I worked at Oak Grove Center for Education Treatment and the Arts, a level 12 treatment facility for children and adolescents in Murrieta, California for 10 years before entering into private practice with a large group practice for two years located in Temecula, California. I have operated a solo private practice in Murrieta, California since March of 2013 called Edmond Child & Family Counseling.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
At the first session, I spend most of the time with parents learning about the issues from their point of view. Also, gaining understanding of the child and family's history. I do introduce myself to your child and describe the treatment process that will follow. In subsequent sessions, I meet with their child or children to build rapport, a therapeutic bound, and teach self-regulation. Regular check-ins with parents are also important to address parenting needs and teach and empower parents to address their children's behaviors with practical interventions. I take an active, supportive role as a coach and mentor without judgment.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Trust is key in any counseling setting. I have been successful with children and families because of my ability to build relationships with children and parents. I'm sensitive to the needs of parents and also those of children who are simply trying to find their way through a complicated social environment. The advent of the personal computer and social media has exposed children to a variety of influences that have complicated parent/child interactions. Learning to set and maintain appropriate limits and boundaries with your children has become an important component of treatment.