Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies you to work with my teen?

Great question. There are important tie-ins on both personal and professional levels, but I’ll start with my credentials. For nearly eight years, I have coached adults and young people who sought my help for a number of reasons – to gain better health, navigate change, resolve challenges and improve confidence, to name a few.

In addition, I am one of only 200 people in the world with a master’s degree in the breakthrough science of positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. In essence, positive psychology turns the traditional question of what’s wrong on its head and instead asks, “What’s right?”

My specialty is to combine the power of a coaching approach – non-judging, constructive, empowering – with proven tools from the field of positive psychology. My clients will tell you, and the research confirms, there is much to gain from this dynamic combination.

During my master’s program at Penn, I conducted research on teenagers at their best. By looking at the key ingredients that contribute to teen thriving, I gained a deep understanding of what they most need to become genuinely happy, successful adults.

It’s natural for me to look back at how I was struggling as a teen, and be right there in the thick of it with them. When I was in their shoes, things “looked” great: I was a straight-A student, all-state athlete and homecoming queen. In reality, though, I didn’t trust myself, was afraid of failing, and was consumed by what others thought of me – all at the expense of not really being me. I carried this limiting, insecure mindset into my college years and beyond, constantly searching for who I was and what I wanted to do with my life.

I’ve changed the way I see myself today by investing a lot of effort and, more importantly, by applying the right tools. In my practice, I’ve experienced that teaching these important skills at the right time builds confidence, boosts motivation and sets teens on the path to becoming adults who can successfully navigate life’s challenges.

How are you different from a school counselor or psychologist?

Children who see a counselor or psychologist typically have acute issues that need to be resolved. If your teen is working with a counselor, it’s likely that my strengths-based approach can be a valuable complement to the clinical component. The majority of young people, however, aren’t struggling to that extent, at least not so obviously.

My approach qualifies my uniqueness more than anything else. I am an expert in teaching life skills – powerful, enduring skills that help teens, whatever their circumstances, discover where they truly belong in the world.

Naturally, my work addresses the problems teens have – but the focus is not on “fixing” them. With my expertise in positive psychology, I understand the fundamentals of constructively developing youth in ways that build on their innate character strengths and talents, leading them to grow more motivated and confident in who they are. Consequently, they’re more equipped to recognize, respond to and bounce back from the particular challenges they face.

By building skills, I mean giving teens a sound framework they can use for the rest of their lives. When the going gets tough in the future – because it’s bound to – they’ll have a process to fall back on that has worked for them again and again.

How do I know if my teen is "right" for your services?

A better question might be: Has your teen ever been stressed, overwhelmed or afraid of failing? In our society, it’s hard for people at any age to admit they could use a little help. Teens, especially, pride themselves in proving to adults that they’re self-sufficient. So we can't expect them to speak up and say, “Mom, I’ve reached my breaking point. Can you please find someone to help me?”

Every young person – troubled or not – can benefit from learning these essential life skills.

Our education system tends to shore up children’s areas of weakness rather than foster their strengths. By the time they reach their teens, most kids have had few opportunities to excel at things they truly enjoy, making their achievements seem relatively empty. Yet once teens are given these golden opportunities, they are bound to advance that momentum into adulthood.

How long does it take to make progress?

Are parents involved in the process?

Other than your love and support – and giving your child a ride to and from his sessions – very little is required of you. One important thing I will ask of you is to set aside about 45 minutes of your time for an intake session. This gives me the chance to garner your valuable feedback on areas in which you’d most like to see your teen learn and grow during our work together.

Parents are the soundest resource in a child’s life, so here and there, when I see you after sessions, I may give you tips on how you can help to strengthen the foundation we’re building.

I’ll often take the opportunity to provide feedback on your teen’s progress after her sessions – in her presence, of course. This keeps trust strong and helps build the greatest relationship between your child and me.

Do you work with parents as well?

Where do the sessions take place?

I’ve found that meeting in a private room at a local library or community center is ideal for everyone. It’s convenient, quiet, and best of all, a neutral, safe space for teens to talk about whatever’s on their mind.

Depending on your family’s needs, I can also coach your child on the phone. My only suggestion is that, when possible, we first meet in person to build a strong foundation of trust and rapport.