Alaina Mielke

Preschool, Children, Adolescents, and Families

In Person and Telehealth

Hi! I am a dedicated and compassionate therapist specializing in working with children and adolescents. My warm and empathetic approach allows me to connect with young clients, and to create an atmosphere of trust and openness. Fully committed to helping young minds navigate the complexities of life, I have devoted my career to providing support, guidance, and a safe space for personal discovery and growth. I received my BA in psychology from Elmhurst University, and my MSW from University of Southern California, with a focus on children, youth, and families.

I am passionate about working with children and youth, because I believe in the immense importance of early intervention and prevention. It is statistically proven that children and youth who receive early intervention and appropriate preventative care are able to avoid more severe problems in adulthood such as addictions, volatile or abusive relationships, truancy, personality disorders, and other difficult experiences.

Children and youth who receive early care have higher self-esteem, better self-regulating skills, more successful relationships and a healthier life trajectory. I value most providing clients with a safe space to open up, be themselves, receive nurturing and acceptance, heal from trauma, and gain the tools necessary to grow into healthy and well-adjusted individuals.

My therapeutic approach is tailored specifically to each client to meet their needs, involve their interests and blend well with their personalities. With younger clients, I utilize play therapy, sensory activities, creative time, physical activity, all evidence-based techniques which assist younger children in the therapeutic process.

Teens relate well with talk therapy, and are able to begin utilizing skills from DBT, ACT, CBT, and other clinical interventions, all of which provide a balance of guided conversation, problem solving and a non-judgmental space for free expression. With all ages, I address self-esteem, emotional regulation, trauma, family dynamics, as well as social, school and behavioral issues.

I am committed to working with my clients’ families to assist in the therapeutic process by providing parenting skills and supportive resources for families, and collaborating with school personnel.
I absolutely love doing this work! I look forward to connecting with and helping my clients overcome the unique obstacles in their paths and in their development, in order to promote strength and healing.

Areas of Interest

Play Therapy | Attachment | School Concerns | Emotional Regulation | Children of Divorce | Families | Trauma | Behavioral Issues | Anxiety | Depression | Social and Relationship Dynamics | Self-esteem and Self-image | Coping Skills |