Jennifer L. Ayres, Ph.D., ABPP, HSP
- In-Person in Central Austin | Telehealth Nationwide
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Based in Central Austin
In-Person & Virtual Care
Jennifer L. Ayres, Ph.D., ABPP, HSP
Start with a free phone call
When kids struggle, it often shows up in their behavior, thought patterns, social relationships, and even in their bodies. Together, we’ll map what’s going on, build simple skills they can actually use, and give caregivers clear next steps.
I use an integrative, developmentally tailored approach that meets each child or teen right where they are. Sessions focus on practical tools for emotion regulation, routines, sleep, school stress, anxiety, and ADHD-related challenges. I also collaborate with caregivers and teachers so the strategies we develop in session are reinforced consistently at home and in the classroom.
Evidence-based strategies to address behavior, emotional regulation, self-esteem, and social skills.
Emotion Regulation & Identification
Anxiety Skills
Panic Tools
School Refusal
Academic Routines
Homework Systems
Morning/Evening Routines
ADHD Supports
Task Initiation
Time Management
Executive Functions
Social Skills
Friendship Issues
Bullying Support
Family Transitions
Adoption Supports
Co‑Parenting Scripts
Updating Expectations
Sleep Problems
Grief & Adjustment
Mindfulness Skills
Parent Coaching
School Collaboration
Children and teens learn best with clear, simple tools and consistent practice. We’ll start with what’s hardest right now and use an integrative, developmentally sensitive, trauma-informed approach, combining CBT, coping skills for anxiety, behavior supports, mindfulness, and parent coaching, tailored to your child’s stage of development.
Caregivers receive practical tools too: scripts for tough moments, guidance on when to step in versus when to allow, limit-setting strategies, and support in updating expectations as kids grow. When helpful, I also coordinate with schools to ensure consistent support.
We pace the work and focus on changes you can actually see: easier mornings, fewer evening blowups, and better follow-through at home and school.
Share a few details and I’ll follow up with a quick call to see what your child or teen needs and whether we’re a good fit.
For children, caregivers are often part of the work. A typical session involves meeting with the child first and then spending a few minutes with the caregiver at the end to review skills, routines, or next steps. For teens, we balance their privacy with appropriate caregiver involvement. Teens decide what they want shared, and we set these expectations clearly at the start. I’ll also explain the situations where I’m legally required to report information shared in session.
In the first session, I meet with teens and their caregivers together to review how confidentiality works, what information the teen controls, and what types of updates caregivers will receive. We also go over the limits of confidentiality outlined in the intake paperwork, including situations where I’m legally required to share information for safety. Caregivers are always welcome to reach out with questions or concerns, and I’ll take their input into account while still protecting the teen’s privacy and therapeutic space.
Yes. I’m happy to collaborate with schools to share general strategies and request classroom supports. I will only speak with school staff after receiving signed consent forms and discussing with the child or teen and their caregiver(s) what information will be shared and what the family prefers to keep private.
I provide therapy and targeted supports, but I do not offer broad psychological testing, autism evaluations, or learning-disorder assessments. I do offer ADHD evaluations and provide executive-functioning recommendations when appropriate.
Yes for teens. For younger children, in‑person is usually more effective.
I teach practical, developmentally appropriate tools including emotion identification and regulation, anxiety and panic skills, mindfulness, self-compassion, social skills, time- and task-management strategies, study routines, sleep supports, and scripts for tough moments.
It depends on your goals and the concerns we’re addressing. Many families notice meaningful change within 4-8 sessions when routines and skills are practiced between visits. More complex or long-standing issues may take longer.
