Sarah Waltman, LCSW

Big feelings don’t have to take over your home.

Your child is struggling with tantrums, worries, and emotional outbursts. You look at other families and wonder why this feels so much harder for you.

It’s not easy. Mornings are a battle, school drop-off feels impossible, and bedtime turns into tears (for both of you).

You’re fielding phone calls from the school about your child’s behavior, and it’s discouraging and stressful. You feel stuck and blamed (hello, mom guilt!) and wish you knew what to do to make things better for everyone… especially your child.

You’re exhausted, worried, and second-guessing yourself as a parent. You wonder: “Is this normal? Should I be doing more? Am I the only one whose child feels this way?”

Deep down, what you really want is for your child to feel calm, confident, and understood—and for you as a parent to feel supported and hopeful.

I CAN HELP.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a certified school social worker who has spent years helping children and families navigate big emotions, behavioral challenges, and stress. I provide child and parent counseling to kids with anxiety, ADHD, emotion regulation and behavioral challenges at FVCC’s Avon and Farmington offices.

My approach is warm, practical, and collaborative—I believe children thrive when parents feel empowered and supported, too.

Using evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), restorative practices, trauma-informed care, and parent–child attachment models (such as Circle of Security), I help families build the tools they need to:

  • Understand and respond to anxiety, tantrums, and big feelings

  • Strengthen connection and communication at home

  • Create realistic strategies for school success and daily routines

  • Feel calmer and more confident in their parenting

I meet children and families where they are—sometimes that means play-based strategies, sometimes parent coaching, and often both. My goal is always to create a safe, supportive space where you and your child feel heard and understood.

You don’t have to do this alone. Call (860) 255-4017 today for a free 15-minute consultation, and together we’ll find the strategies and support your family needs to thrive.

I HELP…

Preschool & Elementary Students (and their parents)

I support children who struggle with anxiety, self-regulation, separation challenges, or social/behavioral difficulties. Through age-appropriate strategies—play, art, and skill-building—we work together to help your child manage emotions and feel more secure.

Parents of Young Children

I help parents who feel overwhelmed by daily struggles at home and school. Together, we’ll build strategies for handling meltdowns, strengthening routines, and finding calm in the chaos.

Families Navigating School Stress

With my background as a school social worker, I understand the systems, supports, and challenges kids face in classrooms. I work closely with families to navigate school stress, behavior plans, and special education/504 processes.

Credentials:

  • CT Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #10684)

  • CT Certified School Social Worker (#071)

  • Master of Social Work, University of Connecticut

  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology & Sociology, Union College

  • Certified Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator

  • Completed training in Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) framework

  • Experienced School Social Worker (K–6), Outpatient Clinician, and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

  • Knowledgeable about special education services, 504 plans, and behavior intervention strategies in both school and home settings