My Approach to Helping
Feel like you're at war with your child? Parenting an adolescent or teenager is like a roller coaster - you don't know whether to laugh, cry, scream, or throw up. I'm here to help guide teens and their parents through the exciting, yet often challenging, journey of adolescence that is a time of growth and self-discovery. With over 15 years of experience working with children, and the support of my therapy dog, Remmi, I'm here to guide families by offering strategies that empower both parents and teens. My ideal client includes parents that are committed to personal growth by participating in family sessions and parenting-education.
As a therapist and the parent of three adolescents, I understand that every teenager and family is unique, and their struggles and triumphs are just as individual. I specialize in supporting blended families- because being a part of a blended family adds an extra layer of complexity to the parenting journey.
Remmi and I aren't just here to watch from the sidelines, we're ready to jump into the mix with you. I'm here to offer a helping hand, a listening ear, and a bunch of pawsitive energy. Let's create a space where both you and your teen can thrive.
How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist
Before becoming a therapist, I was an educator for many years which helped me understand how disruptions in early developmental stages affects clients throughout their lifespan. From there I transitioned into child advocacy work and began pursuing clinical licensure. Seeing children and families in crisis spotlighted the importance of access to mental health services. My background in child and human development, along with years spent assessing the unique experiences and traumas of individuals taught me that healthy relationships and healthy families are crucial! I love helping people find a balance between freedom and accountability in relationships and have a passion for helping couple's find healing through love, understanding, and positive communication.
In addition to my professional identity, I am also a wife of a first responder and a mom to three wonderful (albeit maddeningly energetic) boys. We do sports, we do rough-housing, and we do LOUD very well. In addition to being a rowdy bunch, we have also spent the last seven years blending this amazing family. Divorce recovery and blended family issues are something that I specialize in and have experienced personally. When we start talking about these hard topics in counseling, know that I've been there, done that, still have the t-shirt and am here to hold space for you to discuss how these things personally impact your life.