Parenting

I specialize in supporting individuals, couples, and all types of relationships navigate the road to parenthood, including fertility and reproductive challenges, grief and loss, family creation concerns, birth trauma, and perinatal mood disorders. I feel passionate about supporting people through the identity and lifestyle transformations that come with parenthood.

Raising our children carries an immense weight of responsibility, with far-reaching implications for their future. As parents, we play a pivotal role in shaping their identities and influencing their interactions with the world. I firmly hold the belief that children require a nurturing environment where they can authentically express themselves within healthy boundaries. By fostering a secure attachment during their early years, we empower them to grow into independent, self-assured adults.

I help parents in understanding where their own history and perspective merges with that of their child. In doing so, we can create a more harmonious environment for the family. I also work with parents whom parenting has been challenging, and who need individual work on processing their own needs and space for their own mental health. I also work with couples who need assistance in combining parenting strategies, communication differences, and creating a solid parenting unit.

Parenting can be the hardest, yet most rewarding role we experience in life. And while it's a shared experience by many, it doesn't mean it gets any easier or we get always the support we desperately need. I opened Cultivating Heart Counseling to create a safe space to explore all those insecurities, doubts, and worries related to parenting without the judgement.

Supporting parents at various stages of their journey is something I genuinely enjoy. While I'm not a family/child counselor, I do apply my knowledge of developmental psychology to parenting challenges both in the service of supporting kids and to support my clients' own psychological wellbeing so they can realize their personal values around parenthood. Parenting is fraught with judgment in our culture, and I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about the very unglamorous side of this phase of life.

I have expertise in supporting parents with children with behavioral issues and special needs. I have worked for years with parents of children with behavioral issues, and I have studied the affects of positive parental behavior on child development. On a personal level, I have parented an adult child with Autism, who I raised, during his formative years as a single parent.

I work as a parent coach to help you learn more effective tools for parenting. I have 2 years of experience as a parent coach for a wilderness therapy program.

I use my experience as a parent coach to help you improve your child's behavior and give you more confidence as a parent. Come along with me as I teach you the most effective techniques for handling your child's behavior and growing your relationship with them so that you can love being a parent.

Challenges with parenting often cause couple conflict, so I work to support parent couples in connecting and remembering who they were before becoming parents. We will work with your differing parenting styles so that everyone's perspective is heard and valued, along with learning concrete parenting tools from research to improve both your relationship and your child's behavior.

I know for a fact that you are not the only one. I have listened to all types of caregivers (adoptive, foster, biological, guardians, grandparents, step-parents, life partners…), who are parts of all types of families, describe situations so similar to yours it’s almost uncanny. When I tell you "Nope, I don’t think your kid is crazy. And I don’t think you’re a bad parent either." it’s because I believe you when you tell me what it’s been like at home and I know - it isn’t just you.

Conflict Decision Making Divorce Grief Marriage Enrichment Parenting/Discipline Pre-marital Counseling (Twogether In Texas) Relationship Concerns Stress Teen Issues

I taught court-ordered Parenting Education for those who have lost custody of their children. And, I've raised two humans of my own.

In my work with Single Mothers By Choice (SMBC) and new/expecting parents I offer a space where these individuals and couples can explore what it means to take on this new role. Together we will identify what being a parent means to you, finding ways to help you navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. I also provide grief counseling for parents who have experienced perinatal loss. Mourning the loss of a child is a tragic experience. Together we will find ways to help you heal.

I am a parent myself, and know how rewarding and challenging the life of a parent can be. I integrate my own experience as a parent, and my experience as a school counselor and therapist for children and teens to help parents better understand their kid's behavior and to communicate with them effectively. I have helped many parents work through their own childhood wounds affecting how they parent (and feel about being a parent!), learn effective communication skills, and find joy in parenting.

This is the hardest job EVER! It's hard to see clear when we are exhausted, stressed, and emotionally attached. It is helpful to have someone who is experienced and objective provide guidance and suggestions. I'm your teammate and want to see you and your child thrive and be successful. I know there are dark days when you may feel like a failure, have no idea what to do, and feel hopeless. You are not alone! There is always a way to turn things around but sometimes we need a little help!

I have been teaching parenting classes for over 20 years. I regularly speak to school PTAs/PTOs, church MOPs and mothers groups on a wide variety of parenting topics. I hosted a parenting podcast for 2 years (Passport to Parenting). I help parents and divorced co-parents support their children to live exceptional lives.

I love helping parents learn how to play and interact with their children. I specialize in working with children under 10 who have behavioral issues. I have almost a decade of experience working with children who have experienced abuse. I was a foster parent and I understand the difficulties that come with creating a family in a non-traditional way. I have been trained in Circle of Security, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, and Triple P parenting.

Working with parents is a passion of mine! Being a parent is hard. Transitions and developmental changes, among many factors, can lead to conflict, discipline challenges, emotional outbursts, and family disconnection. If you are struggling to navigate the complicated world of parenting, I can be a guide. I will use a developmental lens and work in partnership with you. Together we can explore problems and find solutions that make sense within your family values, culture, and context.