Respectful & Strengths-Focused
Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Therapy
I take a non-judgmental and warm approach with clients, providing therapeutic interventions based in science. I offer sessions via tele-health, throughout South Carolina.
Therapy tailored to you.
Therapy is never a one-size-fits-all. I utilize components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and will work together with you to tailor therapy to be what you need. I am specifically trained in helping young people process traumatic experiences and I also specialize in treating young people who have engaged in behavior that got them in trouble or hurt somebody else.
Areas of specialty:
Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
Depression and Anxiety
Problematic Behavior
Take the first step.
Why work with me?
I am passionate about helping children, adolescents and young adults! I strive to create a warm and respectful environment where you feel comfortable sharing with me. I keep an open mind and I won’t be surprised about or judgmental of anything you share with me. At the same time, I am direct about coming up with a plan and goals to help you move forward towards the life you want to live. You tell me where you want to go and we will work to get you there!
Focused on the Positive
I provide respectful, strengths-focused therapy
Science-Based
My methodologies are grounded in time-tested and scientific methods
Inclusive
When working with children, I strive to include caregivers or parents in treatment when possible
Warm Approach
Therapy can be intimidating. Let's work together to tailor it to you
About me
Hi, it’s so nice to meet you!
My name is Simaya, I’m a licensed therapist currently living in Charleston, SC, with my family and our sweet dog Otis. I am originally from the Netherlands and moved to Charleston in 2013 to pursue my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of South Carolina.
Taking a non-judgmental stance and approaching situations and people with curiosity and respect is important to me in my travels and at home.
I love getting to know new people, and my therapeutic approach is respectful, kind, and caring. I know that trust has to grow, and I am here for the process of building it together.
Sound like a good fit?
Not sure how I can help?
Treatments offered:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT places an emphasis on helping individuals learn to be their own therapists. Through exercises in session as well as homework exercises outside of sessions, clients are helped to develop coping skills, with which they can learn to challenge their own thinking, painful emotions, and behavior.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) centers around the insight that when our normal problem-solving skills are applied to painful thoughts or feelings, we often suffer more. ACT is an evidence-based treatment developed by Dr. Steven C. Hayes in the 1980s that strives to help us “drop the struggle” against painful thoughts and feelings, live by our values, and take action to live the kind of life we want to live.
Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
TF-CBT is an evidence based short-term treatment program for children and adolescents that helps them process traumatic experiences and reduce PTSD symptoms. We will work together to learn skills and tools to manage overwhelming thoughts and feelings, and process what the experience means in your life. Find out more: https://tfcbt.org/about/.
Problematic Sexual Behavior - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (PSB-CBT)
Developed by the University of Oklahoma, PSB-CBT is a short-term outpatient treatment program designed for children, adolescents and their families to help them make better choices and keep themselves and others safe. It is a respectful and positive program that works to reduce shame and isolation that families often face. It has been shown by research to be effective in reducing problematic sexual behavior as well as other problematic behaviors. Find out more: https://www.ncchildtreatmentprogram.org/programs/problematic-sexual-behavior-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-psb-cbt/.