Individual Therapy for Children, Teens & Adults in San Clemente
Every stage of life carries its own challenges—and its own opportunities for healing, growth, and reconnection. Whether you’re supporting a child, navigating the shifting terrain of adolescence, or seeking clarity and grounding as an adult, therapy can offer a steady place to understand what you’re carrying and what you need.
At Denney Family Therapy in San Clemente, we support clients of all ages with trauma-informed, attachment-centered care. Our goal isn’t to “fix” anyone—it’s to help you make sense of your experiences, strengthen emotional safety, and build relationships that feel more connected, compassionate, and honest.
Working With Children (Ages 8+)
Ryan works with children as young as eight, using play, creativity, and regulation-based approaches to help kids express emotions safely and build confidence.
Common areas of support include:
emotional regulation
anxiety, overwhelm, or shutdown
school stress or social challenges
grief and loss
identity and self-esteem
parent–child communication
big feelings related to family transitions
Sessions with children often include parent involvement to strengthen connection and support real change at home.
If you’re seeking help navigating a child’s emotional distress or self-harming behaviors, visit our Self-Harm Support page for more guidance.
Working With Teens
Teens often feel caught between pressure, uncertainty, and the fear of disappointing others. Both Ryan and Jennie work with preteens and teens who are navigating:
anxiety, grief, or trauma
self-harming behaviors or urges
overwhelm, shutdown, or emotional numbness
identity shifts (faith, purpose, sexuality, sense of self)
friendship and relationship stress
family conflict or communication breakdowns
Therapy gives teens a place where they can speak freely, explore who they are, and feel understood without judgment.
Some teens benefit from Walking Therapy, a gentle way to process emotions outdoors with movement and grounding support.
Working With Adults
Adults often come to therapy when they feel overwhelmed by emotional patterns, relationship stress, or transitions they don’t yet have language for.
Common reasons adults seek support:
EMDR for trauma from the past or present
anxiety, shame, or self-criticism
burnout or major life transitions
identity shifts or faith deconstruction
relationship stress or communication challenges
grief, loss, or emotional disconnection
patterns connected to childhood wounds
If spiritual or identity questions are part of your story, visit our Faith Deconstruction page for more support.
Whether your work includes trauma processing, strengthening your relationships, or reconnecting with your sense of self, you’ll be met with warmth, steadiness, and a pace that feels safe for where you are.
How We Work Across the Lifespan
Our approach adapts to each person’s developmental needs while honoring the larger systems they belong to—family, culture, community, faith, and identity.
We integrate:
attachment-based therapy
trauma-informed care
experiential and relational approaches
EMDR (when appropriate)
parts work
mindfulness and regulation skills
movement-oriented sessions through Walking Therapy
Therapy is collaborative—not prescriptive.
We meet you where you are, and we go as slowly as your nervous system needs.
A Steady Place for the Whole Family
Families experience the ripple effects of each person’s emotional world. Healing often happens faster when everyone is supported. If you’re looking for couples or parent-focused care, explore our Couples, Parents & Families page.
Therapy is offered both in person in San Clemente and virtually across California.
Whenever you’re ready, we’re here.
Reach out to begin.