Family Conflict
There are a lot of misconceptions about what family therapy looks like. Many parents either want a therapist to fix their child, or they fear being blamed for their child’s issues. My approach to family therapy is neither. It is a collaborative process in which I join with the family to work through conflict, behavioral issues, or disconnection within the family.
Another myth about family therapy is that it is just for times of “crisis” or conflict. When families experience significant changes, family therapy can help strengthen relationships while moving through times of transition. I work with families going through changes such as:
Moving to a new community or school
Birth or adoption of a new sibling
Death of a family member
Divorce or remarriage
I work directly with teens ages 16 and above. I also work individually with parents of younger children who are experiencing behavioral issues. Regardless of your family situation or structure, I welcome you to begin seeking peace and healing in the counseling environment.
Parenting Issues
I often meet with parents who love their children and want to see them thrive, but find themselves exhausted and frustrated by the challenges of parenting. My office is a safe place for parents to process feelings of frustration, disappointment, sadness, and shame. I support parents through honoring their experiences and offering hope in the journey of parenting.
While I do not meet with children under 16 years of age at this time, I do regularly meet with parents who are having difficulties with parenting younger children. These difficulties can range from caring for a child with emotional and behavioral issues, to ineffective discipline strategies, to feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of raising a child. Counseling can provide a space for those experiencing the complexities of parenting and remind you that you are not alone.
Adoption & Foster Care
Foster care and adoptive care are not easy journeys for any family. I am personally and professionally acquainted with the joys and challenges of fostering, and I provide families and individuals with support in this process. Some families experience grief at the loss of a foster child or potential adoptive placement, whereas others struggle to bond with their children and experience feelings of frustration, shame, and guilt. Family therapy can support the emotional and relational health of families navigating these challenges and offer hope and compassionate care throughout this process.
My beginnings in the counseling world were in foster care, family therapy, and adoption. I have a special place in my heart for families who are involved in the foster care system in some way. Three years ago my husband and I decided to become foster parents ourselves and have fostered several adolescents and teens. I provide knowledgeable and professional support to foster and adoptive families that is grounded in a realistic understanding of this experience.