Experience alignment.

Parent Counseling

I help parents I help parents build skills AND self-compassion so they can have the relationship they want with their child.

So you’re a parent. You love your young person, and really just want to get it right. But could there be any more conflicting advice out there? It’s enough to make your head spin! And even in those rare instances where you think you’ve got something right, it changes and you’re back to thinking, “I am totally going to screw this kid up.” The stakes feel so high, and it looks like everyone has this figured out except you. Nothing fuels the self-criticism like parenting in our digital world. I can help you sort through the noise to learn who YOU are as a parent. You’ll learn to be more self-compassionate and calm that inner critic, as well as learn relationship building skills you can use with your young person at any age, through any developmental stage. I have worked with partnered parents, as well as single-parents and can teach you real skills you can use with your kiddo or teen!

Legs of adult and child wearing boots

Parent coaching and counseling with me will help you:

  • Be kinder to yourself about those moments that you know would never land in a parenting how-to video (Don’t worry, everyone has them!)

  • Respond rather than react

  • Understand development and what might be going on for your child

  • Set age-appropriate limits 

  • Connect with your child using the exact same skills that play therapists use

  • Build a close relationship with your child at any age

  • Talk through challenges in a judgment-free zone to decide what works for you

Lego Stormtrooper Teaching Darth Vader to bike ride

No parent is perfect, and neither am I, so you can be real with me. You can expect honest, genuine conversations, something we need more of in raising young people! One of my proudest accomplishments as a parent is being told by my kids two things: “Mom, we know we can come to you and ask you anything, and you’ll tell us the truth” and “Mom, you cook such good food for us.” Honest communication and good food seem like solid relationship foundations to me. I can help you find your solid foundation. 

Photo Credits: lauren lulu Taylor (parent tossing child in air), Daniel K. Cheung (Lego Star Wars), & Daiga Ellaby (boots) on Unsplash

Our sessions will be:

  • Collaborative

    We will work together. You’re the expert on you. I’m the facilitator of change.

  • Encouraging

    Whether you know it or not, you have strengths. We will build on those.

  • Real

    I’ll be honest with you. I’ll show up and engage in the process as the real me.

  • Even fun

    This may surprise you, but counseling can (and should) be fun. Yes, it’s work. Yes, it can be hard. But humor and fun are healing.