Parenting neurodivergent kids

Abby G.

I am the parent of two kiddos who experience the world deeply and fully in what feels like every moment. There are sensory challenges, misunderstandings, stimming, and hyperfixations that we navigate together all of the time. We are aiming to raise our kids with intentionality so they understand themselves and their needs while not making them feel like anything is "wrong" with them, the tricky balance of it all. They are extraordinary in a world not really built for how they experience things, so we work together on how to move through the world so they feel safe and supported.

Healing after toxic relationships

Adilene F.

I’ve been in relationships that made me feel small—like I was constantly walking on eggshells, second-guessing myself, and losing sight of who I was. One relationship in particular turned abusive, and even though part of me knew it wasn’t right, it was hard to break away. I didn’t have the kind of support I really needed at the time, and for a while, I just kept trying to survive. Therapy wasn’t new to me—I’d gone as a kid, but back then it felt like something I was being forced into. As an adult, though, I chose to go back on my own terms, and that changed everything. I started to understand the cycle I’d been in, learned how to set boundaries, and slowly began to believe that I was worth more than the pain I’d been tolerating. Now I help others who are facing similar struggles, especially around relationships, anxiety, and feeling unsupported.

Supporting a loved one through family estrangement

Aditya R.

A few years ago, my family went through a tough chapter. Right before the pandemic, my brother had a falling out with my mom and they became estranged for four years. It was painful for her to be cut off, especially from her grandchildren, and I could see how much it affected her emotionally. At first, I tried to fix it—I felt like I had to patch everything up. That didn’t work. I eventually realized I couldn’t control the situation, but I could be a steady presence for both of them. I helped my mom find other ways to stay connected with joy—encouraging her to stay active, find new outlets, and reflect honestly on how things got to where they were. I also gently guided her toward being open to hard, vulnerable conversations that could slowly open the door to healing. Over time, the ice began to thaw. While the relationship isn’t what it once was, they’re talking again, and there’s genuine progress. That experience showed me just how complicated—but possible—reconnection can be. And I’d love to be a sounding board for anyone trying to support a loved one through estrangement. It’s never a straight path, but you don’t have to walk it alone.

Navigating family dynamics while healing from trauma

Adley H.

Healing from trauma often feels like swimming upstream, especially when the people around you don’t understand or acknowledge your pain. Family dynamics can be some of the hardest waters to navigate. The same people who hurt you are often the ones you feel obligated to stay connected to, or even love in ways that don’t honor your own healing. I’ve had to face this challenge myself—balancing the desire for connection with the need for self-protection. The truth is, healing from trauma doesn’t always mean cutting off family. Sometimes, it means learning how to show up for yourself in their presence. Setting boundaries that are both firm and loving. And learning to hold space for the reality that people may never change in the ways you want them to. In my own journey, I’ve had to face painful truths about my family’s role in my trauma. I’ve had to find the courage to protect myself while still navigating relationships that are deeply rooted in my history. And I’ve learned that healing isn’t just about what you leave behind—it’s also about how you choose to move forward, even with the difficult people and dynamics still in your life. If you’re struggling with how to show up for yourself while still holding space for family, I’d love to talk. You don’t have to go through it alone.

Overcoming domestic violence and breaking the cycle.

Alexis A.

I grew up as a victim of domestic violence and later became a perpetrator. Through therapy, I was able to work through my own issues and transform my life. I now work as a counselor at a Batterer Intervention Program, helping others break free from the cycle of abuse.

Navigating multicultural marriage

Alice Y.

I’ve always been independent, doing things my own way, but when I entered my multicultural marriage, I quickly learned that navigating different cultural backgrounds required me to adapt and grow. Growing up in Florida and living in places like Chicago and Alameda, I’m no stranger to change, but merging two distinct cultures in a relationship has been a unique journey. Every day brings new challenges, from understanding each other’s traditions and customs to finding common ground on how we communicate and approach conflict. There are moments of tension when we don’t see eye to eye, but we’ve learned to embrace our differences and use them as opportunities to learn and grow together. Over time, I’ve become more attuned to the nuances of our relationship, and I now approach each situation with patience, empathy, and a willingness to find creative solutions. What I’ve realized is that, while our cultures may shape us in different ways, our shared values and love for each other are what truly bind us. Through my own experience, I’ve gained valuable insights that I love to share with others in similar relationships—helping them navigate the complexities of cultural differences while building a deeper, more fulfilling connection with their partners.

Navigating collectivistic cultures while living in individualistic norms

Ambika M.

As a daughter of traditional South Asian immigrants, my upbringing was quite different than my American peers. I still hesitate to share if I'm hanging out with a male friend, even though I am pestered about marriage. Getting older has also involved outgrowing attitudes about myself, family, and relationships that hold me back, guilt included. I've worked to find my authentic self and accept occasionally being the black sheep in my close-knit family whom I love being near, but still need to enact boundaries with or know when to deep breathe instead of react. This also involves understanding the challenges with comparing to cousins in India, or peers whose parents grew up in America. If you've been stressed by the conflict of the third-culture sandwich, I'd love to chat.

Co-parenting after divorce

Angelia P.

When I got divorced, I wasn’t just separating from my partner—I was stepping into a whole new chapter as a co-parent. It was overwhelming at first. We had three kids at different stages in life, each reacting differently to the shift. I had to learn how to communicate with someone I no longer trusted while keeping our kids at the center of every decision. It wasn’t always smooth—we had very different parenting styles and the emotional baggage didn’t magically disappear. But over time, I started noticing what worked and what didn’t. I learned to set boundaries, pick my battles, and prioritize stability for my kids over being “right.” It took patience, prayer, therapy, and a lot of deep breaths, but I found ways to make co-parenting manageable—even respectful. I know how hard it is to juggle your own healing while also trying to show up fully for your children. If you're in that space, I’m here. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Family conflicts

Ashley F.

For years, I have walked through and withstood constant conflict, misunderstanding, criticism, and an unhealthy home environment when it comes to my relationship with my mother. There is a nearly impenetrable wall of hurt, rejection, and misunderstanding between us. I truly understand the feeling of desperation and being trapped in your own home, dreading times when someone will be walking through the door because you don't know what mood they're in. I know the feeling of desperately trying to keep emotion bottled up inside so you don't lash out at the person, whether it be verbally or emotionally. And oh how I know the frustration of someone denying that things have happened when you know for a fact that they have. Have you heard of the five love languages? They are: acts of service, quality time, physical touch, gift giving, and words of affirmation. Our primary way of feeling loved typically happens when the other person speaks our love language. This doesn't happen between my mother and I. Whether it's because I'm adopted or she truly doesn't understand, I don't feel loved. Sure, my family has always provided for me. However, my top two love languages are physical touch and words of affirmation. Our personalities clash. She's not affectionate, she's an introvert, and she feels the need for perfection. I'm the exact opposite. Can you relate? Do you need to feel heard, understood, validated, appreciated for your strengths, etc? Let's chat. I can imagine how you feel, and I would love to provide you with a safe space for you to relax, breathe, vent, cry, or whatever it is that you need in that conflict

Handling a difficult parent and learning from their mistakes

Brandon S.

I grew up in a conservative Baptist Christian family, where my siblings and I were always under a microscope. My mother was self-centered and egotistical, a trait she still carries to this day. This environment shaped my views on relationships, especially how I navigate family connections. Despite the challenges with my parents, I’ve always tried to teach my children the importance of love and acceptance. I encourage them to be the bigger person, even when faced with difficult behavior from family members, including their grandparents. My journey hasn’t been easy, but through navigating a single-parent household, becoming part of a stepfamily, and experiencing three significant relationships, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about love, commitment, and communication. These experiences have shaped my ability to set healthy boundaries, manage expectations, and cultivate meaningful connections. I firmly believe in the power of love and acceptance for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and I strive to instill these values in my family and relationships.

Raising a child with mixed heritage in a complex world

Brittany K.

When I became a mom, I knew I'd be learning as I went, but I didn’t realize how layered that learning would be. My daughter is Afro-Latina, and from an early age, she began experiencing rejection from parts of her Latina family because of her skin color. Watching her wrestle with where she belonged while I was still learning how to support her identity was heartbreaking and humbling. We’ve had to navigate colorism, cultural confusion, and a world that loves to put people in boxes. As a Black woman, I had to figure out how to hold space for the parts of her experience that weren’t mine, while still affirming every part of who she is. I didn’t always get it perfect, but I’ve always tried to make our home a place where she could be fully herself, even when the world made her question that. Now, she’s in college, and I see how powerful it is for her to walk with pride in every part of her identity. I’ve learned how important it is to have conversations about belonging, bias, and self-love early and often. If you’re raising a child of mixed heritage and wondering how to best support them as they build confidence and navigate hard questions, you’re not alone. I’d love to talk.

Building emotional safety for your kids after family trauma

Brittney R.

When I left my first marriage, my children and I were all carrying invisible scars. The home we lived in had been filled with fear, silence, and confusion. I knew I wanted something different for them and for me. But I also knew that healing wasn’t going to happen on its own. So I created what we started calling our “family therapy room”, just a quiet space with pillows, blankets, and no judgment. It became the one place where we could all sit together, breathe, cry, talk, or just be. As a mom, I didn’t have all the answers, but I had the willingness to listen and show up emotionally. Over time, I learned how to speak to my kids in ways that made them feel heard, not pressured. I worked through my own pain in therapy, and shared pieces of that healing with them in ways that were age-appropriate. I learned how to apologize, how to validate their feelings, and how to co-create trust even after hard experiences. My goal wasn’t to be perfect. It was to be safe, real, and open. I believe we can break cycles by teaching our children how to feel and speak their truths. If you’re navigating life after family trauma and want to support your children emotionally, I’d love to share what worked for me and walk with you as you figure out what will work for your family.

Navigating emotional regulation in young children

Carisa D.

I’m a mom to two boys, ages 9 and almost 7. Parenting has been a journey, especially during the challenges of the pandemic. My younger son, in particular, has struggled with emotional dysregulation, which often felt overwhelming. I knew that conventional methods weren't enough, so we explored different modalities like chiropractic care, behavioral therapy, and play therapy. These approaches helped him manage his emotions and find a healthier way to navigate his feelings. It wasn’t always easy, but I’ve learned that being patient, consistent, and open to trying new things is key. My husband and I have also worked to build a supportive environment at home, where we can slow down and focus on the things that matter most—like spending quality time with our children and making sure they feel heard. Now, I’m passionate about supporting other parents who might be going through similar struggles, especially when it comes to balancing work, home life, and emotional challenges.

Navigating emotional regulation in young children

Carisa D.

I’m a mom to two boys, ages 9 and almost 7. Parenting has been a journey, especially during the challenges of the pandemic. My younger son, in particular, has struggled with emotional dysregulation, which often felt overwhelming. I knew that conventional methods weren't enough, so we explored different modalities like chiropractic care, behavioral therapy, and play therapy. These approaches helped him manage his emotions and find a healthier way to navigate his feelings. It wasn’t always easy, but I’ve learned that being patient, consistent, and open to trying new things is key. My husband and I have also worked to build a supportive environment at home, where we can slow down and focus on the things that matter most—like spending quality time with our children and making sure they feel heard. Now, I’m passionate about supporting other parents who might be going through similar struggles, especially when it comes to balancing work, home life, and emotional challenges.

Managing emotional triggers around money

Carrie M.

Money conversations with my co-parent used to leave me feeling frustrated, misunderstood, and emotionally drained. Every discussion about expenses felt like a negotiation, and I found myself getting defensive or angry before we'd even started talking. It wasn't really about the money—it was about feeling like our priorities didn't align, like we saw our responsibilities differently, and like every financial decision became a reflection of who cared more about our kids. I realized I was bringing so much emotional baggage to these conversations that we couldn't actually solve anything. My hurt feelings, assumptions about their intentions, and fear of conflict were making every discussion harder than it needed to be. I had to step back and figure out how to separate the practical decisions from the emotional wounds. It wasn't easy, but I learned that I could only control my part of the conversation. The breakthrough came when I started focusing on what I could change—my communication style, my boundaries, and my perspective on these interactions. I learned to prepare for these conversations differently, to stay focused on the kids' needs rather than our past grievances, and to protect my emotional energy when discussions got heated. These conversations still aren't easy, but they don't derail my entire week anymore. If you're struggling with financial discussions in co-parenting, feeling triggered by money conversations, or exhausted by the emotional weight of these negotiations, I understand how isolating and draining this can be.

Healing from emotionally abusive family dynamics

Cheyenne H.

I know what it’s like to carry the weight of emotionally abusive family dynamics. For a long time, I felt trapped in patterns of control, manipulation, and guilt from people I was supposed to trust. It took time—and a lot of inner work—to recognize what was happening and find the strength to set boundaries. As a certified hypnotherapist, I’ve also supported others navigating the same kind of pain, helping them untangle their emotions, rebuild their self-worth, and speak up for themselves. Healing starts when we stop minimizing what we’ve been through. I’m here to hold space for that process, and to remind you that it’s okay to choose your peace.

Healing and gaining self worth after complicated relationships

Craig T.

A few years ago, I found myself in a relationship that wasn’t healthy. There was a lot of emotional imbalance, and I was carrying the weight of anxiety, phobias, and a deep sense of not being seen. When it ended, especially in the isolation of COVID, it hit me hard. I didn’t just lose the relationship—I lost my emotional footing. Therapy became my safe place and my mirror. Over the course of a year, I dug deep, faced parts of myself I used to hide from, and grew into someone I barely recognized in the best way possible. Alongside that healing came clarity, self-worth, and a renewed sense of empathy—not just for others, but finally for myself too.

Establishing and upholding your boundaries

Daneeta S.

I have both personal and professional experience with establishing boundaries. Personally, I have learned the difference between boundaries, desires and demands, and the benefits of establishing and upholding my personal boundaries. As a life coach I have been granted the opportunity to help others to recognize the same. I find boundaries to be important to well-being, and gaining a true understanding of what boundaries are, as well as what they are not, as crucial to the process. You are your own person, therefore your boundaries should be your own, for you, and contribute to your personal growth and wellness. I would love to help you in cultivating your own beneficial boundaries.

Navigating your various relationships in a healthy way

Daneeta S.

I have had to learn to navigate different relationships throughout the years, including familial, work, friend and romantic relationships. Through my experience, along with my training as a life coach with a concentration in relationships, I have come to find that there are a number of aspects that contribute to the health and wellbeing of a relationship. I am here to assist with those aspects, including setting and upholding boundaries, healthy communication, showing care, expressing your desires for care and love, dealing with conflict in relationships, and even breakups. Whatever the case may be, I'm here to help and support you in navigating your relationships.

Loving someone who struggles with addiction to cocaine and alcohol

Dyra P.

I grew up in the Dominican Republic and moved to the U.S. when I was five. My childhood was shaped by the reality of addiction, my cousin was using cocaine and I’d watch him sleep all day and stay up all night. He was kind, but deeply ashamed, and I remember how hard it was to see someone I loved struggle so much. My grandfather also struggled with alcoholism and eventually died from liver failure. Watching two people I cared about suffer like that taught me that addiction isn’t about being bad, it’s about being stuck in something painful. It hurts the person using, and it hurts the people who love them too. I barely drink now because of what I lived through, but I’ve never stopped believing there’s hope for people who use. I’ve shared my story with friends who were drinking heavily, and sometimes it helped them pause and think differently. I’ve been that listener for others who are hurting: someone who doesn’t judge, who gets it, and who knows what it’s like to love someone who can’t seem to stop. If you’re going through that now, I’d be honored to sit with you in it.