Have you noticed that your child is acting differently– not as interested in school work, arguing more, changed her habits or friends, lost interest in hobbies, is more withdrawn? Have you tried to cheer your child up, cajoled her, or maybe you’ve taken away privileges, like the phone or computer time in an effort to correct behavior but nothing seems to work? If you’ve come to the end of your rope and want solutions, I can help. As a parent of two boys I have walked the winding, rocky, breathtaking path of parenthood. As a therapist, I have worked with a broad range of children, adolescents, and their parents to not only get through rough spots or trauma but to have it be the foundation of a stronger, more connected family relationship. Because this platform is based in providing telehealth virtually, and not in person, I have found it best to serve clients that are 10 years old (3rd grade) and older.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Our initial consultation is with you, the parent, to identify areas of concern, what’s causing the current distress or upset, why you are seeking therapy now, your outcome goals, and what I can provide. Because this is telehealth, it would be best if your child is 3rd grade or older and can manage listening and talking virtually. If you choose to book the first session (and you always have a choice), we will discuss how to engage your child so they are open and willing to give this approach a try. At our first session, I will meet with you and your child and we’ll get to know each other, talk about why we are working together as a team, and what is causing the distress or upset. Then I will ask permission to talk with your child individually and get your child’s perspective of what’s going on. We’ll spend the last few minutes meeting all together again to make a plan that we can all agree on. I’ll give you some exercises to do at home and talk about everyone’s individual responsibility. And then I ask the child if he/she would like to meet with me again because from the very start I want your child to feel comfortable and empowered.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I’ve worked with elementary school kids in private schools, middle school kids in public schools, high school kids in inner city schools. I’ve spent time with foster children, kids who are recent immigrants to the US, at-risk kids, teen moms, gang members, and gifted students. I’ve spent time with kids in summer camps, Scout trips, and mission trips. I’ve spent time with children and families in all sorts of settings, all age groups, and in different stages of life. Rest assured that I am ready, willing, able and looking forward to working with your child! I am ready to meet your child exactly where he/she is, and move with them to a place where they can feel whole and complete. NEXT STEPS Let’s work together as soon as possible to address the pain and distress that you and your child are experiencing now. Please don’t continue to suffer - book your initial session today. Choose a time that works best for you. I have times available after school, as well as Saturday hours to make this as convenient as possible. I look forward to helping you get to a happier place.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

Being a kid in today’s world is hard. There are so many new pressures and obstacles - stuff we never even dreamed of when we were kids. Plus, add in all the biggies that can blindside your child like death, divorce, or trauma. That’s why I specialize in working with children and adolescents because this is the moment in their lives that can make the biggest impact. How they navigate this stage of their life either teaches them skills that enhance their future success or causes them to carry forward unhealed wounds that continue to fester, impacting their future in ways that are painful & frustrating. For example: if your older elementary school daughter is suddenly dreading going to school because you discover that her friends are turning on her and are making school unbearable for her, I work with her to uncover what she values most in friendship, give her tools to build her own resiliency, and skills to communicate her needs and wants effectively. For a pre-teen or teenager the goals may not be so different, but the approach is. Whether you’re frustrated about “normal” teenage withdrawal, “grunts” of communication, angst and/or sullenness, or you’re dealing with red flags and warning signs that really have you worried, I step in and open up channels of communication in ways that break down defensiveness, apathy and/or depression. I’m trained in modalities that are specifically designed to engage your teenager in the process towards his/her own healing and self-empowerment. And I also include you as parents in the therapeutic process. I establish strong family ties that align with your individual and family values and goals. So instead of a sullen teenager with one syllable responses, and this growing chasm between you and your child, I help you build open channels of communication and the security of trust in your relationship that can serve you throughout your lives.

About Rosalyn Nicpon