“Deep listening is an act of surrender. We risk being changed by what we hear. When the story is done, we must return to our skin, our own worldview, and notice how we have been changed by our visit”
~ Valarie Kaur
Hi there! I’m Dr. Savannah Sweet, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in infant and early childhood mental health. I am passionate about supporting young children and their parents/caregivers through critical developmental stages and stressful life events. My clinical approach is attachment-based and trauma-informed, with a focus on strengthening caregiver-child relationships. I also help caregivers explore generational patterns and family dynamics that may be influencing current challenges, while honoring cultural and societal influences on parenting.
Parent Support
I believe that parenting is a deeply personal experience, influenced by societal/cultural expectations and past experiences in our family of origin. At Flourish Therapy + Wellness Center, I support parents with infants or young children under 6 years old who may be experiencing behavioral and emotional challenges. In addition, I work with parents whose children are experiencing stressful life events, such as grief and loss, trauma, and parental separation, or those who are navigating the foster care and adoption process.
Perinatal and Maternal Mental Health
I offer support to individuals experiencing heightened levels of stress during the perinatal period, whether it be preparing for parenthood or working through past or current trauma, all with the goals of helping parents understand how trauma has affected them, navigating the transition to parenthood, and strengthening caregiving skills and loving connections with their newborn. I provide maternal mental health support for birthing parents who have had traumatic birthing experiences, are experiencing post-partum symptoms, and those with babies with complex medical conditions or hospitalizations. I offer both individual and group-based infant massage coaching to support parent-infant bonding and attunement.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Care
I provide neuro-affirming therapy for children with autism and ADHD, grounded in the belief that neurodiverse children should not be expected to fit into a specific “mold” to succeed. My approach focuses on understanding each child’s unique strengths, sensory and regulation needs, communication style, and ways of engaging with the world in order to best help them learn and progress developmentally. I work closely with families to build environments and routines that support regulation, connection, and confidence in the home, school, etc.
My Philosophy
I work from a lens that honors each family’s unique cultural background, values, and lived experiences, recognizing that parenting and child development do not occur in isolation but are shaped by larger social and systemic forces. I strive to practice with cultural humility, approaching each family as the expert on their own experiences.
Certifications, Training and Approach
- Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)
- TF-CBT
- DIR-Floortime
- Infant Massage
- Incredible Years (IY) Dinosaur School
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles
- Master of Arts in Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, California State University Dominguez Hills
Mission
I strive to create a safe and affirming space where every child and caregiver feels seen, heard, and understood. Through compassionate care, advocacy, and collaboration, I aim to empower families, honor their unique stories, and support them in building nurturing relationships that foster healthy development.