In addition to raising six children with my wife (and currently practicing on the grandchildren), I have taught dozens of parenting classes and read extensively on this subject. I get a great deal of satisfaction in helping parents become more effective at bonding with their children and creating a sense of order in their home. My main focus is on helping parents discipline their children with techniques that encourage their children learn to be responsible for their behavior so they can become happy and successful later in life.
For some reason, kids don't come with instruction manuals. Even the best parents struggle sometimes and could benefit from an objective guide through the ambiguous world of parenting, where there are almost never clear-cut answers to the tough questions. Through talking with a professional you can learn to parent in a way that respects all parties and aligns with your values.
To focus your attention and explore your inner self is some of the bravest and most powerful work there is. Psychotherapy, with the simple processes of attention and compassion can lead to deep and lasting change. I work collaboratively with you and use Hakomi Method Psychotherapy, and other methods
Anytime we work with a child, we want to work with the parent, not because the parent might be doing something wrong, but because as a parent you have the single greatest influence in your child's life. Anything that goes from me to your child just is not nearly as effective as anything that goes from you to your child. So we partner with the parents and the child and utilize a collaborative plan.
Parenting is a lesson in contrast. High stress, high fulfillment, the answer to meaning and purpose and the question of ability and function. It can be lonely, isolating, and stressful. It can challenge the best of relationships. It forces us to redefine our sense of Self, and how we connect with others. Let's sort through it!
Parenting is the toughest job we have, hands down. All parents need and deserve support. Most of don't have the support we should. It's imperative to get perspective and support as a parent. I have formal education in positive discipline, emotional understanding and attachment parenting styles. I am also an experienced mother myself.
Parenting is not for the faint of heart! It often brings up unexpected emotions, fears and our own childhood experiences-good and bad. Whether as an adjunct service to your child's service or part of your own therapy process, I use an attachment based model to help you explore and understand how your history and experiences shape parenting values and practices, increase understanding of developmental needs and expectations, and learn strategies to improve connection and relationship functioning.