Is couples therapy actually effective after infidelity, or is the relationship usually over?

Yes—couples therapy can be highly effective after infidelity when both partners are willing to engage in structured, evidence-based work. Recovery focuses on rebuilding emotional safety, understanding the rupture, and repairing trust over time. Melissa uses Gottman Method Couples Therapy to help partners stabilize emotions, reduce reactivity, and create clear steps toward repair, accountability, and renewed intimacy.

Can couples therapy help with intimacy and sexual connection after trust has been broken?

Yes. Infidelity often disrupts emotional and physical intimacy. Melissa integrates couples therapy with sex-positive, trauma-informed work to address desire differences, sexual avoidance, resentment, and reconnection—even when nothing is “clinically wrong,” but the relationship feels disconnected.

I’ve never been to therapy — how do I know if this will actually help me?

Many high-performing individuals seek therapy because internal pressure, stress, or patterns are limiting performance. Melissa works with clients who value efficiency, structure, and clear outcomes. Therapy focuses on emotional regulation, clarity, and performing well under pressure—not vague or open-ended conversations.

How does mental performance therapy help teen athletes?

Mental performance therapy helps teen athletes manage pressure, regulate emotions, recover from mistakes, and maintain confidence in competitive environments. Melissa works with high-school, club, and collegiate-level athletes to strengthen focus, emotional control, and mental resilience.

Do you work with court-ordered or court-involved therapy cases?

Yes. Melissa has extensive experience providing court-involved family therapy, trauma-informed assessments, and clinically sound documentation. She approaches these high-stakes situations with professionalism, objectivity, and care.

Lauren Pages, MSW

Specializing in Child & Adolescent Therapy in Tampa

Specializes in DBT & CBT therapy for children, teens, and families
Focused on anxiety, depression, school stress, emotional regulation, and self-esteem

About Lauren

Lauren focuses on serving children, adolescents, young adults, and families across Tampa Bay . She is dedicated to helping children navigate emotional and behavioral challenges with care, clarity, and confidence.

Lauren supports children and teens through common developmental and life-cycle stressors, including: anxiety, low self-esteem, school-related stress, mood challenges, and difficulties with emotional regulation. She combines evidence-based practices with a warm, individualized approach, creating a therapeutic experience that is both structured and engaging.

Credentials & Education

Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern (RCSWI) — Florida | License #ISW20355
Master of Social Work (MSW) — University of South Florida, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences
Trained in evidence-based models including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills
- Motivational Interviewing
- Developmentally appropriate interventions including play, movement, art, and mindfulness

Schedule a consultation

Who Lauren Supports

Lauren works with:

Children ages 5+ facing emotional or behavioral challenges
Tweens and teens navigating anxiety, academic stress, low self-esteem, or mood concerns
Families seeking collaborative support to improve communication, understanding, and functioning
Young clients experiencing difficulty with emotional regulation or life transitions

Parents value Lauren’s compassionate presence, evidence-based approach, and ability to create a safe space where children feel heard, respected, and empowered to grow.

Lauren’s Approach to Therapy

Lauren’s work is grounded in research and tailored to the individual needs of each client. She integrates:

CBT to help youth identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns
DBT skills to build emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness
Mindfulness and creative strategies to support engagement, build insight, and reduce overwhelm
A family-inclusive framework that strengthens support outside of sessions

Her therapy style is goal oriented, developmentally appropriate, and rooted in building resilience and confidence, not just symptom-reduction.

What Lauren Helps Clients With

Lauren supports children and teens through:

Anxiety and school stress
Depressive symptoms and low mood
Self-esteem concerns
Emotional regulation challenges
Behavioral concerns at home or in school
Parent–child communication strains

She understands how these issues can impact everyday functioning and family dynamics, and works gently yet effectively to help young clients make meaningful, sustainable progress.

Lauren’s Background & Training

Lauren’s professional experience includes:

Providing individual and family therapy to children and adolescents (ages 5–20)
School-based counseling within Hillsborough County Public Schools
Conducting intake assessments, suicide risk assessments, and treatment planning
Supporting youth with anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, emotional regulation challenges, and family conflict
Facilitating collaboration between families, schools, and community stakeholders

Her clinical training includes:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills
Motivational Interviewing
Trauma-informed care
Mindfulness-based and developmentally appropriate interventions

A Message From Lauren

“Growing up is hard. I believe every child and teen deserves a safe space to be understood, to learn about themselves, and to build the tools they need to thrive. My goal is to walk alongside young clients and families with empathy, practical skills, and hope for real, lasting change.”

Ready to work with Lauren?

We invite you to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with us to begin your healing journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages does Lauren work with?

Lauren provides therapy for children ages 5 and older, as well as tweens, teens, and young adults. She has experience working with clients ages 5–20 in outpatient and school-based settings, and up to age 40 in an Intensive Outpatient Program setting.

Does Lauren provide child therapy in Tampa?

Yes. Lauren provides in-person child and teen therapy in Tampa and works with families throughout Hillsborough County. Virtual therapy is also available for clients across Florida.

What types of issues does Lauren treat in children and teens?

Lauren works with children and adolescents experiencing:

Anxiety and school stress
Depression and mood concerns
Emotional regulation difficulties
ADHD-related challenges
Self-esteem concerns
Family conflict
Self-harm and suicidal ideation (within appropriate levels of care)

She tailors treatment based on the developmental needs of each child.

What therapy approaches does Lauren use with teens?

Lauren uses evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills. These methods help teens understand their thoughts, manage intense emotions, build coping skills, and improve communication.

She also integrates mindfulness and expressive techniques to make therapy engaging and developmentally appropriate.

Is Lauren licensed?

Lauren is a Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern (RCSWI) in the state of Florida. This means she has completed her Master of Social Work degree and is working toward full licensure under qualified supervision in accordance with Florida Board regulations.

How do I know if my child needs therapy?

Parents often consider therapy when they notice:

Increased anxiety or school avoidance
Mood changes or withdrawal
Emotional outbursts or shutdowns
Declining academic performance
Difficulty managing stress or peer relationships

Early support can help prevent concerns from becoming more severe. Lauren works collaboratively with families to assess needs and determine the best course of treatment.

Locations Served

Lauren offers in-person therapy in Tampa and surrounding areas.