Discover how starting child therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
2 therapists available in Philadelphia
Everyone can use guidance from time to time. As a therapist with over 15 years of experience, I look forward to working with peopl...
About
Everyone can use guidance from time to time. As a therapist with over 15 years of experience, I look forward to working with people to overcome challenges, navigate issues, and engage in self-exploration.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 15 years of experience in inpatient, outpatient, and private practice settings. I specialize in depression, anxiety, addictions, low self-esteem, mood and personality disorders, and trauma. I work with adolescents, adults, and professionals, offering steady, practical support that helps you feel understood and move forward.
I earned a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Health Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. My approach is trauma-informed and collaborative, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic/psychoanalytic perspectives.
I believe therapy should be a clear path toward change. Together we’ll navigate challenges, clarify goals, and build skills so you can live the life you want. If you’re ready to tap your inner strength and create lasting progress, I’d be honored to work with you.
Education and training
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In my work with children, teens, and adults, I focus on providing a safe and welcoming atmosphere to allow each individual the spa...
In my work with children, teens, and adults, I focus on providing a safe and welcoming atmosphere to allow each individual the space to work towards healing and growth.
Marie Moriarty-Puggi is Licensed Associate Professional Counselor and has 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about serving children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly in their journey toward healing and reaching their personal goals. Marie specializes in all areas of trauma/PTSD, domestic violence, grief, and more. She also treats LGBTQ concerns, auto-immune deficiency disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, depression, and the impact of substance abuse in family units.
Marie completed her Master's degree in Counseling and Psychology from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA with an emphasis in Trauma. Marie believes each person is unique and no one style "fits all". Marie uses a variety of therapeutic modalities including (but not limited to) cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), attachment-based therapy (ABT), behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and grief/bereavement therapy.
Marie is empathetic to one's needs, bringing a sense of compassion, safety, and support to cope with the many struggles one faces across all settings. If you are ready to begin your journey towards healing, she is prepared to help you navigate. Schedule an appointment with Marie today.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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My go-to approach for helping kids in child therapy is making them feel comfortable and breaking down thoughts like, “I don't need this” or “I don't know why I am here.” I prefer and enjoy using games, play, and talk. I find that the best benefit is allowing children and teens to have some control by leading their sessions or play to allow them to be more comfortable with the process.
I teach the following tools in child therapy: how to better communicate and understand the various feelings that may occur in waves, self-regulating emotions and thoughts, healthy ways to communicate and express needs, increasing self-esteem, and using self-talk as a way to empower themselves.
I know a client is making meaningful progress in child therapy when behaviors and issues that were once overpowering are minimal, as they have been able to use the coping skills being taught, self-reporting, and family feedback. I like to review and get their input (if age-appropriate) on their goals and treatment as well as include family as part of the process.
Clients can supplement their time in child therapy by attending groups of interests and finding hobbies, clubs, or sports that have purpose and meaning for them.
To prepare for your child's therapy session, a child can use positive and encouraging thoughts on how it could be beneficial as a form of support. I find it helpful to remind them that it is a place where someone is going to support you and work with you, not against you, and encourage them to try 3-4 sessions before determining “I don't need this.”
Child therapy, also known as counseling for kids, helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst kids include behavioral issues, trauma, bullying, depression, and anxiety. All ages of children can attend and benefit from child therapy at Thriveworks Philadelphia.
Child therapy works by using multiple techniques tailored to fit the child’s needs based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve play therapy for younger kids or cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks child therapists in Philadelphia, PA have the expertise and experience to help kids at their level.
Child therapy is a type of therapy meant for clients within a specific age group, while play therapy is an approach to therapy that helps children with self-expression and stress relief, among others. Play therapy is a technique that is often used in child therapy to help children express what’s running through their minds when they do not have the words to express their thoughts and emotions. It can get children to express what’s wrong, what might be causing unwanted behaviors, or what they might need in a way that is accessible to them so that therapists can then work to treat the issue.
It’s not always obvious when a child should see a therapist for their behavior, though in the midst of challenges like divorce, loss, bullying, and other mental health conditions, it’s often a good idea to seek it out. Common behaviors that can indicate a need for child therapy include separation anxiety, bedwetting (at inappropriate ages), and agitation/excessive irritability — especially if it reaches a point of physical violence.
Cognitive behavioral therapy at Thriveworks in Philadelphia, PA is one of the best types of therapy for children. However, it can be administered in child therapy sessions in a variety of ways that are more accessible to young minds, such as play therapy.
Child therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The length of child therapy depends on your child’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, child therapy sessions will last for several months.
At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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