kiddo best. If something seems off, and your attempts to support them don’t appear to hit the mark, it may be time to reach out for a little additional support. Our therapists in Soldotna and Homer are here to walk along side, offering unconditional positive regard, support, skill building and education to get your little one back on the right track.
Some of the Issues often addressed in child counseling sessions:
Bullying
Depression
Poor social skills
Academic difficulties
Issues with sleep
Issues with diet
Too much screen time
Too little movement and exercise
Difficulties with focus, attention, concentration, impulsivity
Abuse
Exposure to domestic violence
Loss, grief
Divorce, separation, family transitions
How long does child counseling typically last?
The length of time an individual is in counseling is situation specific and can vary. However, we at Kenai Peninsula Mental Health are passionate about giving our clients the tools and skills they need to thrive and function well. We will cast a wide net at the onset, looking for all the variables that may be contributing to your child’s behaviors. We will build skills for managing symptoms and explore underlying root causes. We will take as little or as much time as you need, but we will do our very best to get your child back about the business of living their life.
How do I get started with counseling services?
Ready to get started? Call or email us today. Our contact info is at the bottom of this page.
Once you reach out, our intake coordinator will contact you to gather information regarding your specific situation. We will explore with you what provider will likely best meet your needs, and support you in getting set up in our electronic health record.
KPMH uses Simple Practice, a medical record and portal system that will allow for confidential and HIPAA compliant messaging that ensures your privacy. You will be sent a portal link that directs you to online documentation to be completed prior to your initial session.
Where you go for support is your choice, and we want you to feel empowered to assess whether or not we are the right fit for you! Here at KPMH, our providers believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential in the process of creating change. These initial conversations are important in assessing fit, as therapy is not “one size fits all.”
KPMH’s Soldotna office is conveniently located near the intersection of the Sterling and Kenai Spur Highways. Our Homer location is centrally located as well. Feel free to arrive a few minutes prior to your scheduled session to grab a cup of tea and relax before meeting with your provider. We look forward to meeting you, and are honored you have chosen us to do this work alongside you.