four superhero kids wearing superhero costumes looking at the ocean

CHILDREN & PARENTING

There is support and help for you and for your child who is struggling.

It’s normal at times to not know the best way to help your child with some of the things they are struggling with. Therapy—with a therapist that has experience working with children—can help give your child and you the tools you need to address issues that have come up in childhood. Early intervention can often eliminate or reduce the need for therapy as they develop or reduce the intensity of ongoing issues.

It can be heartbreaking to watch your child struggle.

  • A child can have behavior challenges at school, socially, or at home. Sometimes, just a little extra support is needed.
  • Developing social skills, communication skills, and navigating the stresses of daily life can be overwhelming. With therapy, parents and children can learn new skills for achieving positive, healthy outcomes.
  • Learning to identify and express emotions in a healthy way is possible for your child.

I can help you and your children address the problems that are interfering with school, home, and personal life.

With skilled help, children can learn to build their skills, feelings of self-worth, and cognitive paradigms. With counseling and guidance, parents learn to navigate, address and encourage the changes they would like to see.

Call now and let me help you and your child address the problems that are interfering with school, home, or personal life.

Is your child experiencing stress, anxiety, high conflict, or depression?

With skilled help, children can learn to build their skills, feelings of self-worth, and cognitive paradigms. With counseling and guidance, parents learn to navigate, address and encourage the changes they would like to see.

Make an appointment today and feel the reassurance that comes from getting your child the help and support that is needed.

sad boy sitting alone
siblings arguing

Equip your child and yourself with the tools and support needed for a healthy future.
It could be one of the best gifts you ever give your child.

Call today for an appointment.

Children’s language is play.

Children’s language is play. This is why I have a fully equipped playroom in my office. My private professional office is equipped for play therapy, sand tray therapy, art therapy, and talk therapy. With these tools, I am able to interact with the child on their terms and on their level. This helps create a safe and engaging environment designed to foster the work that needs to be done.

Happy boy with drawings
young boy talking to adult
child using a therapy sandbox

I love working with children and bring to you and your child over 20 years of experience working with children of all ages.

Set up an appointment today for you and your child to get the tools and support you need.

All work with children is also work with parents.

Young family smilingI see myself as part of a team that includes the child that I am working with as well as their parents. Often there are simple, straight-forward ways in which the parents can support the work that is being done in therapy. I also involve the parents to help me develop a well-rounded picture of what is going on with their child and contributing factors. Whatever your child is struggling with, I work as a team with you to help your child.

Below are some of the frequent concerns of parents and their children. Fortunately, positive outcomes and can be achieved by working with me in a positive, supportive, highly-collaborative setting.

  • Behavior problems at home/school
  • Childhood depression
  • Anxiety
  • Grief and loss of a loved one or pet
  • Grief and loss over parents’ divorce
  • Sibling rivalry
  • Bullying
  • Gender Identity
  • Managing emotions
  • Parenting support
  • Co-parenting support
  • Trauma
  • Molestation or abuse
  • Lying
  • Emotional impact due to academic problems
  • Problems with social media
  • Socialization issues
  • Anger problems
  • Seems sad
  • Easily overwhelmed with feelings
  • Sensitive child

Let’s Talk

Call now for an appointment
(831) 246-2545

CATHERINE MARCOTTE
720 River Street, Suite 7 (in the Gateway Plaza)
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Email: catherine@catherinemarcotte.com

Appointments available:
Tuesday: 9am - 5pm
Wednesday: 9am - 5pm
Thursday: 9am - 5pm
Friday:  9am - 5pm
Closed Monday, Saturday & Sunday

Evening appointments available.
Weekend appointments available by special arrangement.

© Copyright 2026. Catherine Marcotte, MFT. All Rights Reserved.