Specialties

MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH-MOMMING MADE MANAGEABLE

Adjusting to the effects of infertility, pregnancy, birth and the new role of motherhood invites struggle for many individuals. As we are becoming/ become a new mom, we begin to evaluate a new dimension of our identity, it is all too common for anxiety, exhaustion, to overwhelm and depression to take hold. 

My experiences of complications in pregnancy, having a newborn in the NICU, to being a new Mom, to navigating postpartum, to having a miscarriage, and then the struggles of infancy/toddlerhood have all provided me with the unique ability to provide understanding and support for women throughout this time. My hope is to create a space where we can explore the various challenges that accompany these transitions while allowing for more connection, confidence and joy in your relationship to yourself, your partner and your child. 

I work to help normalize and nurture this time in women’s lives, and instill a sense of resiliency and strength when everything around you is changing. 

GRIEF AND LOSS: GRIEVING WITH GRIT AND GRACE

Losing someone you care about can be so paralyzing. There may be times where you walk around with a dark cloud over you feeling lost and empty inside. Grief is a very natural response to losing someone or something that’s important to you. You may be feeling a variety of emotions, like sadness or loneliness. Everyone grieves differently, but by learning to better understand your emotions, taking care of yourself, and seeking support, you can heal.

YOUNG ADULTING AT ITS NOT SO FINEST 

Tired of hearing everyone’s future plans around you and feeling stuck in the mud? Paralyzed by FOMO? Tired of all the social media posts about perfect relationships when you’re dealing with first date failure on repeat? In a relationship but wondering why it has to be so f**cking hard sometimes? Tired of friendships that are exhausting and filled with drama? 

Young adulthood can be tough and your 20’s can be the most transformative periods of your life. There are many different challenges, and sometimes it may feel as if you’re expected to know what to do with your life. You’re on your own now, and with that comes greater responsibility for your future. Around you, everyone seems to be finding the right relationships, advancing their careers, but you feel lost, unsure of which direction to head towards. It’s hard to know who you are and where you belong in the world.

Sometimes there is so much pressure to achieve. You try to do your best but it never seems to be enough. You feel stressed out and frustrated. You knew that there would be highs and lows in life, but never imagined how painful or complex it could be. There have been so many changes you’ve had to adjust to over the past year. You’re worried and exhausted for what the future might hold.

Therapy and/or life coaching can help you to learn how to sort through all of your struggles. Whatever it is that’s holding you back from living your best life, I am here to listen in a safe non judgemental space- and I assure you- nothing you tell me will shock me- I’ve heard it all! You are a BOSS- you got this! 

TWEENS AND TEENS TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS

For Tweens/Teens Middle and High school are one of the most challenging times in their  life.  Adjusting to changes in themselves, school, and friendships can often be overwhelming and confusing for them. Some of the areas of focus with the tween population is:

• Mindfulness: Increasing presence and self-awareness across situations.
• Distress Tolerance: Learning how to manage a difficult situation without making it worse.
• Emotional Regulation: Teaching skills that help teens understand and experience their feelings in a less overwhelming way.
• Interpersonal Effectiveness: Helping teens strengthen both personal and professional relationships and gain insight into their social patterns.
• School Difficulties both academically/socially

Therapy and/or life coaching could be beneficial to your teen during this period between childhood and adulthood by helping them to:

• Better identify their values and understand themselves
• Improve self-esteem
• Learn to communicate more effectively with family, friends, teachers or coaches
• Boost confidence
• Improve problem-solving skills
• Learn skills to cope with difficult emotions
• Improve resiliency to life’s challenges
• Balance the demands of school, extra-curricular, friends,and home life

NAVIGATING NARCISSISM

PARENTAL SUPPORT/COACHING

Parenting is the most challenging yet rewarding task in the world, and most of us do it without enough physical and emotional support. While every child and personality differs, and there is no exact training manual on how to raise children.  I can assist you in better understanding your child’s world. I will be a support for you through your journey and provide tools to help you navigate parenting with more peace and confidence. Let’s be real here; it can be brutal and grind you down until you feel like you have nothing left to give and are out of options. If you are struggling as a parent, you may believe you just have to “suck it up,” tolerate feeling terrible and wait-out the rough patches, but I am here to help. ​I can help you tap into your strengths, discover the type of parent you want to be, what you want for your child/children, and support you in getting there. 

FAMILY CHANGES

Is your family going through a difficult season and you feel lost, emotionally exhausted and/or grinded down? As a parent, are you needing a little extra support with what is happening within your family unit? While there are so many changes that can occur within a family unit that could lead you to need some support, it could potentially be exactly what your family needs to begin the journey to lasting change. 

Below are some common (but not limited to) life transitions within the family that you may seek counseling for:  Divorce, Parent Seperation, Domestic Violence, Career/Financial Changes, In-law drama, Conflicting parenting concerns, Blended Family Issues, and various other family conflicts/turmoil. I would be honored to guide you in your  journey to working through this difficult time. Contact me today to set up your first appointment!

DEPRESSION

Depression can occur at any age and onset can be gradual or rapid. Some common depression  diagnoses in youth include Adjustment Disorder with Depression, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Dsythymia and Mood Disorders not specified. Typically, depression is considered a clinical diagnosis when it impacts functioning of daily life. For children and teens this could mean impacting academics or social relationships. For adults their work performance, activity levels and relationships. Depression has lots of symptoms including: low mood, fatigue, apathy, negative thoughts, thinking of worst case scenarios frequently, feelings of being unable to improve mood, general dissatisfaction not associated with any particular stressor. Depression can be part of a grief and loss process or major life change. This may be a normal response in the short term but if this lasts longer than expected, it can be considered clinical. The pandemic has certainly brought on a new layer of stress and has contributed to the onset of depression for many.  I do see new mothers with postpartum depression as well (refer to my maternal mental health speciality). 

STRESS AND ANXIETY