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Raising kids when it’s mostly just us
Brian M.
Available today
Guilt & burnout
Single parenting
+3
I have three lovely adult children now but I you know I went through a split up with the mother of their children and you know that that was tough on me but I've been through a lot I've been through the ringer on on that one on the trying to co-parent it gets tough It's hard to navigate I'm still on the I'm still on the inside and we all still talking it takes a while though it took it took a while
Divorce being the unwanted divider of families
Jessica M.
Divorce
Family communication
+1
Being an adult child of divorce, I fully understand what divorce does not to the family, but to the children involved. I know what it is like to experience parental alienation in the eyes of children, and I know what it feels like to feel torn between households once the divorce is completed.
Overcoming pain medication addiction and reclaiming your life as a single parent
Nina L.
Prescription misuse
I grew up in a home where religion was strong and drugs were never around, so I never thought addiction would be part of my story. But after a car accident in 2019, I was prescribed pain medication and found myself caught in a cycle I couldn’t seem to break. As a newly single mom to three kids, I knew I needed to find a way out. A trusted friend suggested medicinal marijuana, and with that, plus support, CBD, and physical therapy, I was able to finally get off all substances. It wasn’t easy — I had to figure out so much on my own, diving into books, podcasts, and eventually going back to school for psychology to better understand healing and growth. Through all the challenges, I found a new version of myself: stronger, happier, and more resilient than ever. I would love to walk with you if you're trying to break free, rebuild your life, and find your own strength again.
Embracing the unexpected chapters of midlife
Renee S.
Marriage & domestic partnerships
+4
Life has thrown me more than my fair share of obstacles! Illness from childhood. Broken home. GenX childhood- so I basically raised myself AND my younger brother. Teen pregnancy... so married at 17. Abusive home, eventually into a single parent home. Latchkey kid. Yet.... I am still married, yes, to the same man, over 35 years later. We raised 3 kids into adulthood to be independent, and all college educated. I owned my own business and then ran a multi-level beauty company that I grew over 10 fold in 10 years, eventually having to leave due to my declining health, but I was very successful at what I did. I found successes and happiness in spite of a lot life has thrown at me. Resilience, creativity, resourcefulness, and the ability to get up and dust myself off to keep going even when I feel awful... all things I value, but I also value kindness, honesty, caring and friendship even more.
Navigating invisible illness from teen years to parenthood and beyond
Chronic illness
Empty nest
Living with multiple invisible illnesses—like Crohn’s, Ehlers-Danlos, Lupus, POTS, MVP, MCAS & ADHD—can feel isolating & make socializing challenging- through many of life's stages. From the confusing teen years into the juggling game of marriage & parenthood, on into the sometimes lonely empty-nester years, I’ve navigated these experiences myself & can help you find purpose, connection & fulfillment- even in a disconnected world. In this session, we’ll explore ways to manage expectations & navigate daily challenges, embrace self-care & create meaningful routines that support your well-being & sense of belonging. We can also simply unpack & unload the burden you're carrying in this world that doesn't always seem built to embrace emotions that can often feel bigger than our capacity to carry them. More than anything I care that you feel heard when you speak with me, I aim to be a safe space, where you can discuss whatever you need to lighten your mental load & find peace.
Navigating sobriety as a parent, and dealing with loss and work stress
Stephen M.
Parenting
Emotional regulation
I was a daily drinker for 18 years and now I have 18 years of continuous sobriety! My journey hasn’t been smooth sailing. I’ve faced addiction, mental health challenges, co-parenting struggles, and the heartbreak of losing loved ones. Through it all, I leaned into therapy and a strong support network to come out stronger. I'm now a Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist, and helping others find their footing is something I care deeply about. Whether you're navigating sobriety, parenting kids with complex needs, or just trying to keep your head above water, I’m here to listen, relate, and support however I can.
Complicated, estranged parent-child relationships
Sandy P.
Family relationships
I’ve lived a full life—with all the ups, downs, sharp turns, and potholes that come with it. I'm a mother of two sons of retirement age: the younger, I'm total estranged from, and it's the same as losing a child; the elder, a practicing alcoholic, is tricky. As a former marriage and family therapist, a caregiver for my dad during his final years, and someone who has fought my own battles with addiction and recovery, I deeply understand being in hard places. My struggles were relationship acceptance and guilt and shame. I was an inadequate parent and it brought great pain to us all. But I finally sought help. I no longer accept the unrealistic perfect mother model. Once I understood my boundaries, our relationship improved. I stopped listening to abusive complaints. Now we can tell when things are "going south" and we can gracefully withdraw from conflict. Acceptance and boundaries are game changers. They can be for you, too. Let me support and help guide you in this process.
Strategies for dealing with toxic adult children
Boundaries
I have two adult children, both approaching retirement age, who still blame and resent me as a mother. For years, I felt sad and envious of my friends’ child relations. I thought if I just said it this way or didn't do that that we'd progress. While I understand they could feel betrayed using the perfect mother model, I no longer accept the perfect mother standard. I now understand that past mistakes don't define me today. I was being unrealistic in the present. And once I "got it" things improved, and I felt better. The first big step was to stop listening to abusive complaints and accusations. Today I use a soft voice to say enough now I’m hanging up. Then I do. Once I got clear on my boundaries, their behavior improved (and so did mine!). It's been a long journey with periodic missteps. With help I have more tools to work with. I'm not as angry. I have hope and even some satisfaction. If you are ready to get off that toxic treadmill, join me. Let's find your boundaries.
Seasonal and holiday stress when you’re single
Dee G.
Loneliness
Support systems
For me, living alone and a couple hours from close friends means the holidays can feel like a funny mix of peaceful project time and unexpected loneliness. I’ve opted out of complicated family dynamics because I’m no longer a people pleaser, which leaves me with a whole new kind of solo space. If you’re hitting your limit after the hundredth round of holiday music, or feeling out of sync with a family group chat that moves 30 messages a minute, and you’d rather talk to an actual human instead, I’m here. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve or Day, Valentine’s Day, or any moment when it seems like everyone you know is wrapped up in family plans while you’re navigating your own quiet corner of the season, it can feel liberating or it can feel like being the odd duck out in the cold. Don’t spend even a moment blaming yourself for being single or simply on your own during the holidays. Book a session with me, and let’s talk it through together.
Balancing care and self-care as a parent of a child with chronic illness
Hazel P.
Neurodivergent children
When my daughter was 11, she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. It completely knocked the wind out of me. No one in my family had diabetes, and I had no idea how to manage it. On top of that, she’s also on the autism spectrum and has ADHD. The learning curve was steep, and I often felt like my entire life revolved around her care. I loved her deeply, but I struggled to find me in the process. Over time, I had to learn how to provide love and stability for her while also honoring my own well-being. It meant choosing a different path—one that others didn’t always understand. It’s been lonely at times, but it’s also made me stronger and more compassionate. I want to be here for other parents who feel the weight of it all—to remind you that you’re not alone, and it’s possible to support your child while still taking care of yourself.
Having an unexpected pregnancy and are facing or faced the need whether to keep or terminate
JanMarie L.
Acceptance & healing
I was faced with making a decision about an unexpected pregnancy twice in my life. Once at 17 and again at 25. The circumstances were different each time. At 17, my parents chose for me and at 25, I had to go through my own process to choose what was best for me. Both times, the choice was to terminate the pregnancy. It was the right decision for me each time. Both experiences had significant influence on my life and choices moving forward. I had to go through different grieving and healing processes for each termination. One thing I would have benefited from is someone to talk to who had been there.
Parenting a neurodivergent child as a neurodivergent parent
Cassi c.
Emotional expression
Becoming a parent completely shifted my world. Before my son was born, I was just living life moment-to-moment, but parenting pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t imagined. Diagnosed as autistic in adulthood, I had to learn how to advocate not just for myself but also for my child, who is autistic and has ADHD. Our journey hasn’t always been smooth, especially when navigating systems or other adults who had negative views about neurodivergency. I’ve learned to set aside traditional expectations and instead celebrate my son’s unique way of being in the world. Through our gentle parenting approach, I’ve developed strategies for communication, collaboration, and skill-building that respect both of our needs. Parenting helped me find my voice and deepen my empathy, both for myself and others. I know how isolating and overwhelming this path can feel, and I’m here to offer support, validation, and real-world tools to anyone walking a similar journey.
Parenting teenagers
Louise H.
I am the mother of a 20-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter. And I have been through it all. Moving to a new state when my kids were 14 and 10, navigating a pandemic with teenagers, the pressures of high school life, college applications, gifted programs, peer pressure, driving, relationship issues… as well as all the adolescent obstacles that came before. As a stay at home mom, the pressure has always been on me to do everything— make lunches, volunteer at school, coach sports teams, drive them everywhere… and now I am at the stage where I am needed less physically, but the emotional and financial burdens are more prevalent. One of my kids is also part of the LGBTQ community, so I also have experience supporting and being involved in social justice advocacy on behalf of my child. No one gets a handbook when they become a parent, and none of us can do this alone… but together with support and advice given from learned experience, we can make this world a better place for our kids
Finding out who you are
alycia m.
Well I am someone with learning disabilities myself and I can help you if you have disabilities or or help your family member help you as a parent or caregiver navigate challenges. I am here to guide you through anxiety depression feeling better about yourself giving you goals and ideas and helping you achieve those. I was diagnose young so I know what it feels like on all levels I'm 52 years old and I can help young kids feel better about themselves and even adults going through menopause or about to go through that I can help guide you due to my experiences.
Feeling overwhelmed when your child is living with a disability
Special needs
Spirituality & identity
I grew up navigating life with a disability, so I truly understand the challenges, frustrations, and emotional layers that come with it. That lived experience has given me deep empathy and insight into what both children and parents face every day. I also grew up in a blended family, which taught me firsthand how complex family dynamics can be. Because of this, I’m able to support parents as they advocate for their children, work through emotional and practical challenges, and feel less alone in the process.
Navigating grief and loss
Adley H.
Miscarriage
Finding meaning after loss
+2
Grief changes everything. Losing someone you love can shake your identity, your beliefs, and the way you move through the world. Whether your loss was recent or years ago, sudden or expected, the ache can feel overwhelming and isolating. I understand deep grief from my own experience with stillbirth, family loss, and the quiet heartbreak of missing milestones that will never come. Grief is not linear. It’s waves of sadness, anger, numbness, guilt, love, and longing. Many people don’t know what to say, which can make you feel even more alone. You don’t have to “move on” or be strong for anyone. I offer a compassionate, judgment-free space where you can talk openly about your pain, your memories, and the complex emotions that come with loss. Whether you’re navigating bereavement, heartbreak, trauma, or trying to make sense of life after someone you love is gone, I’m here to sit with you and support your healing.
Navigating parenting
Child loss
Parenting is one of the most beautiful and challenging experiences we ever face. It brings out deep love, fierce protectiveness, and moments of joy that feel almost spiritual. But it also exposes fear, exhaustion, old wounds, self-doubt, and emotions no one talks about. Whether you’re parenting a baby, a toddler, or a growing child, it can feel overwhelming trying to raise someone while you’re still growing yourself. Parenting forces you to confront your triggers, question your upbringing, and break patterns you never asked for. It asks you to show up even when you’re tired, overstimulated, anxious, or unsure. It stretches your identity, tests your patience, and reshapes your entire sense of self. If you’re overwhelmed, struggling with boundaries, navigating big emotions—yours or your child’s—or just trying to be a cycle-breaker in a family that didn’t model healthy love, you’re not alone. I’m here to support you through the real, messy, emotional side of parenting.
Setting boundaries with family when everything looks perfect on the outside
Katy W.
Everyone thought I had the coolest life growing up. Working music festivals, creative parents, experiences most kids never got. From the outside, everything looked unconventional in an enviable way. But that gap between perception and reality was suffocating. When your life looks perfect to everyone else, setting boundaries feels impossible. People don't understand why you'd need distance from parents who seem so "cool." They minimize what you're experiencing because it doesn't match what they see. I spent years exhausted, trying to make the outside match the inside or vice versa. Learning to set boundaries meant accepting that other people's perception of my family had nothing to do with my actual experience. It meant letting go of managing how things looked and finally honoring how things felt. The more perfect something appears, the harder it is to admit it's not working. I can help you start telling the truth, even when no one else sees what you see.
Parenting your neurodivergent child
Kristin H.
I’ll help you see what’s beneath the behaviors, the sensory needs, communication styles, and emotional cues that often get misread. So many parents wonder if they missed something or did something wrong. I’ll help you release that guilt and focus on what’s right now, connection and progress. How? Becasue I did these things with my own three children. I have been where you are.
Parenting well through trauma
Adjustment & adaptation
Healing while still being someone’s safe place is hard. I can help you find balance, self-compassion, and moments of calm in the chaos. My youngest and I survived domestic violence and are thriving now. My goal is to help you feel validated, calmer, and more capable of taking the next small step forward. Let our journey help lead you.