01.
If you are on this page, your child may be struggling with “big feelings”. They may be having a difficult time managing and expressing their emotions. You feel like anything, even something minor can set them off. Sometimes, you may not even be able to identify what brought them to tears, what made them so angry, or why they started screaming at you when you just asked them to brush their teeth. You try to understand them and encourage them to tell you what they are feeling, but they just seem to withdraw more. You find yourself at a loss for how to respond because anything you try doesn’t seem to help.
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In my practice, I utilize research based play therapy strategies to help kids learn to identify and verbalize their feelings because right now, their behavior is doing the talking. We work on finding healthier ways to communicate those feelings to the people in their lives.
In my 20 years working with children and families, what I have learned is that it takes a village to raise our children, and I feel fortunate to be a part of the village.
02.
Are you a teen struggling with the pressures of being a teen at a time where there are so many expectations and/or pressures coming at you constantly? Are you trying to juggle responsibilities at home, academics in an increasingly competitive environment, trying to manage social expectations, fitting in, or pressures from social media on how you should look, dress, what you should like, or be like? Growing up and trying to figure out who you are in a time when there are so many messages telling you who you should be can be overwhelming. This can lead to anxiety, depression, low self esteem, and not feeling good enough.
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Well, I’m telling you, you are. What you need to feel good enough is right inside of you. In my practice, I can help you identify your strengths, learn to manage those uncomfortable feelings, and quiet some of the outside noise. I want to help you find your voice and discover who YOU want to be.
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In my extensive experience with adolescents in a therapeutic high school, I have worked with countless teens in helping them find themselves. I have also worked with families in providing a space where the initial difficult conversations can provide the foundation for lasting connection.
03.
Parenting may be the most important role you play in your life, but it’s not always the easiest. Do you often question, am I doing the “right” thing, saying the “right” thing, giving the support they need, setting limits in a way that conveys love but firmness, or feel like you are just totally off the mark? You may be wondering if the way you were parented and/or your childhood impacts your connection with your child in the moments when it’s not easy. If you struggle with these same questions, I can empathize with you and can be a supportive ally in guiding you to being the parent you want to be.
I have worked extensively with parents of kids of all ages to help them feel connected to their child by utilizing parent coaching and supportive guidance. For parents with younger ones, I utilize Filial Play Therapy where I teach parents to have weekly child centered play therapy sessions at home with their child to facilitate engagement, understanding, and connection that just “feels different” than your day to day interactions. You develop skills towards connection and attunement that can translate for a lifetime.
04.
If you are reading this, you have already begun your journey to healing. Are you struggling to manage all the responsibilities on your plate, find it difficult to take time for yourself, and struggle to set boundaries with others? Are you a “people pleaser” who has a hard time saying no even when you are tired, not up for it, or just don’t want to do it? Do you find yourself at a crossroads in a relationship, your career, not sure what your next step will be? Are you noticing the same pattern in your relationships that leads you to feel unheard, unappreciated, yet still find it hard to do it differently?
If you are looking for guidance in any aspect of your life and are looking for a space where you can talk about any of this, I may be the therapist for you. I enjoy helping clients realize patterns in their life, find their voice, and make changes that lead them to feel lighter, more present, and empowered. Being here means you are taking the time to care for yourself and have a desire to be the best version of you. I’d be happy to help you on that journey.
05.
We all bring to the important work we do our unique personality, personal style, and the gifts that make us uniquely who we are. My goal as a supervisor is to provide a space for you as a therapist to harness your training and skills and enhance your therapeutic reach by challenging you to be the best version of yourself with your clients. My philosophy is to provide an interactive, collaborative approach to supervision so you can develop and/or enhance your clinical skills, understand ethical and legal considerations, and provide support and guidance along the journey. Throughout the years, I have truly enjoyed seeing other therapists build confidence in their skills. I have extensive experience providing supervision to students within MSW programs, LSW candidates working towards their clinical license, and fully licensed therapists who are looking for support and guidance in their therapeutic work. My extensive training in play therapy will enhance your experience for those who want to work with children and families. In addition, my RPT-S provides you the opportunity to utilize your supervision hours towards becoming a registered play therapist yourself. If you may be interested, I provide a complimentary meeting to understand your personal goals and if my approach would be a good fit in meeting those goals.