There are many reasons a child may go to therapy. Sometimes everyday circumstances pose a challenge, other times more difficult situations arise that overwhelm the child in her/his ability to cope. Whether the challenge is the birth of a new sibling, starting school, a new school or if there has been some significant change in the child’s life like parental divorce, children often need a safe place to feel heard, gain some understanding of their situation, and the opportunity to work through their feelings and understanding.

Whether you as the parent notice some concerning behavior, or the school has voiced a concern, we feel it is useful to intervene early with children. The sooner one helps the child ‘get back on track’ the quicker the child can return to their regular developmental process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Adolescence is one of the most difficult times in a person’s life. Children’s bodies are suddenly changing, hormones are ‘raging’, social expectations are at an all-time high and society is marketing to and placing a great deal of pressure on the adolescent. It is common for parents become worried about how to protect their child (both from him/herself and from others), Even when things go well, this is a very challenging time, particularly in our society. Counseling for teens can help. Sometimes kids need extra support to manage all of these pressures and challenges. Helping your adolescent come to a place in which they can enjoy the benefits of adolescence and learn to effectively manage the stresses is our goal. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Individual: 
Jennifer can treat a wide variety of issues that adults face, from those who simply want to succeed more in life to those struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar, grief, and relationship issues. While she helps to uncover childhood and family experiences that are contributing to the current issues, our focus is more on helping the adults learn to live happily today rather than dwelling on the past. In addition to providing adults with a confidential and supportive environment to express themselves, we teach adults psychological tools and skills to use to make rapid and effective changes in their lives.

 

Couples: 
We provide counseling for couples who want to improve their communication and conflict resolution skills, as well as couples who are having more serious troubles and may be contemplating separation but want to save and restore their relationship. We work with the couple, taking a no blame approach where we do not side with either person, but instead help the couple identify the things they would like changed and work to find solutions that both parties can agree upon.
 

Co-parenting: 
For parents that are sharing custody. Raising a child with a former spouse or partner can be perhaps the most difficult relationship any adult will have. Research shows that children from broken families do best when the parents get along and cooperatively co-parent. Easier said than done! We can make this difficult process easier by helping both parents learn the skills necessary to share custody and keep the child psychologically healthy and not a victim of the adult breakup. Typically this is initially done by meeting with each parent alone on alternating weeks, with the counselor serving as mediator and educator to help both parents learn to communicate and resolve conflicts for the best interest of the child. When the co-parents are ready, sessions may be scheduled with both parents together so they can learn how to work together eventually without the need of the psychologist. Co-parenting therapy is the best gift parents can give to their child.
 

Parent Coaching:

Parent coaching can give you the support, guidance, and tools to feel confident, calm, and connected to your child. As an experienced therapist I will share valuable information on positive parenting techniques. We will work on self care strategies to be the best role model for your little ones. 

We will use a mix of coaching and counseling techniques that focus on goals, understanding, action steps, and self improvement. The coaching and therapeutic process is very personal and catered to meet your specific needs. Clients can use modern tools, such as secure video and confidential messaging support, to get the support they need to love parenting. Get started on your parenting journey to health, healing, and happiness now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Main Differences between Life Coaching and Counseling…

 

Coaching

    •       Focuses on Potential and Evolving

    •       Action and Goal Oriented

    •       Works Mainly on External Issues

    •       Based on Motivational Models

    •       Emphasis on Present and Future

    •       Accountability is Important

    •       Focuses More on Behaviors and Drive

    •       Takes a More Directive Approach

    •       Often Initiated due to Desired Goal to Improve

 

Counseling

    •       Focuses on Healing and Understanding

    •       Insight and Discovery Oriented

    •       Works Mainly on Internal Issues

    •       Based on Medical Model

    •       Emphasis on Present and Future

    •       Encouragement is Important

    •       Focuses More on Feelings and Needs

    •       Takes a More Reflective Approach

    •       Often Initiated due to a “Presenting Problem”

 

Life Coaches can…

    •       Facilitate the exploration of needs, motivations, desires, skills, strengths, and                   thought processes to assist the individual in making real, lasting change

    •       Use questioning techniques to facilitate client’s own thought processes in order               to identify solutions and actions rather than an entirely directive approach

    •       Support the client in setting appropriate goals and methods of assessing                          progress in relation to these goals

    •       Encourage a commitment to action and the development of lasting personal                  growth & change

    •       Maintain unconditional positive regard for the client, which means that the                      coach is at all times supportive and non-judgemental of the client, their views,                 lifestyle and aspirations

    •       Ensure that clients develop personal competencies and do not develop                            unhealthy dependencies on the coaching relationship

    •       Encourage clients to continually improve competencies and to develop new                    developmental alliances where necessary to achieve their goals