Yancy Padilla
PCIT Certified Therapist, TF-CBT Certified Therapist
She/ Her
Licensed In
DC & Maryland (Telehealth & In-Person)
Areas of Expertise
PCIT, Self-Harm, TF-CBT, Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention, Parenting Work, S.P.A.C.E. (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) Model, Trauma-Specific and Early Childhood Interventions, ACT
Ages
Early Childhood and Adolescent (0-18 Years)
Other Languages
Spanish
Weekend Availibility
About Me
Hello! My name is Yancy Padilla, and I am a licensed clinical social worker with 13 years of experience working with children, youth, and families. As the daughter of Latino immigrant parents, I have dedicated my career to providing psychotherapy to children, youth, and families in Maryland and the District of Columbia. My journey as a therapist has been deeply fulfilling, and I'm passionate about helping my clients navigate their challenges and thrive.
Education
Baccalaureate’s Degree in Social Work with a Minor in Psychology
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
Master’s in Social Work
The School of Social Work at The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB)
Approach / Modalities
My clinical work is rooted in evidence-based practices and strength-based therapeutic approaches. I am a certified provider of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and Child-Focused Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI). Additionally, I am trained in the Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (S.P.A.C.E.) model, which empowers parents to support their children in overcoming anxiety.
Expertise
My expertise is in trauma, attachment, foster care, PTSD, anxiety, depression, acculturation, and immigration family reunification. Based on my personal and professional experience as a native Spanish speaker, I have sought to break down language barriers to meet the needs of Spanish speaking immigrants seeking mental health services.
I am a mother of two. In my spare time, you will find me outdoors trail running, hiking, camping - anything that involves being in nature and getting dirty. Don’t be surprised if you find me eating chocolate while reading because who doesn’t do that?!
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or TF-CBT, is a special approach that helps children, teens, and their families heal from the effects of trauma. Together, we work on understanding and processing those difficult memories, while also building strong coping skills. My goal is to help you and your child feel more confident and secure as you move forward, reducing those heavy feelings of anxiety and sadness that trauma can bring.
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Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, or PCIT, is a fantastic way to strengthen the bond between you and your young child, especially if you're facing challenging behaviors. In our sessions, I'll coach you in real-time on how to handle those tough moments with positivity and calm. This approach is especially helpful for families with kids who are struggling with behaviors like defiance or emotional outbursts. By learning these new skills together, you'll see your relationship grow stronger, and your child's behavior improve.
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The S.P.A.C.E. model is a bit different from traditional therapy because it focuses on empowering you as a parent. Instead of working directly with your child, we focus on how you can change your responses to your child’s anxiety.
Sometimes, we unknowingly reinforce their fears by accommodating them, and S.P.A.C.E. helps you reduce those accommodations in a supportive and loving way. It's all about helping your child face their fears while knowing you're there to support them every step of the way.
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CFTSI, or Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention, is a wonderful tool that we use shortly after a child has experienced something traumatic. It’s all about getting in early to prevent long-term effects of trauma.
We work closely with both the child and the caregiver to improve communication and manage those tough feelings. By intervening early, we can help your child feel more secure and less overwhelmed by what they’ve gone through, making sure they have the support they need to heal.
Developed at the Yale Child Study Center , CFTSI is a structured yet flexible evidence-based early intervention model.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, is all about helping young people accept their emotions and thoughts without letting them take over. It’s a gentle and mindful approach that encourages kids and teens to live in line with their values, even when things feel tough.
Through ACT, we work on being present in the moment and making choices that lead to a fulfilling life, despite any challenges. It’s a really empowering way for kids and teens to develop resilience and emotional flexibility.