“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
FOR KIDS:
I have noticed that when kids are told they are going to therapy, it can feel scary or overwhelming. They may think it will be like something they’ve seen on tv with an old bearded guy jotting notes as the client lays on a couch and shares their deepest problems and feelings.
That is SO NOT what I do.
Here are some things I want you to know about therapy.
Therapy is about change.
Changing things about yourself can feel impossible.
But it’s not.
Change is really easy if you want to do it.
When you do make changes in yourself it feels so good!
I help you change by making therapy fun!!
If therapy with me is not fun, I am not doing my job right.
I promise you will have fun!
So, you may be asking, how do we go about having this fun? Well, we play games, do art, walk in the woods, hang out and talk about our pets, tell stories, go on scavenger hunts, make water balloons, crack jokes, use really cool techniques like NLP and EFT (which all use the power of your mind); whatever works best for you. You are the boss of each session.
Best of all?
We do this virtually (from each of our homes) during the colder months. I love this because I get to meet your pets (if you have some), see your house, and meet your stuffies while we have fun together. And yes you can wear pajamas during the session!
During the warmer months we meet outdoors at a park! I love this even more because we get to be in the fresh air and sunshine while we have fun in nature.
FOR PARENTS:
Please explore my website and decide what best suits your child’s preferences and needs then give me a call for a free 15 minute phone consultation* to learn more and schedule your child’s virtual intake assessment.
After we meet I will schedule your child’s first therapy session; virtually November-March (or year round if you prefer) and at a park in Brunswick April-October.
Feel assured I make virtual therapy really fun! I’ve never had a young client not want to do it after the first session.
Ecotherapy; as an unconventional method of therapy is a blast! I’ve seen kids make so much more progress outdoors than when I used to work more traditionally in an office.
I do not accept insurance but can submit out of network claims for you in most cases. Because of this I keep my fees lower than most therapists and I can offer biweekly sessions to make therapy more affordable. Sessions typically last between 30-45 minutes and cost between $70-100.
*Time is approximate.
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Ecotherapy is a form of therapy that takes place in nature with Mother Nature serving as co-therapist.
Therapy in nature can be highly effective in grounding kids, building positive self regard, learning to regulate emotions, releasing stress and anxiety and so much more.
During a session we might find ourselves laying on the ground looking for cloud shapes, telling stories about what we see in nature; making connections to our own lives, creating nature art with items we find on the ground or playing with a Frisbee or other outdoor toys.
Our goal is to interact with one another and with nature while having tons of fun!
*This is an IN PERSON session in nature for kids ages 6-11 held April through October.
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Are you someone who likes to be active? Who prefers to talk “shoulder to shoulder”? Who uses a walk as “therapy” to sort through the day? If so Walk and Talk therapy might be right for you!
Research shows that walking not only increases endorphins and other happy chemicals; movement in general reduces sedentary thoughts and behaviors (you know… all of those ways we are “stuck”.)
Walking in NATURE is even better! Human beings have an innate need for a relationship with and in nature.
Benefits of this relationship can include reduction of stress and anxiety, enhanced creativity and problem solving, and improved mood.
During a Walk and Talk session in nature we might find ourselves drawing energy from a tree, gazing at the clouds or listening to the birds or the wind.
And of course, sorting through and making connections to your personal experience, using all that nature offers us to improve the healing process.
Let’s go for a walk! I look forward to connecting with you and Mother Nature.
*This is an IN PERSON session in nature for kids ages 8-11 held April-October.
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Play Therapy- Play is a child’s language and how they learn and acquire skills.
Play therapy is a process where children “play out” their inner conflict to create positive outer change.
This can help you manage big emotions, build confidence, and improve your self esteem, in addition to many other positive changes in thought patterns, emotions and behavior.
Expressive Arts- Although we may not always have the language skills to express ourselves or have the comfort level to do so, we still have a voice through creative expression.
Expressive arts awaken our imagination and creativity which helps us access our inner resources.
They also bring a sense of calm to the body and positively impact mindset, interpretation of surroundings and emotional state.
Putting your feelings into a poem, song or painting provides a safe outlet for negative emotions through an enjoyable activity, which accelerates the healing and growth process.
Sensory Play- Sensory play using shaving cream, sand, dried beans (and many other fun items) encourages learning through exploration, curiosity, problem solving and creativity.
It helps to build nerve connections in the brain which can help you meet your sensory processing needs.
This can help you feel calm and self regulate as well as reduce stress and anxiety. It’s also really fun!
Emotional Freedom Technique- Also known as EFT or tapping, this technique can help repair energy disruptions in the body that cause physical, emotional or cognitive distress.
EFT ultimately restores balance to your disrupted inner energy allowing for external change.
Tapping with your fingers on specific pressure points on the head, face and upper body in conjunction with stating acceptance of self in relation to the “problem” sends signals directly to the stress centers of the mid-brain, thus reducing the stress or negative emotion you get from the issue.
For example; you might say, “I’m okay even though I blew up at my friend over nothing.” Or you might say, “Even though I failed the math test I love and accept myself completely”. Then you tap the pressure points while stating, “Let it go”.
You will be amazed at how quickly and easily the emotional charge from that event fades away to nothing!
NLP- Neuro-linguistic programming helps you understand your own mind and how you come to think and behave the way you do.
With the aid of NLP techniques, you can learn to manage your moods and emotions and "reprogram" the way you process information.
As the techniques prompt change you can develop self-awareness, increase confidence, and feel calmer.
*This is a VIRTUAL session for kids ages 6-11 held year round.
"I want to work like a dog, doing what I was born to do with joy and purpose. I want to play like a dog, with total, jolly abandon."
- Oprah Winfrey
Why should I choose you?
Top 10 reasons:
10. I’m easy to talk to.
9. I have a good sense of humor.
8. I’m creative in how I approach my work.
7. That’s because I don’t consider it “work”.
6. A 3 year old once called me “bright and shiny.”
5. A trance medium told me I am “a beacon of light who people are drawn to”.
4. A high school coach suggested I always keep my “childlike sense of wonder”.
3. Speaking of which, I am very in tune with my inner child.
2. I’m really good at what I do.
1. I’m humble (remember that sense of humor?!)
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Hi! My name is Karen LeVasseur. I am originally from CT then settled on the Jersey Shore for 15 years where I had a therapy practice called Calm4Kids; using a myriad of techniques such as imaginative play, hypnosis, movement, art, Reiki and other energy healing techniques to support children (and their parents), teens and young adults. I had a thriving business until the events of the past couple of years prompted the need for change.
My husband and I decided to pack up our two Newfoundlands and move up north to Maine, where my parents have resided for a couple of decades. We are all so happy to be here and feel blessed to be in our new home.
While contemplating a new practice, I decided to utilize the best of what I used to do in NJ as a therapist in conjunction with the natural beauty of Maine; combining my calling to help people with my call to nature. I really love being outdoors!
In language, “the art of” means “the skill of” or being good at something. I named my new practice as I did because it takes practice to make change and healing emotions is all about change. Changing old thought patterns or beliefs, changing a typical emotional response, changing ingrained behaviors. The cognitive triangle clinicians speak of.
Where I differ from the typical therapist is in how I approach change. There is no prescribed plan. I believe therapy should be a fun and exciting process unique to each individual and each session. At the start of each session I will ask you what you want to change today and how you want to go about it. Then the transformation begins!
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I first brought my daughter to see Karen when she was 5 for difficult behaviors and tantrums. She used play therapy and really helped her behavior to improve. Karen continued seeing her through elementary school as new “issues” popped up such as anger management, self esteem and confidence. Karen made a huge difference in my family offering parenting tips as well. I am grateful we met her- Nellie, Bradley Beach, NJ
Karen helped my 3 year old son with some regressed behaviors using play therapy. After several sessions he “played out” something that had happened in his preschool that made him think he was a “bad boy” I had no idea and was so grateful that Karen helped him. - Kathy, Middletown, NJ
My 8 year old son has struggled with family dynamics, friendships and focus/attention since he was very young. Using play therapy Karen has helped him to develop confidence in all areas of his life.- Julie, Neptune, NJ
My 10 year old daughter’s anxiety was interfering with her ability to socialize and succeed in school. Karen has given her strategies that work by helping her with hypnosis, EFT and other techniques! Thanks to Karen, my daughter is developing the tools she needs to manage her anxiety and be able to enjoy her friends and her classes at school. We have seen an immediate improvement! – Eileen, Avon, NJ
Karen has done hypnosis as well as different types of energy work with our teenage daughter such as chakra balancing, The Emotion Code, visualization and meditation. Karen has also taught our daughter the technique of tapping which has helped her a lot with anxiety and stress. Our daughter really enjoys going out for mindful walks and sensory play at the beach during her sessions. She uses many of these techniques at home as well during stressful situations. Our journey with Karen has been amazing and helpful for our whole family. - Kara, Belmar, NJ
My daughter was diagnosed with Crohns Disease several years ago and suffered from low self esteem and anxiety. Adolescence brought destructive behaviors and feelings of low self-worth as well as troubled peer relationships. My daughter has seen Karen now for a couple of months for hypnotherapy. Karen got to know my daughter and came up with a very personalized treatment plan. She treats my daughter with warmth and respect. My daughter actually looks forward to therapy! She has become more aware of why and when bad behaviors are happening and she really wants to stop them. She has come farther in two months than in the last four years of treatment. Karen is a huge part of my daughter’s health and support team. – Laura, Brick, NJ
My teenage son had been struggling with anxiety for the past couple of years. It eventually started to affect his schoolwork and his ability to concentrate in school. I finally found Karen after seeing several different therapists. My son instantly felt comfortable with her. Karen used hypnosis and taught him techniques to address his anxiety while at school as well as some of the triggers for his anxiety. We have had nothing but a positive experience. - Carrie, Manasquan, NJ
Karen is so patient and kind. My daughter, now 15, who has seen Karen on and off since she was 11, never liked any of her past therapists. She looks forward to her sessions with Karen and talks about her all the time. Karen is thoughtful, emails and texts on birthdays or before important events with words of encouragement. Through hypnosis, art, movement, play, and other creative techniques she has really helped my daughter. I highly recommend her. - Ann, Neptune, NJ
My now 9 year old daughter’s anxiety escalated to the point that she would not go out after dark and would physically make herself ill because of her fears. A neighbor gave me Karen’s card when my daughter was 7 and let me know how much Karen has helped other children with their anxieties. I was searching and searching for someone to help my sweet girl and Karen came along at the perfect time. Karen has helped tremendously by giving my daughter strategies to cope with her fears that work, using play therapy, hypnosis, relaxation techniques, art and creativity etc. She is able to manage her anxieties and enjoy things that other children find easy and natural to do. I highly recommend Karen for her truly caring nature, extreme interest in helping children and families and above and beyond compassion for her true expertise.- Nancy , Jackson, NJ
A couple years ago our 12 year old daughter had a short stay in the hospital. While she was there she suffered a major panic attack. This one panic attack led to major anxiety along with many more severe panic attacks. Feeling helpless I searched the internet for help. One day I came across Karen’s website. My husband and I along with our daughter decided to meet with Karen and discuss options. I will admit during our first appointment we discussed hypnosis and this was a bit scary for us not knowing anything about it. Karen took her time to discuss everything and our daughter was all for it. This was the best thing that has ever happened to her. Within the past year Karen has taught our daughter many techniques to deal with her anxiety and panic attacks and now they rarely happen. We would surely recommend Karen as a hypnotherapist as well as for all of her talents with helping our daughter and family. -Karen, Howell, NJ
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Licensing and certification:
MSW from Rutger’s University in NJ
MS in Education from Bridgeport University in CT
LCSW in ME and NJ
Certified Hypnotist
Certified Emotion Code Practitioner
Certified Energy Healer
Certified Reiki Practitioner
Certified Ecotherapeutic Guide
Certified Past Life Regressionist
Former Elementary Teacher
Former K-8 School Counselor
Other training:
Clinical Hypnosis- Beginner and Intermediate Levels
Hypnosis for Anxiety and Mood Disorders- Advanced Training
MMHA: Classic Neo-Ericksonian Hypnosis- certification course
Emotional Freedom Technique
Play Therapy
Art Therapy
NLP Basics
NLP Essentials
Walk and Talk Therapy
Mindfulness Based Eco-Therapy
Eco-Therapy for Anxiety
Eco-Therapy for Trauma
Eco-Play
Forest Bathing in Challenging Times
The Forest Bathing Stress Release System
Moving Meditation
Reduce Stress and Anxiety Using Biophilic Therapy
And the most important experience of all:
Being a parent, a wife and living my life!
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What happens during our free 15 minute phone consultation?
I will ask you to briefly tell me why you are seeking therapy for your child and what it is about my services that interests you. I will explain what I do, benefits to the type of services I offer and answer your questions. Once we agree to move forward with support we will schedule your child’s 45 minute intake assessment. I will email a link to set up an account on an electronic portal that will allow you to fill out and sign electronic intake forms. I ask that you fill them out and get them back to me at least 48 hours prior to the intake session. The portal and the forms are HIPAA compliant.
What happens during our intake session?
I will spend time talking and playing with your child to get to know them and have some fun. This is the start of our therapeutic relationship. I may use some art based assessments and then set goals and objectives for therapy based on my observations and the info you provided. We will agree on a tentative number of sessions to start with and schedule your child’s first session.
Is there a charge for the intake session?
Yes. The intake session is considered the gateway to treatment or the “planning” session. I charge a bit more for this session than the actual therapy sessions because extra time is required on my part to review intake forms, notes taken during the intake and creating a treatment plan (a HIPAA compliant electronic document that includes diagnosis, summary of the reason for therapy, goals, objectives and length of treatment).
How long is a session and what does it cost?
Intake sessions are approximately 45 minutes and the cost is $130. Time may vary- cost will not.
Remote and outdoor sessions typically last 30-45 minutes and the cost is $70-100.
How do I pay for my session?
After each session I can either charge your credit card or HSA card that I will keep on file or you can pay me by Venmo, cash or personal check. Payment is due on the same day as treatment.
How many sessions will be needed?
My goal is to provide short term support to my clients. I believe you r child should come for support WHEN needed, make the progress that IS needed then continue to “do the work” outside of the healing environment once goals have been achieved. Desire to change and commitment to self-care is key in long term improvement. Typically a clinician will see a client for 12 weeks then reassess goals but I am open to scheduling therapy to suit your child’s needs. We can “do” weekly, biweekly, once a month, as needed… Whatever works best for you and your child.
Do you take insurance?
I do not accept insurance. Unfortunately insurance companies offer reimbursement for clinicians that does not correspond with the level of education and training that is needed to be a clinical therapist. These low reimbursement rates may work in a Doctor’s office who is seeing 4-5 patients an hour. When a therapist sees only one person in that same hour, insurance just doesn’t make sense. If you have OUT OF NETWORK insurance benefits, in most cases I can submit an out of network claim for you and then your insurance will reimburse you directly, dependent on the specifics of your plan. It is your responsibility to understand your plan and the applicable benefits for out of network, out patient mental health services.
Do I need a mental health diagnosis to participate in therapy?
Only if you plan to use OUT OF NETWORK health insurance benefits. In this case a mental health diagnosis is required by the insurance company. If you are paying out of pocket there is no need for a diagnosis since I work with strengths rather than labels.
What issues can be addressed with your approach to therapy?
Any issue you would see a traditional therapist for can be addressed through Play Therapy, Walk and Talk, and Ecotherapy. A short list includes anxiety, stress, depression, low self-esteem, friend drama, life changes, social pressures, problems with motivation, self sabotaging thoughts or behaviors, sadness and grief.
What are your hours?
I am currently booking sessions Tuesday-Thursday between the hours of 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Schedule is subject to change.
What if I have to cancel?
If something comes up that will interfere with your ability to bring your child to the session please let me know as close to 24 hours prior to your session as you can. If your child are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 or any other contagious disease on the morning of your session please let me know as early as you can and we will reschedule when your child is feeling better. I prefer sick parents stay home as well. I will text either the day before or the morning of your session to confirm our meeting time and place.
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Here are some great resources. Click on the title to open the link. Enjoy!
Why is Contact With Nature So Good For Us?
Why Some Practitioners of Walk and Talk Therapy Think it is Especially Helpful for Teens
“You don’t have to have a reason to feel good. You’re alive! You can feel good for no reason at all!” - Tony Robbins
Contact me
Karen LeVasseur, LCSW
asoulwithin@gmail.com
(207)449-0113