I grew up in a family with an uncle who has cerebral palsy. No big deal; it was just a normal part of my life. When I married and started a career as a teacher of elementary-age children, my perspective of the types of difficulties, handicaps, and special needs with which many live broadened considerably. About the time I began to earn a reputation as a teacher who was comfortable with children who are deemed “at-risk,” my nephew was born with multiple severe handicaps, both physical and mental.

I soon found myself certified as a special education teacher, and spent the rest of my teaching career specializing in work with children who have emotional and mental challenges. It was during these years that my husband and I adopted a child internationally, and took on the care and responsibility of dealing with attachment disorders.

I know first-hand that parenting demanding children is a mentally and physically exhausting task. And respite is all too scarce. There are days when you want to scream out for help—is there anyone who can tell you how to parent this child? There are days you actually would have the energy to work a plan if someone would only tell you what to do. You fight with the school to get the services your child needs, but the system seems stacked against you. You know there are laws that govern those things, but you aren’t sure what the laws are.

If any of this sounds familiar to you, know that in me you have an understanding and empathetic friend. A big part of the reason I became a therapist is to work with children who struggle in these ways. If you would like to chat about what therapy could accomplish for you or your child, please contact me. I would be honored to walk with you through these challenging times.