Kelly Picune, LPCC

I am an Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) specializing in working with children using play therapy techniques to support children as they navigate big emotions, anxiety, behavioral challenges, and difficult life experiences.

My approach to therapy is warm, relationship-focused, and trauma-informed. I incorporate play therapy to help children express emotions, process childhood trauma, develop coping skills, and build emotional regulation. Because play is a natural way for children to communicate and make sense of their world, play therapy allows us to explore their experiences in a developmentally appropriate way. I also draw from evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), tailoring treatment to each child’s unique needs, strengths, and developmental stage.

I believe that understanding a child’s emotional and behavioral challenges requires looking beyond the behavior itself. Anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and behavioral concerns can be influenced by relationships, family changes, school stress, and past experiences. I work collaboratively with parents and caregivers to better understand their child’s needs and develop practical strategies to support emotional growth and positive behavior at home. Parent involvement is an important part of helping children build lasting skills and feel supported beyond the therapy room.

My goal is to help children strengthen emotional regulation, build confidence and self-esteem, navigate anxiety, develop healthy coping skills, and feel more secure in themselves and their relationships. Whether a child is experiencing big emotional reactions, difficulty managing frustration, anxiety, challenges with transitions, or the effects of difficult experiences, I strive to meet each child where they are and help them grow at a pace that feels right for them.

I know reaching out for child therapy can feel overwhelming for parents. I aim to make the process approachable and collaborative, creating a supportive environment where both children and their families feel heard, understood, and empowered.