Kim Knap, Ph.D.

I am an experienced psychologist who is passionate about supporting children, teens, young adults, and parents struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges.

Parent Coaching:
I provide parents with a judgement-free space to feel more effective and empowered in their approach to parenting. I will help you better understand how your child or teenager’s developmental state may be impacting their behaviors. We'll discuss strengths-based, attachment-driven strategies to lovingly set limits with your child or teenager, while increasing your attunement to their emotional needs, as well as the space to process your own experiences of parenting and learn how to increase your self-care in order to allow your child or teen to borrow your calm during tantrums and meltdowns. I am a Level 1 Trainer and Certified Therapist of Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), an evidence based program that gives parents the positive parenting skills to manage their child's emotional and behavioral difficulties. PCIT helps parents strengthen the relationship with their child, and helps children improve attention and focus, learn to cooperate, obey directions the first time, and reduce aggressive or destructive behaviors.

Individual Therapy for Children and Adolescents:
I offer individual therapy for children ages four and up who are experiencing challenges with anxiety, negative mood, self-esteem, and emotion regulation. I primarily use a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach. CBT is a research-supported gold standard treatment for anxiety, depression, anger management and emotion regulation. CBT helps children and teens increase their awareness of their own emotions, teaches them to think about what thoughts are tied to their emotions (and to check whether those thoughts are accurate or helpful), and builds their ability to use mindfulness strategies and cool-down tools to help themselves stay grounded in difficult moments instead of getting swept away by worry or big emotions. I see teens as being part of a family system, and parents as integral partners in supporting children’s success. Alongside individual therapy, I provide parents with a plan for how best to support their child outside of the therapy appointment. I also work with college students & young adults.

Our Practice:
Tampa Pediatric Psychology is a group of psychologists with a passion for empowering children, adolescents, young adults, and their families to overcome emotional and behavioral challenges such as ADHD, defiance, anxiety, obsessive thoughts, perfectionism. We hold a modern view of mental health treatment: one that is non-judgmental, relatable, humorous, and most importantly, goal directed. Our clients learn strategies that they can immediately incorporate in their lives. We are firm believers in the healing powers of knowledge, and you will often find us sharing bits of neuroscience and evidence-based information in our sessions aimed at helping our clients discover meaningful solutions to their problems. Complete the Contact Form on our website to get started!