Educators (teachers and other folks who work in schools)
Working in education can be such a paradox: a job that is so incredibly rewarding, but has one of the highest rates of burnout of any career. As a school social worker, I found myself drawn to helping support the adults in the school building manage the unique set of emotions and stressors that come with working in schools: the sometimes competing interests and expectations of administration, parents, students, etc; the guilt and frustration of feeling like there is always more you could or should do; the mental and emotional exhaustion of burnout.
If you are an educator looking for a therapist who understands the ins and outs of this career path, look no further!
Teens
Oof, the teenage years! We can all remember how difficult and transformative they are. They are also a time where it is incredibly common for communication between parent and child to be more difficult and strained. Maybe it feels like your child isn’t confiding in you the way they used to. Or they have expressed feeling anxious or depressed, or have been having school problems. Or maybe they’re going through something that you don’t feel fully equipped to navigate on your own.
In the age of social media, teens are dealing with pressures and a level of exposure to such a wide variety of topics and ideas (both helpful and harmful) that us millennial and gen-x parents just did not experience. It is understandable to have concerns!
I feel especially passionate about working with teens because it is such an honor to be a safe place for them during this challenging and crucial time. I feel particularly strongly about supporting teens who are navigating gender identity and sexuality, and modeling for parents how to be a supportive ally for their child.
Parents (both new and seasoned)
While it’s not a new adage by any means, it’s true that being a parent is the hardest job we ever have. Work is always harder when we are emotionally invested, and what are we more emotionally invested in than our children? Maybe you’re a new parent struggling with the shift in responsibilities or identity, or experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety. Or maybe you’re a parent of school-age kids who are experiencing challenges of their own, and you are in need of a supportive space to process. Or maybe you’re drowning in the mental load of work, parenting, running a household, maintaining relationships, AND caring for yourself (really, how do any of us do all of this??). Regardless of your specific circumstances, let’s unpack all this together!
College age folks/young adults
As with teens, the self-discovery and transformations that happen during the college and young adult years can be huge! Additionally, the transitions around living situation, school/career, finances, and general level of responsibility can be immense stressors for some young adults. From identity and self-discovery, to navigating romantic relationships, to the stresses of college and/or career decisions—there is a lot going on during this time of life!
This is also the age that certain mental health concerns (such as depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder etc.) and tendencies (perfectionism, people-pleasing, etc.) can become more evident than they were in childhood or the high school years, making it an excellent time to pursue mental health treatment.