Empowering Families

Parents… Take a deep breath, you are in the right place! You may be looking for ways to get your child the help they need and deserve. Maybe your child is struggling in school, having melt-downs, feeling anxious, or you just don’t know what is going on.

“IT’S EASIER TO BUILD STRONG CHILDREN THAN IT IS TO REPAIR BROKEN MEN.”

- Frederick Douglass

Child counseling can build on what you, as a parent, are already doing, as well as offer support, education and new concepts to try at home. Being a parent is hard regardless of your unique situation, and there is nothing wrong with seeking help.

You are in the right place!

Tweens

Kids typically don’t know how to verbally express themselves the way we adults do which sometimes causes them to behave in ways that make the adults in their lives scratch their heads and sometimes want to tear their hair out! Through traditional approaches and creative arts therapy, I focus on building confidence, problem solving, empathy, and coping skills.

The Older Kids

For teens, my approach is to give them a safe place to feel heard, process their emotions, collaboratively create ways to cope that work for them, and provide psycho-education to allow them to understand their symptoms. We will work on understanding the interaction between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while incorporating some humor and fun along the way.

Parent Coaching

Tired of power struggles? When your child or teen responds explosively or appears indifferent to everything you say, feeling lost and powerless is easy. If you feel that you’ve tried everything under the sun and still can’t reach your child, Parent Coaching can give you the tools you need. With my guidance and suggestions, you can regain confidence in your parenting abilities.

Adolescence: A Season of Pressure

Home

  • Divorce/Grief
  • Sibling Rivalry
  • Family Conflicts
  • Parent/Child Issues
  • Feeling Stuck and Alone

School

  • Bullying
  • Fitting In
  • Keeping up Grades
  • Respecting Authority
  • Feeling Overwhelmed

Self

  • Suicide Ideations
  • Fluctuating Moods
  • Poor Impulse Control
  • Feeling Misunderstood
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Mental Health Matters

Depressed Children

Depressed children often withdraw from family and friends.

They may not know or understand why they are feeling the way they do.

You may have noticed that your child has become irritable and angry. When you try to ask what is wrong or help him or her, the tendency may be to pull further back. Depressed children want to be left alone — a lot. Usually they would rather participate in solitary activities, such as playing video games or sleeping rather than spending time with friends or family. Your child may feel like no one understands him or her. He or she may also have problems remembering things and lack motivation at school.

Anxious Children

Children with anxiety have a different set of symptoms.

Anxious children have a lot of fear-based concerns.

They tend to think about the same problems over and over and have a hard time sleeping because their mind is always racing. They may be afraid that other kids are making fun of or talking about them, or worry that their friends will turn on them for some reason. They may become easily annoyed with their parents and siblings. Children with anxiety may not always be able to articulate what’s wrong; they just know they are constantly worrying and can’t shut off the chatter in their heads. They may not enjoy going places or doing things with the family like they used to.

How will I, as the parent, be included in the counseling and know what is going on?

I will meet with you at various times so that you can learn skills to help your child experience positive change. We will work together to help your child take healthy risks and work through painful thoughts, feelings and emotions. Also, I will be available to answer any questions or concerns you might be having along the way. You do not have to do this alone. I am here to help.

Change Your Mood
in an Instant!

Enjoy a Monthly Musing and REFRESH your mind.

“SUCCESSFUL PARENTS ARE NOT THE ONES THAT HAVE NEVER STRUGGLED. THEY ARE THE ONES THAT NEVER GIVE UP, DESPITE THE STRUGGLES.”

- adapted from Sharon Jaynes

Let's Work Together

  • Understand how your family functions
  • Identify strengths and weaknesses within the family system
  • Set goals and develop strategies to resolve challenges
  • Improve communication skills
  • Make the entire family stronger

Get in Touch

Phone: (618) 727-0819
gmkwellness3@gmail.com
220 E. State St. Suite 2G, Ofallon, Il. 62269

All inquiries are confidential, your email will be private

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis and may be in danger, please call 911, or visit our HELP page for additional resources