Navigating Life's Transitions

As someone well in the middle years of adulthood, I understand that age-related transitions can be both exciting and challenging. Each period of development brings with it interesting new lessons, experiences, and rewards -- as well as new opportunities to discover things about ourselves or others that we may not feel ready to address (no matter the age). I believe in the power of therapy to help individuals of all ages embrace these changes with greater ease and resilience.

Adolescents

Adolescence could easily be considered one of the most difficult periods in a person's life. Even without the rapid physical changes that occur during this period, the teen years are a period of navigating social minefields to find peer groups that make us feel like we belong and identity features that feel like a good fit. I love to work collaboratively with young people to develop build self-esteem, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and to improve communication skills to express themselves in effective ways. Through a combination of cognitive-behavioral techniques and other evidence-based approaches, I guide them in navigating the complexities of adolescence and build the resilience they need to thrive.

Young Adults

Early adulthood is full of optimism and high expectations that don't always align with reality. The milestones we strive for can sometimes fall short of the feelings and rewards we anticipate, and this can lead to questioning our motivations, capabilities, and choices.  For many, becoming parents can significantly shift relationship dynamics, even within the most stable couples. Whether because of children, career or relationship needs, or any of the other many foci during this period, increased responsibilities can create imbalances that can make life feel less joyful or purposeful.

My goal with young adults is to empower them to navigate the challenges of this time with confidence. With a variety of tools to cope with the diverse range of concerns in this stage, we work together to address underlying issues and build the skills they need to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Midlife Adults

This stage of life is when a sense of absolute wisdom and peace dominates our lives, and all stress sheds off our backs like water off a duck. (Just kidding!) The period from age 40 to 65 really can be an adventure. It can also be a bit scary. Many are postponing having kids until the early part of this stage, which can add a different perspective on the distance we have come in our lives by the time the need for reading glasses and colonoscopy planning comes into view. For those who had their kids in their 20s and 30s and are dealing with adolescent or adult children leaving (or preparing to leave) the home are often torn between re-connecting with their non-parent identities while also struggling with the changing relationships with their kids. And those who don't have kids are often considering what their legacy is, especially if they are considering retirement from long-held careers.

As a fellow mid-lifer, I help individuals in midlife embrace this new chapter with greater ease and a renewed sense of purpose. We explore the unique experiences of this time, address any underlying concerns, and develop strategies for navigating life's transitions with greater ease and a renewed sense of purpose.

Senior Adults

One of the more frustrating things for current and upcoming generation(s) of senior humans is that most of us are usually not used to such a large segment of the current population living well into their 90s (and beyond). Whether they are one of the many who continue working well into their 70s and 80s or not, many of us are not accustomed to recognizing the value of our older members of society. We are also not adjusted to recognizing their needs as they relate to surviving life this far. For many, the senior years are periods of real freedom from the constraints of social and personal expectation paired with periods or a history of loss -- loss of friends, family, physical ability, or often the loss of a sense of purpose. Due to that, it can also be a period marked by debilitating anxiety and depression. 

Let's not forget the families.

One of the additional areas of focus for this age group is the impact that changes during this time have on the caregivers for senior adults. When physical or cognitive decline of an older family member impacts families to such an extent that they are required to make life and care decisions for them, stress often enters the picture from a couple of different directions. I have experience with this, and I understand how difficult it can be.

I provide a safe and supportive space to address the challenges of aging, including physical and emotional changes, loss and grief, and changing family dynamics. Together, we can develop strategies to maintain emotional well-being and enhance the quality of life in later years.