Being a parent can be a balancing act! Not only do you manage your busy life - you are also responsible for guiding your adolescent as they move toward adulthood. Much like riding a tandem bike - this requires trust, communication and forward momentum. Parenting is a tough, yet rewarding job. Sometimes - you may feel frustrated or confused - this is normal. There is no one size fits all 'user's guide' to parenting a teen. Your family system is unique and with this comes your own set of unique challenges. The three words I use most when working with parents are - consistency, structure and boundaries. These are important tenants to keep in mind while raising your family.
In the event you are a parent who is transitioning your child home from a residential stay - I can help! I worked in the residential/ wilderness therapy industry for many years. I am familiar with the difficulties that a successful step down can present.
Communication
Communication is a huge part of our daily lives - that is easy to overlook and when not handled appropriately - things can get messy - fast. Things are said that were unintended - and feelings get hurt. Often - while working in family systems - communication patterns become unhealthy and toxic. The good news is that this is not hard to fix! Together we will improve your families' ability to communicate effectively and intentionally.
Coaching
Sometimes a little extra help is necessary to maintain your relationship with your child. As you learn to respond and not react to your teen - I am available to serve as your sounding board. I will help you assess the situation - and then provide guidance as to what the most appropriate and fair next step will be! I offer a collaborative approach - I will work with your teen individually, then with the parents and once a month we will all meet together.
Adoptive parents
Being the parent of an adopted child can be both rewarding and challenging. Adopted children face different issues than non- adopted children. These issues can lie under the surface and come up later in childhood. It is important to note that many adopted children have unanswered questions and feelings of confusion that they choose not to share. Working with adopted families is one of my specialities!