Annie Girton, PsyD

postdoctoral Clinical Psychologist

My path to becoming a psychologist began with a longstanding interest in education and child development. During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to visit preschools and elementary schools abroad, where I observed the many ways children's development is shaped by their families, cultures, communities, and educational environments. These experiences helped me recognize that supporting children's growth extends far beyond what happens in the classroom and inspired me to pursue psychology, where I could support children within the context of the relationships and environments that surround them .

After earning my master's degree in School Psychology, I went on to complete my Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in School-Clinical Child Psychology at Pace University. Throughout my training, I gained experience providing individual, family, and group therapy across school, hospital outpatient, university clinic, and community mental health settings. These experiences also taught me the importance of collaborating closely with caregivers, schools, psychiatrists, and other providers to provide thoughtful, coordinated care that supports the unique needs of every child and family.

My therapeutic approach is grounded in an integrative relational framework. I believe that meaningful change begins with a trusting therapeutic relationship built on warmth, authenticity, and compassion. In therapy, I strive to create a collaborative environment where children, adolescents, young adults, and their families feel safe to be themselves, explore difficult experiences, and grow without fear of judgment.

For younger children, therapy often involves play, creativity, and developmentally appropriate activities that help them communicate emotions, process experiences, and build coping skills in ways that feel natural and engaging. As children grow into adolescence and young adulthood, therapy evolves alongside them, incorporating greater reflection and insight while helping clients better understand the experiences, relationships, and patterns that have shaped their current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I believe that developing this self-awareness can foster self-compassion, strengthen motivation for change, and empower clients to move toward healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.

I tailor therapy to each client's developmental level, strengths, cultural background, and lived experiences while integrating psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and play-based approaches to meet their individual needs. I have an interest in working with children, adolescents, and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, identity development, relationship challenges, emotional and behavioral concerns, and life transitions. I am also passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ youth and am committed to providing neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-sensitive, and culturally responsive care. My hope is that every client and family leaves therapy feeling more understood, more connected to themselves and others, and more confident in their ability to navigate life's challenges.