Parenting Therapists in Chester Springs, PA

Teenagers are my specialty, especially those wanting nothing to do with counseling! (Download my article "Why Teens Hate Therapy" on website.) I help teens (children, too) who are anxious, angry, defiant, withdrawn, moody, self-destructive, inattentive, depressed, doing poorly in school, or having trouble with peers. I work as effectively with boys as with girls, and can help you decide whether the problems you're noticing are a part of "typical" teen behavior or a sign of something more serious. I also offer one session consultations for parents who have questions about their kids or new parenting approaches.

My ideal client is seeking help with an open mind to gain a better understanding of the underlying issues related to their challenges. Clients interested in addressing issues related to anxiety/depression, social isolation, impulsivity, procrastination, addiction, parenting , family and relationships with the goal to gain self-awareness and coping skills will work well with my counseling approach. My hope is that those that I work with will gain a greater sense of self, improve communication skills, enhance life balance, and develop feelings of self-empowerment.

Have you been feeling down or depressed? Feeling worried or anxious? Is your marriage riddled with conflict and you feel hopeless that things will ever change? Are you finding yourself struggling with your faith and can’t seem to get back in relationship with God? Parenting leaving you feeling like a failure? Counseling may help you gain insight into your situation.

I provide psychological services to children and adolescents who present with maladaptive coping skills and behaviors as a result of unresolved mood, anxiety, trauma, identity, family, social/cultural, and/or educational challenges. My approach to therapy is tailored to an individual's presenting needs, but is always rooted in genuineness, compassion, and unconditional positive regard.

I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, bipolar disorder, OCD, ODD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. We'll use a whole self approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit.

By coming here, you took the hardest and most important step towards the path of healing. You are a parent seeking help for your teen daughter who is experiencing anxiety, depression and who has lost interest in her daily activities. You are a woman who is going through separation and divorce and struggling with whether you made the right decision. Whether you are feeling anxious or depressed or grieving a loss of a loved one or a relationship and you feel overwhelmed, I am here to help you! I work with teens and women who have experienced traumatic situations and feel like there is no joy in their lives.

Therapist profiles can be overwhelming. You may feel like you have to know exactly what you need in order to find a therapist that addresses it. I want you to know that helping you learn what you need is part of therapy. Maybe all you know for sure is that you are emotionally suffering and would like help. My background is working with adoption (all forms), foster care, family loss, trauma, parenting , co-dependency, and more. However, I also help folks from all walks of life reduce their emotional suffering and achieve their goals. Whatever your needs are, I'm happy to see if I can help you suffer less and enjoy life more.

Do you ever feel like you're swimming up stream? Does it feel like the littlest things bother you? Maybe you're feeling like you aren't enjoying life like you did before? Or, maybe your child doesn't seem like he or she is as happy as before? Hard time sleeping? Struggling to manage your weight? It may be time to think and do your way to a happier and healthier you! It may have taken you quite some time to decide if you wanted to pursue treatment. That's okay, the most important thing is that you are here now!  I am here to support you in learning strategies to live the life that is best for you!

I offer a strength-based, solution-focused approach to change. We can work together to relieve anger, fear, anxiety or symptoms of depression. I can share tools & skills toward bettering your marital & family relationships. I will assist you to navigate the often turbulent & challenging phases of adolescence & young adulthood. I will help facilitate better communication in blended families. I offer counsel to help manage life transitions-marriage, divorce, relocation & career change. I will support you through the process of grief & loss. I will foster improved self-esteem, empowerment and self-compassion.

The teenage years are the most vulnerable, exciting, and growing years of a young person’s life. Self discovery can often yield low self esteem, independence can easily shift to rebellion, and a slow maturation process often creates impulsive decision making. And when a parent ’s warnings and worries don’t seem to have an impact on the teenager’s course, or when it feels too heavy to carry alone, it’s helpful to have another guiding force to help. Through counseling, an adolescent can feel understood, begin to understand themselves, and learn to understand and accept their role in the family and society.

I know the importance of building rapport and a therapeutic relationship “trust” with my clients. I take a non-judgmental supportive approach and have experience working with a diverse population. Together my goal is to help support you through the current challenges/struggles you face and to truly hear you and assist you in reaching a positive place.

Sometimes life hands us more than we can deal with on our own; that’s why I became a therapist- to help people manage through difficult times so they can find a sense of safety & security to function at their best. Whether it's due to stress, anxiety, relationship/family challenges, or past emotional pain, we’ll work together to help you discover what you need to heal and grow. As a licensed therapist as well as a clinical supervisor of therapists, over the years, I’ve guided hundreds of individuals, couples, parents, and families in defining and connecting to the ideals, values, and relationships that made them feel whole again.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."Lao-tzu You have just taken the first step of that journey. Life presents us with many challenges along the way. We may experience loss and significant changes in our lives. These challenges may present themselves in the many relationships we have with others, in our jobs, at school, and in our families. These challenges may affect our moods, cause us worry and despair, hamper our spirits, sadden us, confuse us and result in either our stumbling off course or losing a sense of direction. Therapy can be most helpful in getting you back on track and continuing your journey.

Are you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed? Are your intimate relationships not what you hoped they would be? Are you worried about your children's behavior or social skills? There are times in everyone's life when help from a professional can make all the difference. Therapy starts with an effort to get to know you and your concerns. We then work together to create clear goals and form a plan that fits for you.

Do you find yourself thinking that you are not yourself or how you could feel better? Are you worried about your child? Are they experiencing academic struggles or peer relationship problems? Do you think things are just getting worse?

Sometimes it's difficult to talk about what hurts. Words to describe our feelings and experiences don't often come easily, or things can feel so big and complex that it's hard to share them with someone else. Maybe you've tried other forms of therapy and are still feeling confused or stuck.

I specialize in working with those who have experienced trauma, grief and loss, attachment disorders and relationship complications (including relationships with high conflict individuals). My goal is to support you in the journey back to your true self and provide tools that allow you to find your worth, deepening the connection with yourself in order to have healthier connections with others.