frequently asked questions

I’ve tried everything with my strong-willed child, why would this be any different?

That’s a great question! When you say you’ve ‘tried everything,’ what kinds of approaches have you used before? I ask because most parents who come to me feel the same way at first—until they realize that traditional parenting strategies actually fuel power struggles with strong-willed kids. What we do here is different because it helps you communicate in a way that your child naturally responds to, without yelling or constant battles. Would you be open to learning how that works?

Will this work for MY child? He’s extra intense.

I hear you—every child is unique, and you’re probably wondering if this will fit your situation. Let me ask you this: Have you ever noticed that the more you try to correct or manage your child’s behavior, the worse it gets? That’s because strong-willed kids don’t respond to typical discipline. What we do here is shift the dynamic so they actually want to cooperate—not out of fear, but from trust and connection. If I showed you a way to do that, would you want to explore it?

    I don’t have time for a full-on program. How much time does this take?

    That totally makes sense. Parents are busy, and the last thing you need is something that adds more stress. Let me ask you: If you had just 5-10 minutes a day to shift the way your child responds to you—without adding extra work—would that be worth it? What most parents find is that by making small, strategic changes, they actually get MORE time back because the daily battles fade away. Does that sound like something you’d want?

    What if my partner isn’t on board?

    That’s super common, and I get why that would be a concern. Let me ask you this: Have you ever noticed that when YOU make a shift, it tends to influence the people around you, even if they’re resistant at first? The cool thing is, in this approach, you don’t have to ‘convince’ your partner. When they start seeing the changes in your child’s behavior, they usually come around on their own. Would you like some guidance on how to make that happen without conflict?

    What results can I expect?

    That’s an important question, and I’d love to hear what ‘results’ mean to you—less yelling? A more emotionally regulated home? More connection with your child? Every family starts at a different place, but most parents I work with notice a major shift within a few weeks—sometimes even days—once they start applying the right strategies. If I could show you a way to create that shift in your home, would that be valuable for you?

    Can you see people who don't live in Portland, Oregon?

    Great question! Are you wondering if you can still get the same level of support even if we’re not in the same city? I totally get that concern. The great news is, yes! Since this is parent coaching, not therapy, I can work with parents anywhere—no matter where you live. Coaching is all about giving you the tools, strategies, and support to create a calmer home and stronger connection with your child. This is completely separate from my therapy practice, so there are no location restrictions. Would it be helpful if I shared more about how coaching works?