Tayler Dando, LLMSW-C

Tayler Dando, LLMSW-C is a clinical social worker providing individual and family therapy for children, adolescents, and caregivers. She works with young people experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, bullying, relationship difficulties, trauma, emotional dysregulation, and significant life changes.

Tayler uses a trauma-informed and relational approach to help children and teens feel safe, understood, and supported. She believes that connection and trust are essential parts of therapy and strives to create a welcoming space where young people can express themselves authentically while developing practical skills for managing emotions, relationships, and everyday challenges.

About Tayler Dando, LLMSW-C

Tayler earned her master’s degree in social work from Saginaw Valley State University and later obtained her school social work certification through Michigan State University.

Her professional experience includes working as a foster care worker and providing community- and home-based therapy. Her school social work background also gives her an understanding of the special education process and the social, emotional, and behavioral challenges children may experience at school.

Tayler believes every child deserves opportunities to succeed. She works to help children and teens recognize their strengths, develop new skills, and feel seen, heard, and valued.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Tayler has specialized training in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), an evidence-based treatment that works directly with young children and their caregivers.

PCIT helps strengthen the caregiver-child relationship while teaching caregivers practical skills for responding to challenging behavior. It can be especially helpful for young children experiencing frequent tantrums, defiance, aggression, difficulty following directions, emotional dysregulation, and other behavioral or relationship challenges.

Tayler’s emphasis on caregiver involvement and helping parents become more attuned to their child’s individual needs fits naturally with PCIT’s focus on strengthening positive caregiver-child interactions.

Families concerned about frequent anger, tantrums, defiance, or other difficult behaviors can also learn more about our therapy for challenging childhood behavior.

Trauma-Informed Therapy for Children and Teens

Tayler has experience working with children, adolescents, and families who have experienced trauma throughout their lives. She uses a trauma-informed and relational approach when working with young people affected by experiences such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, traumatic grief, and significant life changes.

Therapy may include helping children and teens learn new ways to manage distress, regulate emotions, strengthen interpersonal relationships, and recognize and change unhelpful patterns of thinking. Tayler incorporates creativity, art, and play to make these skills developmentally appropriate and engaging.

Families can learn more about therapy for childhood trauma and post-traumatic stress at Kalamazoo Child & Family Counseling.

Therapy for Anxiety, Depression, and Emotional Regulation

Tayler works with children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, bullying, relationship difficulties, and problems managing strong emotions.

She helps young people develop practical strategies for managing distress, understanding and regulating emotions, strengthening relationships, and responding more effectively to difficult situations. Creativity, art, play, and conversation may all be incorporated based on the child’s age and individual needs.

School and Special Education Experience

Tayler’s school social work training and professional experience give her an understanding of challenges that can affect children at school, including peer relationships, emotional and behavioral concerns, academic stress, and the special education process.

For families whose concerns may also involve attention, learning, or developmental difficulties, Kalamazoo Child & Family Counseling provides psychological testing and evaluations and comprehensive ADHD testing.

Working With Parents and Caregivers

Tayler believes caregiver involvement can be an important part of helping children get the most from therapy. She works collaboratively with parents and caregivers to better understand their child’s needs, reinforce skills outside of sessions, and strengthen caregiver-child relationships.

She recognizes that beginning therapy can require courage and vulnerability for both children and their caregivers. Her goal is to build a foundation of connection and trust that allows families to work together toward meaningful change.

Clinical Interests

Tayler’s clinical interests and areas of experience include:

• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
• Childhood trauma
• Traumatic grief
• Sexual and physical abuse
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Emotional regulation
• Self-esteem
• Bullying and peer relationships
• Family and life transitions
• Caregiver-child relationships
• Foster care experiences
• School-related concerns
• Special education

Looking for a Therapist for Your Child or Teen?

If you are interested in working with Tayler or another member of our child and adolescent therapy team, you can request a therapy intake online. Our team can help determine which available provider may be a good fit for your child and family.

You may also call 269-615-7637 and select Extension 1 for assistance.