for students and families

counseling

I offer individual mental health counseling sessions for students experiencing mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder, school-related stress, OCD, social anxiety, cultural adjustments, transitions, and more.

Every situation is unique and the approach and timeline will vary based on the individual case and presenting needs.. My primary approach is based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is a structured and evidence-based approach to understanding the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT can be combined with other forms of talk therapy and you can read more about it here. 

Mindfulness practices, such as breathing exercises, visualization exercises, and meditation have shown evidence of relieving stress and anxiety in people of all ages, and particularly in children. Positive Psychology is the field of psychology focused on understanding one’s strengths and applying them to all areas of one’s life.  I integrate these approaches into my practice, depending on needs and interest. I also support students in the context of conversations exploring LGBTQIA+ and personal identity.  

I believe that every individual has the capacity for positive growth and change. With support, effort, and time, young people can overcome the challenges they encounter to live lives of meaning, purpose, and joy.

Well-being Teaching and Coaching 

International schools do not have a standardized approach to teaching Social-Emotional skills or what is often called Personal-Social Health Education (PSHE) or simply “Health” or “Wellness” class. Despite schools’ best intentions and efforts, it is sometimes the case that students who have moved schools might have missed key concepts or knowledge in the topics taught in these courses. I can offer customized lessons or packages on the topics taught in these courses. Domains of well-being can include the topics listed below and so many more. 

Social — Physical — Relationships (friendships and romantic) — Emotional — Family — Intellectual — Environmental — Financial Literacy —  Time and Balance — Identity

Transitions between high school and college 

Life is full of changes and transitions, and these can become opportunities for growth and skill development with thoughtful planning and consideration. Whether the transition is already in progress or in the future, taking the time to understand and maximize one’s strengths and resources to move through times of change can be a meaningful and transformative experience. 

My experience in international schools has enabled me to support students as they enter new communities, encounter new cultures, and plan for their futures. I am particularly passionate about the emotional and practical skills needed to transition between high school and university. My work in this area aims to support the development of the life skills and understandings teens need during the period of emerging adulthood. Please see my resources page to read more about this exciting– and often overlooked– time in a teen’s life.   

Positive Parenting and Family Communication 

Positive Parenting is aimed at developing mutually respectful relationships between parents and children through firm and kind communication. It encourages parents to understand the needs of the child by looking for the underlying belief that is causing the behavior.

All behavior is communication, and so most likely any “misbehaviors” are communicating something very important about a child’s needs or their understanding of the situation. Research shows evidence that humans are born with an innate need for care and inclusion, and children who feel a sense of connection to their school, community, and family are less likely to misbehave.

Positive Parenting is neither punitive nor permissive. It is focused on effective and clear communication, problem-solving, and finding solutions. It utilizes encouragement – rather than praise – by focusing on effort and improvement. This builds long-lasting skills that foster self-esteem, empowerment, and a growth mindset.

Through a series of exercises, conversations, readings, and employing specific communication strategies, I can support parents working through challenging situations with children. Group sessions for parents can also be arranged.

Getting Started 

Every student and/or family will have an intake session where we will discuss challenges, outcomes, timing, approaches and fit. Counseling works best when there is a positive match between the counselor and client, with an aligned vision surrounding engagement in the counseling process and the work to be done.

services

I offer individual counseling sessions on an ongoing basis.

For more information, please inquire by visiting the contact page. I am able to provide a sliding scale for families in need.

A Note About International Schools and Private Counseling 

I believe deeply in the partnership between schools and families. My efforts in supporting students in private counseling are intended to be complementary and aligned with the support provided by counselors, teachers, and leaders in school settings. Open communication between parties is a key component of this process. 

Private counseling can provide students with a space to speak with a neutral third party (non-school, non-family). These conversations can often be deep and transformative, given the flexibility of time and place offered. When students feel safe and well, both emotionally and physically, this results in stronger connections with family and peers, and improves learning.