Sonja Chestnut LCSW-C

Please note that we are out of network providers for all services. Sonja’s name sometimes appears in insurance directories as “in network,” because of work she has done in other settings. She does not participate with insurance for her work at this practice.

Sonja Chestnut LCSW-C

Child Therapist and Parenting Counselor, ADHD Specialist, SPACE Therapist

You imagine an amazing future for your child. But it’s hard to get from here to there. And when the screaming and crying starts, or they can’t find their shoes, it’s hard to imagine they’ll ever get there.

You see them hesitate to try new things, terrified they’ll get it wrong.  They’re angry at themselves but they’re yelling at you. And truthfully, you’re angry too. At least you sound angry…

But you’re actually scared. Scared that this won’t get better. Afraid that you don’t know what to do. Or that your child will never get it right.

You wonder “Am I doing enough?  Why can’t I stay calm when they’re melting down?  How can I keep their big feelings from dictating the mood of the house?”

It’s a helpless feeling.  All of this shame and guilt about reacting to your child’s emotions.  Not knowing how to help them.  You know it can be different.   But how?

I’ll show you. 

I help kids and adults with ADHD keep their joy and add a little structure. You’ll learn to handle big feelings like anger, overwhelm, anxiety, fear, and sadness. 

As a parent myself, I know how hard this is.  I also know that it gets better. Over the years, I’ve helped families in their toughest moments find hope and grow more than they ever thought possible.

I use tools like play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and mindfulness techniques to bring out the best in both you and your child.

If you’re ready to live a happier, more peaceful life, to understand your children better, and to see your child thrive, schedule a free consult today.

 
 

Fun Facts About Sonja

  • I once worked with Mickey Mouse.

  • I love walking my dog on sunny days.

  • I speak German fluently.

  • I used to be a preschool teacher.

  • I have 2 teenagers at home.

Sonja’s Specialties

  • Therapy for Adult ADHD

  • Therapy for children using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play-based techniques, and mindfulness to get anxiety under control, improve emotional regulation and strengthen executive function.

  • Social skills development for children with ADHD, autism, and other difficulties with social communication.

  • Support for parents raising neurodivergent children, with their own neurodivergence in the mix.

  • SPACE treatment for parents of anxious children.

 
 

Education and Training

Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work, Mental Health Concentration, University of Maryland Baltimore

Certified Oncology Social Worker

90 Hour Certification in Early Childhood Education