I understand that reaching out for support can come with many questions. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about Building Bravery and the services I provide. If you do not see your question here, please feel free to reach out, I’m happy to connect.

What is Building Bravery?

Building Bravery is a child- and family-centered practice providing Child Life Services, Exposure Coaching, Executive Function Coaching, and grief-informed support for children, teens, young adults, and families navigating anxiety, medical challenges, trauma, grief, OCD-related challenges, and major life transitions.

My goal is to create a compassionate, supportive space where children and families feel understood, empowered, and capable of taking brave steps forward.

What is a Certified Child Life Specialist?

A Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) is a trained professional with expertise in child development, coping support, trauma-informed care, emotional processing, and family-centered support.

Child Life Specialists help children and families navigate stressful experiences including illness, hospitalization, medical procedures, grief, trauma, and life transitions using developmentally appropriate education, play, preparation, and coping strategies.

What services do you offer?

Child Life Services

Support related to:

• medical experiences and diagnoses

• procedure preparation

• coping skill development

• grief and bereavement

• trauma and life transitions

• emotional expression and therapeutic play

Exposure Coaching

Support for children and teens navigating:

• anxiety

• OCD-related challenges

• school avoidance

• perfectionism

• fears and phobias

• emotional avoidance

Exposure coaching focuses on gradual, supportive practice that helps children build confidence while facing fears.

Executive Function Coaching

Support with:

• organization

• planning

• task initiation

• time management

• follow-through

• emotional overwhelm related to school and responsibilities

Parent Support & Consultation

Collaborative support for caregivers navigating emotional, behavioral, medical, or developmental challenges within the family.

Who do you work with?

I support:

• children

• teens

• young adults

• parents and caregivers

Services are individualized based on developmental level, emotional needs, and family goals.

Do you offer virtual sessions?

Yes. Many services are offered virtually, including exposure coaching, executive function coaching, and parent support.

Limited in-person support may be available depending on location and service needs.

Do you accept insurance?

Building Bravery currently operates as a private-pay practice and does not bill insurance directly.

This allows for more individualized, flexible, and relationship-centered support without restrictions often required by insurance companies.

A superbill may be provided upon request for families seeking possible out-of-network reimbursement.

How long are sessions?

Most sessions are between 45–60 minutes depending on the service provided and individual needs.

Some exposure-based support may involve extended sessions or real-world practice when appropriate.

How do I know if my child or family could benefit from support?

Families often seek support when:

• a child is struggling with anxiety or fears

• medical experiences feel overwhelming

• there has been a loss, trauma, or major transition

• a child is avoiding school, activities, or daily tasks

• emotional regulation feels difficult at home

• a teen is struggling with organization or follow-through

• caregivers are looking for additional support and strategies

If you are unsure whether Building Bravery is the right fit, a consultation can help determine what type of support may be most helpful.

Is exposure coaching the same as therapy?

No. Exposure coaching is not psychotherapy and does not provide diagnosis or clinical mental health treatment.

Exposure coaching is a skills-based, supportive service focused on helping children and teens gradually face fears and practice coping strategies in everyday life.

When appropriate, collaboration with therapists and other providers is encouraged to support consistency and progress.

Do you collaborate with therapists, schools, or providers?

Yes. With consent, collaboration with therapists, schools, medical providers, and other members of a child’s support team can be incorporated into services when helpful.

What can I expect during the first session?

The first session is designed to feel welcoming, supportive, and collaborative.

During the initial session we may:

• discuss concerns, strengths, and goals

• explore current challenges

• answer questions about services

• identify areas of support

• create a plan for next steps together

My goal is to help children and families feel comfortable, informed, and supported from the very beginning.

Where is Building Bravery located?

Building Bravery is based in the Hudson Valley, New York.

Virtual services are available in eligible locations, and limited in-person support may be available depending on the situation and type of service needed.

How do I get started?

You can get started by reaching out through:

• the contact form on the website

• email

• social media

• direct message

From there, we can schedule a consultation to discuss your child’s or family’s needs and determine the best next steps.