Helping you reconnect and discover.
Assisting Parents and Young Adults
Helping you reconnect and discover.
Helping you reconnect and discover.
Helping you reconnect and discover.
Many would have us believe that parenting a teenager or young adult is always difficult or scary. That it's a time of constant boundary pushing, never ending emotional outbursts, hard conversations, and hurt feelings on both sides.
I'm here to say it doesn't have to be!
Is it a time filled with challenges?
Is it meant to be filled with opportunities for growth for both parent and child?
Is it a time to establish a new relationship and way of connecting?
YES TO ALL THESE!
For 20 years I've been working with families and children to help them explore new ways of being in the world. My work with parents helps them to navigate the ever-changing role they take as their child moves from adolescence to an independent adult. I am consistent and clear in my communication, excel at calling out limiting beliefs and patterns that parents fall into, and strive to help you make lasting changes for your family.
I've been a therapeutic mentor and recovery coach and am excited to work with those who are ready for dramatic changes in their life. My work with teens and young adults focuses on helping them move past the blocks in their beliefs and actions that are holding them back. I meet each client wherever they are on their path and work with them to develop the skills and strength needed to move forward and create the life they want. My commitment to each client is to be honest and compassionate while holding them accountable for their actions.
My philosophy is that there is no such thing as a 'bad' kid. I believe we all use the tools we have and do the best we can. To have better outcomes, we need better tools. As a parent, I know I can say the wrong thing sometimes or get stuck in my own patterns. As caretakers, we are often have no idea where our patterns and beliefs are getting in the way of our intentions.
I will help you to create the relationship you want with your child. I provide perspective and facilitate the tough conversations that families face as they support their loved ones struggling with unhealthy behaviors. While working side by side with parents, I assist them as they are making the difficult decisions on how to support their children while also holding boundaries and maintaining connection. For Parent Coaching calls, we normally start off meeting 1-2x/week.
Topics often covered with Parent Coaching:
As a young adult, everyone will make mistakes! What matters is how we respond and how we show up next the next time. I believe that coaching is a process of self-discovery, and I am committed to providing a supportive and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their inner selves and actions in the world. Life throws many surprises at us, and while we cannot predict the outcome of any situation, we can learn to react differently and take control of how we respond. With mentoring and coaching, I'll help you to commit and accomplish your goals and move past the obstacles in your path forward. I work with emerging adults to help find the blocks that are getting in the way and find the tools they can use to remove them. For Recovery Coaching and Mentoring, I usually start with meetings 2-3x/week, then adjust to an as needed basis.
Concerns often addressed with Mentoring:
Starting in middle school, I had a hard time fitting in and making friends. My family was going through a lot of changes at that time, and we moved frequently. As a result, I always felt like an outsider and struggled to find solid ground. I tried different things to fit in, but never found my 'tribe'. Eventually, I found acceptance in the drug user crowd. I kept up my grades and showed up for work and school on time, but I was living a separate life on the weekends.
I experimented with many substances and even survived a devastating car crash that almost killed me and the driver. That led me to miss my first semester of college as I recuperated in the hospital. After all that, I was still set in my ways and not wanting to do anything different. During my first two years of college. I barely made passing grades as I walked in a haze at times. After I spent a summer volunteering with the Forest Service, I finally came to my senses and asked for support. Thankfully, a few incredible mentors came into my life and challenged me in the right way. They helped me ask the questions that I needed to answer myself to make the positive changes I'd struggled with for years.
After college, I worked as an outdoor educator for children before moving towards working with struggling adolescents as a guide for adventure therapy trips. From there, I developed an aftercare program for young adults and worked in residential treatment. Most recently, I worked for a wilderness program that helped families find the right fit for their children. For 20 years, I have worked with parents and their adult children to develop healthier relationships and achieve independence and accountability.
As a parent of a teenager and young adult, and with my experience working with people of different age groups, I have seen the ups and downs of life. I am continuously learning how to be a better parent and how to improve my relationships. I believe that life is a process of lifelong learning, and we are all capable of more than we realize. I think it's essential for us all to "clean our own mirror" and to lead by example. I regularly connect with my network of mentors and take time to cultivate my passions.
I like to connect with everyone I work with for a short 'get to know you' meeting. This will allow us to see if we're a good fit for each other. If we decide to move forward with working together I'll send you some information to fill out.
During our first session, we'll go over the paperwork you signed and answer any questions. It's of great importance that I get to know you well and that you finish our time feeling like you've received some benefit. Our sessions will normally be 50min long and I ask clients for a monthly billing agreement for the first few months. Sliding scale is available when appropriate.
If I do not feel that we're making progress, or that I won't be able to help you, I will let you know right away. At anytime, if you do not feel like we're a good fit for each other and you'd like to get support from someone else I would encourage you to find someone that is right for you. Studies show that working with a coach or therapist you trust and feel seen by is important for the work to be effective.
My personal experience has been the best mentors and therapists in my life have been the ones that challenge and frustrate me as much as they encourage and support me!
You'll usually have a bit of 'homework' to reflect on. We'll use this as a hopping off point for the next time we meet. Between calls/meetings, I'm happy to have brief communication via text or a phone call. This is normally built in to the hourly charge. If these become regular or go for a longer time, there will be an additional charge. If not in session, I am usually available during daylight hours after 8am.
I am available for in person coaching and mentoring, and am happy to travel to set up initial meetings if appropriate. I also offer multi-day trips and adventures for parents and their child. These might be an interactive type experience or something nature based. Please feel free to reach out for more information.
I am certified recovery coach, a life long learner, a husband and father of two, and I'm here to help you and your family. It takes time and energy to create lasting change in ones life. If you feel I can be of service, please reach out below.
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