For Curious & Growing Minds
Psychotherapy & Parent Training for Children and Families
The mind behind Kokominds
Gabriela Aguiar, LMHC, NCC
Psychotherapist
Welcome! I'm Gabriela, an independently licensed, bilingual therapist (English and Spanish) dedicated to helping children, adolescents, and young adults navigate life's challenges. With a psychology degree and a Master’s in Mental Health and Behavioral Medicine from Boston University, I’m licensed to practice in Florida and Massachusetts.
Growing up can be tough—whether it’s dealing with anxiety, school pressures, or the emotional ups and downs that come with adolescence. I specialize in creating a safe space for kids and adolescents to talk about these difficult topics. I know how overwhelming it can be as a parent to watch your child struggle, but with the right guidance and support, they can thrive. Their resilience and adaptability are powerful, and I’m here to help them (and you!) every step of the way.
“I’m here to support your child's emotional well-being.”
Our Services
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Anxiety in kids can manifest as excessive worry, constant question-asking, restlessness, trouble concentrating, irritability, sleep disturbances, physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches, and avoidance of certain activities or social situations.
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It can show up differently in children and teenagers, often manifesting as a lack of interest, low self-esteem, anger, lashing out, social withdrawal, irritability, excessive sleeping, changes in appetite, and difficulties in school or extracurricular activities, among other signs and symptoms.
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Parent training is a program or series of sessions aimed at providing parents with the skills, strategies, and knowledge needed to effectively support and manage their children's behavior, development, and emotional well-being.
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Grief is an intense emotional response to loss, typically involving feelings of sadness, sorrow, and mourning. It can occur due to the death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or other major life changes, and it often includes a range of emotions such as anger, guilt, and confusion.
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Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope, often leading to lasting emotional and psychological effects. It’s not the event itself that causes trauma, but how the person perceives the event.
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Self-esteem for kids is how they view themselves and their sense of self-worth. It helps them feel capable, confident, and valued, allowing them to handle challenges, try new things, and build positive relationships.
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Behavior concerns include disruptive actions like hitting, throwing, excessive tantrums, or defiance that affect learning, social interactions, or well-being, often requiring support or intervention to address underlying issues.
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Assisting parents in navigating various transitions with their infants and toddlers, such as potty training, separation anxiety, sleep training, and picky eating.
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5-12 years old. Concerns that may arise include transitions, anxiety, depression, behavior problems, social skills, academic adjustments, family dynamics, separation anxiety, and developmental milestones.
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13-17 years old. New stages bring numerous changes, including shifts in friendships, relationships, identity formation, managing independence, decision-making, body changes, emotional regulation, and academic stress.
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Early life transitions are significant changes or milestones that occur during a child's development, such as starting school, moving to a new home, the birth of a sibling, potty training, and beginning social activities. These transitions can impact a child's emotional and psychological development and often require adjustment and support.
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High schoolers going into college. Help with different expectations, balancing responsibilities, emotional changes, career development, health and wellness.
Our Approaches
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Psychotherapy is a process where a person talks with a trained professional to help understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This professional helps individuals cope with emotional challenges, solve problems, and develop healthier ways of thinking and acting. It's similar to seeing a doctor, but the focus is on improving mental and emotional health instead of physical health.
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Behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing unhealthy or harmful behaviors. It helps people identify negative behaviors and replace them with positive ones through techniques like practicing new skills, using rewards, and setting goals. This type of therapy is often used to treat issues like anxiety, depression, and habits like smoking or overeating.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps people change negative thinking and behavior patterns. It focuses on identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts and beliefs and then replacing them with more positive and realistic ones. CBT is often used to treat a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and stress. It combines techniques from cognitive therapy, which focuses on thoughts, and behavioral therapy, which focuses on actions.
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Child-parent psychotherapy (CPP) is a type of therapy that helps young children and their parents or caregivers heal from stressful or traumatic experiences. It focuses on strengthening the relationship between the child and the parent to improve the child's emotional and behavioral health. In CPP, the therapist works with both the child and the parent together, helping them understand and respond to each other's feelings and needs in a supportive way.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps people accept their thoughts and feelings instead of fighting or feeling guilty about them. ACT encourages individuals to live in the present moment and commit to actions that align with their values, even when faced with difficult emotions. The goal is to increase psychological flexibility, allowing people to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life despite challenges.
Growing Together: A Daily Guide to Parent-Child Bonding
Navigating the challenges of growing up can be tough for kids—and sometimes even tougher for the adults who care for them. Understanding a child's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors often feels like a puzzle. That's where this guide comes in.
This 30-day workbook is designed to help you connect with your child during those difficult moments by shifting the focus from challenges to the goodness within. By reflecting on your own childhood experiences, you'll gain insights that can bridge the gap between generations, nurturing your child's self-esteem, trust, and confidence.
Perfect for parents, guardians, and caregivers, this guide is versatile enough for children of all ages. With engaging prompts, fun games, and bonus conversation starters, it’s an accessible tool for deepening your bond and enhancing the well-being of your child, whether they're facing challenges or thriving. Start this journey together and discover the transformative power of understanding, empathy, and connection.