Smith Canyon Counseling

Middle school and high school can feel like a rollercoaster, for both you and your child. You notice your tween or teen pulling away, snapping over small things, or lying awake anxious about friendships, school, or social pressures. They might be confused, overwhelmed, or unsure where they belong. You see their confidence fade, their spark dim, their stress rise, and it breaks your heart. You worry about their self-esteem, their safety, and whether they’re making the right choices. You wonder when to step in, when to step back, and whether what you’re seeing is “normal” or something more. You feel frustrated, powerless, or guilty that you can’t fix everything, even though you’re trying so hard. At the same time, seeing your child struggle can stir up your own memories of friendship struggles, bullying, or social rejection from your past. Old wounds resurface (the hurt, the shame, the longing to belong) and it can feel heavy, confusing, or even impossible to navigate while trying to support your child. I help tweens and teens navigate these challenges: building confidence, managing peer pressure, developing friendships rooted in respect, and finding their voice. And I also provide a space for parents to process old wounds, reclaim joy, and feel more confident in supporting their children. About Me As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and 16 years as a K–12 school counselor, I’ve worked closely with tweens, teens, and their parents, guiding families through the ups and downs of friendships, social challenges, and growing pains. I combine experience, empathy, and evidence-informed strategies to help kids thrive in relationships and life, while helping parents heal, set boundaries, and reconnect with themselves. When I’m not working with clients, you’ll find me relaxing with a cup of coffee and a good book, spending time outdoors, working on a creative project, or enjoying time with my husband and our dogs.