Parenting Consults
Don’t know why your child is moody or failing in school?
Are you struggling with trying to connect with your kids?
Do you and your spouse need help getting on the same page?
“My family and children are very grateful and appreciative for all you have done for us.”
-father of adopted children
“I feel so much better and I have some techniques on how to not be so reactive and controlling with my kids and my husband!”
- mother of two young boys
If there is anything that we wish to change in the child, we should first examine it and see whether it is not something that could better be changed in ourselves. ~C.G. Jung, Integration of the Personality, 1939
I offer a multi-level approach to improve your communication and relationship with your child(ren). I have had the honor of witnessing many successes and I share what has worked for others, as well as, take into consideration your own unique values and beliefs.
- Self-worth / Honesty
- Motivation
- Personal responsibility
- Effective communication
- Respect and compassion
DECREASE
- Power struggles
- Defiance / Entitlement
- Disrespect / Lying
- Sibling Rivalry
- Attention getting misbehaviors
Whether it’s helping family members understand and support someone with ADD/ADHD, or clarifying family rules and routines to support the counseling, change is more likely to occur naturally when the whole system is involved. After the initial assessment, goals and objectives will be developed along with a recommended number of sessions. I collaborate with schools, physicians, and other professionals to provide a more effective support plan based on your child's developmental stage.
You will develop personalized tools that reduce the overall stress of the family. Then you will have more energy to focus on the longer term changes that will maintain the new ways of being….Many families report major changes in 6-10 visits.
I can help! Email me or call 253-651-3752 to get started.
Raising Confident Kids
As early as preschool, it is essential for adults to give children the opportunity to figure things out for themselves. This doesn’t mean giving them free reign. Parents can give freedom to children to explore their abilities and power, while providing clear limits. When parents convey an acceptance of their child’s assertion of wanting to do it their way, children feel powerful and more confident, even when they don’t actually get their way. More…
Perfectionism
We live in a world where people thrive from having high standards for themselves and can easily adapt to the needs of a situation. If success is only based on getting it right, then many children will keep from even trying. On the outside, this can look like being stubborn, lazy, apathetic, or self-absorbed. Children can be full of excuses or conceal mistakes to avoid being found out. More…
Children and Divorce
Of course, you did your best to make it work, and you might feel like you failed yourself and your children. That doesn’t have to be the case. Studies show that there are ways to minimize the psychological and sociological effects. Now more than ever, your children need you to take care of your own emotional health, and be aware of their needs. More…
Communicating Financial Stress and Job Loss to Children
One of the beautiful things about children is their innocence. Many people feel guilty or ashamed when they have lost financial status or a job. Your mind can make up stories that your kids will lose their innocence and be stressed out. However, kids who are included in family business report feeling a greater sense of belonging and feel more important. More…
Increasing Structure and Routines
Relaxation Tools for Kids
Sibling Rivalry
Beware of these energy drains
Supporting your child through grief and loss
Parents of Teens
Do you feel helpless and left out, unable to connect with your teen?
Are you worried about their behavior choices?
"I was at my wits end and didn't know what to do. I was surprised at how quickly things changed."
-father of teenager
Adolescents are bombarded with many transition issues. There are many more responsibilities and choices to be made which can leave teens overwhelmed and scared. It can be "easier" to reject these expectations than face the feeling of failure (act as if they don't care, school failure, defiance, numbing behaviors like high drama and partying).
Teens need strong guidance and genuine encouragement to establish healthy boundaries. At a time when there are many outside influences, teens gain confidence and stability when they are able to get some inner navigation of those stormy waters within. This often calms symptoms of ADHD/ADD, Anxiety, Depression, Explosive Anger, and Power Struggles. I can support them with coping skills to decrease their overall stress and improve their communication skills.
Teens Only
Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to meet the standards of others?
Do you feel like you have to be someone else to please others?
Are you confused about who you are?
Is life feeling very intense?
"It wasn't bad. I actually liked it. I'm using the stuff we talk about and it's getting better."
-teenager after 6 sessions
Being a teen is hard these days. You may have excitement about your life's dreams and be completely overwhelmed by how to get there. You have teachers, coaches, parents and friends giving you advice, and it may seem hard to hear your own voice. This can lead to being caught up in living the expectations of others just to avoid the pressure put on you to conform.
I will provide you with a private space to explore your options, your values and beliefs, and gain insight on what you want for yourself. Oftentimes, your outcome is not so far off of what others want, but it is important to find your own way there, otherwise you can feel like a robot. Other times, what you want is very different from the expectations of those around you.
I can help you gain acceptance and understanding, without self-sabotaging behaviors. With increased freedom comes more responsibility. I will support you to manage your responsibilities in a way that leads you to feel proud of yourself by honoring your own integrity.
If you are ready to begin, contact me to get started.
253.651.3752 or email me
