Kendra Hutcherson,
MS, Ed.S
Masters Level Counselor
Roswell Location
WHO I WORK WITH:
AGES 4 – Adulthood
AREAS OF SPECIALITY:
- Neurodivergence
- ADHD
- Autism
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Executive Functioning
- Social Skills
- Self-Esteem
- Mindfulness
- Identity Development
Hello, I'm Kendra!
I specialize in working with children and teens, helping them navigate big emotions, life changes, and everyday challenges in a way that feels safe, supportive, and age-appropriate. Growing up isn’t easy, and sometimes kids and teens need extra support to understand their feelings, build confidence, and develop healthy coping skills.
Prior to working at Early Connections, I spent 8 years in the public school systems as a School Counselor. I witnessed firsthand the daily challenges that students encounter. My consistent aim has been to empower children to overcome obstacles and realize their full potential. Regardless of whether a child is navigating family changes, school-related anxiety, self-regulation, or past trauma, I strive to provide a secure environment where they can feel accepted, understood, and heard.
My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and developmentally informed. With children, I often incorporate Child Centered Play to help them express themselves when words are hard to find. With teens, I focus on building trust, strengthening emotional awareness, and teaching practical skills they can use at school, home, and in their everyday relationships. I believe parents and caregivers are an important part of the therapeutic process. I work closely with families to provide guidance, tools, and support, while also respecting each child’s or teen’s need for their own safe space. My goal is to help kids and teens feel understood, empowered, and more confident in managing their emotions- both now and as they grow.
As both a therapist and a parent, I value collaboration with families and understand the importance of realistic, supportive strategies that work in everyday life. I recognize how personal it can feel when your child is struggling. My goal is to support parents with guidance that is compassionate, evidence-based, and realistic for daily life.
Outside of the therapy room, you can find me enjoying traveling with my husband and son. We are big Disney fans and enjoy cruising or visiting the mouse at Disney World or Disneyland when possible. We also have an 11 year old Pug, Bella who believes that she is human (too late to tell her otherwise), and we enjoy family time at home together watching Marvel movies or playing numerous rounds of Uno.
Thank you for being here. Whether seeking support for your child, teen, or yourself, I’m glad you’ve taken this step. I’m looking forward to working together and supporting growth and well-being.
Education & Trainings
- Master of Science in Counseling (2017)
- Education Specialist in Professional School Counseling (2018)
Modalities & Interventions Used
- Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
What Does a Session Look Like With Me?
Each session is tailored to your child’s or teen’s age, needs, and comfort level. I am very proud of the space that I have created which promotes a calm, welcoming environment where kids, teens (and even adults) feel safe to express themselves and build trust at their own pace. I am all about a comfortable environment for all, so this includes a giant bean-bag, a sensory tent, a comfy couch, and small stools. Snacks, games, toys, and the sandtray are a few favorites for all ages! Dartboard, basketball hoop, and an intense game of Uno are used daily. Yes, I will drop the “draw 4” card on you (Great way to work on frustration tolerance, right?!?). I explain the importance of building rapport first, as this can take time. No child is going to feel comfortable opening up if they don’t trust me or feel connected. This process can not be rushed, as it is a crucial component of the therapy process.
For the littles, I often use non-directive play, which means I allow the child to lead the play while I follow their pace and interests. Children may not always have the words to explain how they’re feeling, but through play, they can safely communicate emotions, experiences, and needs in a way that feels natural to them. In non-directive play, the toys, themes, and activities your child chooses help guide the session. My role is to create a safe, supportive environment, reflect emotions, and gently help children build emotional awareness, regulation skills, and confidence.
“Children express themselves more comfortably and fully through play than through words. Toys are children’s words and play is their language” – Garry Landreth
Favorite Modalities & Therapeutic Interventions
When working with younger kids, I tend to use Child-Centered Play Therapy, which allows children to express themselves through play rather than words. Because children don’t always have the language to explain big feelings, play becomes their natural way to communicate, process experiences, and work through challenges. In this type of therapy, the child leads the session. I provide a safe, accepting, and predictable environment where children are free to explore, create, and express emotions at their own pace. Through the therapeutic relationship, children begin to build emotional awareness, confidence, problem-solving skills, and self-regulation.
For my older kids and teens, I tend to lean on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which helps the clients understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I use CBT in a developmentally appropriate way which often includes games, visuals, and real-life examples. I find that this approach is especially helpful for anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and building coping skills. I also use Strength-Based and Person-Centered Therapy where the sessions are guided by each client’s unique personality, interests, and goals. Therapy focus is on building confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. I find this to be very helpful with my tweens, teens, and young adults.
