get to know the child and family connection

Apr 10

By: Bethany Myers, Photos Courtesy of Tesla Rae Photography

The definition of a parent has changed as we’ve evolved. Rather than just a biological connection, a parent can be anyone who cares for a child as if it was their own. From adoptive parents to step-parents, and even grandparents or aunts and uncles, the immense energy and love that it requires to tend to children is undeniable. Families of today can be nuclear, or blended with many different dynamics - and none of them are perfect. Children are faced with many challenges and choices in our current culture that can be daunting, so providing a safe home and an outlet to express their emotions is imperative for healthy growth. If you’re looking for an eclectic approach to meet a variety of developmental, behavioral, and mental health needs for your child, consider The Child and Family Connection in Costa Mesa.

Who is The Child and Family Connection

Composed of a group of highly skilled clinicians, The Child and Family Connection provides an evidence-based approach to help families find solutions to behavioral issues, support family transitions, and strengthen the parent-child relationship. Owner and Founder, Dr. Halyey Pedersen, is committed to sharing her expertise within the Orange County community through The Child and Family Connection.

How it All Began

Before starting her private practice, Dr. Pedersen always grew up with strong family traditions. She spent her early years on the east coast in Pennsylvania and has fond memories of swimming competitively throughout her entire childhood. The challenging training, comradery of the team, and 6:00 am practices helped her develop a strong work ethic, team-focused spirit, and discipline.

Dr. Pedersen went on to pursue a degree from Penn State University in elementary education, and after working as an educator for a few years, pursued a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University. Through all of her family therapy experiences, working with children was the most enjoyable, and ultimately why she decided to return to school for her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D) from Azusa Pacific University. Dr. Pedersen was fortunate to build a strong relationship with Coastal Kids Pediatric Medical Group, Inc., and began her career at their Newport Beach location. Through rapport and confidence with their providers, Dr. Pedersen has expanded her business, opened up her own office, and continues to support the families of Coastal Kids throughout Orange County.

“We are a child-focused practice and are able to work with and treat very young children. With our advanced degrees and training, we can explore big emotions through play and behavioral therapy, and explore brain-behavior relationships that can cause children to “act out” because they do not yet have the skills to express themselves otherwise. This opens up the door for more understanding between parents and their child's behavior,” says Dr. Pedersen.

More about the Business

The philosophy of The Child and Family Connection is grounded in a “whole-child approach” to effectively develop treatment plans and support the highest potential for hundreds of families in the Orange County area. The clinicians meet families where they’re at and work together to identify goals and ways they can achieve them. All of their interventions are based on the parent and child’s needs, differences, and strengths. To further accommodate their client’s needs, the practice offers unique hours of early mornings, late evenings, and even weekend availability.

It’s no secret that parenting is quite possibly the hardest job anyone could ever have. There’s no perfect way to parent - each family has their own unique needs and it’s important to honor those. As a parent herself, Dr. Pedersen understands how difficult it can be when the light at the end of the tunnel seems so dim. But her personal experience as a mother informs her work as a clinical psychologist to help overcome seemingly impossible challenges. Dr. Pedersen has aided in many real-life success stories, watching the relationship between parent and child improve, flourish, and grow deeper. The ultimate goal is to foster healthy, productive families who provide endless benefits to the individual, community, and society at large.

When she’s not working one-on-one with children, Dr. Pedersen loves spending time outside, courtesy of the nice, year-round weather. She loves quality time with her two boys and husband, playing tennis near their Newport Beach home, hosting themed events, and traveling when her schedule allows.

Charity and Giving Back

With a mission to support organizations that serve underserved populations, Dr. Pedersen has volunteered her resources and education as a consultant, providing free mental health support to The Thomas House Family Shelter. She and her husband also lead and support fundraising events like the “Jog-a-thon” at her son’s school to raise money for their specialist teachers and technology needs.

With even bigger goals to serve a wider population in the near future, Dr. Pedersen plans to create a non-profit that exists as a separate arm of her practice, providing mental and behavioral health services.

If you or someone you know is looking for extra help and new tools to effectively raise children, The Child and Family Connection is the perfect place to start your journey. You’ll discover a calm, safe, and serene environment the moment you step into the office. Discover the difference of working with such a caring and qualified team.