Becoming a parent — whether through birth, adoption, or fostering, whether for the first time or a subsequent time — it’s not easy! There are plenty of books, web sites, professional “experts,” and well-meaning know-it-all observers who are ready to tell you exactly what you need to do to raise a healthy, well behaved, good sleeping, intelligent child. Sometimes direct advice targeted at a specific solution can be helpful. Often, though, these “quick fixes” miss the mark and leave us feeling like we’ve failed.

Our work together will be different.

I believe you are the expert in your own child. Instead of giving you textbook answers, my role is to guide you to discover more about yourself, your little one, and your relationship with each other. I also hope to support you in building your confidence that you have what you need to be the best parent you can be.

Working with me might be a good fit if…

• you’re wanting to reflect on your own childhood and upbringing in new ways now that you have your own children

• you have a fussy or colicky baby/babies

• you don’t feel connected to your baby/babies

• you are experiencing or have experienced postpartum depression or anxiety

• you have twins or multiples and other supports don’t seem to fit your situation

• you or your child/children experienced a traumatic event

• your family is changing

• your child/children started preschool or child care and behaviors are very different all of a sudden

• your toddler’s tantrums are overwhelming

• you have worries about your child or children

• you have a baby or toddler with special needs

• you’ve gone to “mom groups” or “parent groups” but it hasn’t been helpful in supporting you as a parent

I take two approaches to work with parents: working with parents only and working with parents together with their infant/toddler (dyadic therapy). Sometimes parents need a space to talk about all the many emotions that are evoked simply by being a parent. There may be memories from your own childhood or questions about how you were raised that have surfaced as you begin to think about how to parent your children. There may be ways that the child or children you’re caring for now are not the child or children you expected to have. Taking the time to explore what has come up for you can be beneficial not just to you as a parent, but also in supporting a healthy relationship with your children.

Dyadic therapy means that most of our sessions will be held with you and your infant/toddler together. Working with you and your child together over time gives me the chance to see the kinds of challenges that pop up in your unique relationship. Together we’ll explore the reactions you each have to each other and other possible responses that may enhance your relationship.

Dyadic therapy is not just for moms! Although a lot of the traditional parenting language out there focuses on mother and baby, any parent or caregiver can benefit from thinking about their relationship with the child they care for.

I know leaving the house with a child or children in tow can be difficult. If meeting in your home for dyadic therapy makes more sense, I am available for home visits. We can discuss if this option would work well for you.

Please contact me for more information or to see if working with me is a good fit for you and your family.