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By: Dr. Erica Wollerman
We all know that the holidays can be extremely stressful, overwhelming, and busy for parents. We sometimes forget that it is also a busy, overstimulating, and, at times, difficult period for kids.
I know, most of us feel it would be AMAZING to go back and be kids on holidays again. Wouldn’t having someone else do all the prep, cooking, cleaning, buying, planning, etc., for us be fantastic? It honestly would, but this does not necessarily mean it is a super easy time of year for all children. Suppose we, as parents, are too absorbed in our own experience. In that case, it can be really easy to project our feelings of frustration and being the ones to “take care of all the things” onto our kids. Sometimes, we perceive our kids, particularly those who struggle with emotional regulation (aka meltdown city during the holidays), as “entitled, ungrateful, selfish, etc.” To help families manage their emotions during the holidays, I wanted to share some tips to help shift our mindsets in more helpful directions. 1. Manage Your Expectations We can easily set up the most magical holiday ever and expect our children to be similarly magical and kind. This expectation is unfair, and if you have a child who tends to struggle on big occasions that involve a lot of anticipation, it makes sense that they may be contentious during the holiday season. We should expect it to be challenging at times so that we are not surprised and interpret their behavior negatively. Remember that your child is most likely overwhelmed and genuinely doing their best to meet their needs and to figure out how to cope with something that feels bigger than their coping skills. While it is hard to be the parent of a child who struggles with big feelings, it can also be tough to be the child who is struggling. Having empathy for their experience and remembering that they are a good kid who is having a hard time will help you respond with more patience and kindness. 2. Listen to Your Child Listening might sound strange, but if your child is telling you that the plans you have made are too much or that they are too tired, overwhelmed, or excited, try to listen. I know it can be hard to shift plans once they are made, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but if your child is genuinely struggling with their emotions and behavior, it makes sense to scale things back. Also, if they are communicating that they feel overwhelmed, don’t want to hug people, or don’t want to be asked certain questions, see if you can set things up so that those situations do not occur. You can set boundaries around how much time you engage in certain events, which events you attend, and even with your family members about how they treat your child. It will go better if, as you and your child approach situations, you try to work together to figure things out to have the best time possible. You can even discuss ahead of time how to cope with difficult situations, especially if your child is older and aware that these situations are challenging for them. 3. Connection and Boundaries I know these are my favorite topics lately, especially since I developed my mini-parenting courses all about these topics… But they are good ones that totally apply here. As mentioned above, connecting and listening to your child can be incredibly helpful during busy holidays. Making sure that you take the time to listen, play, and connect with them in the ways you usually do during typical days can help maintain your connection even when things become challenging or overwhelming. Similarly, setting boundaries around things that lead to increased emotional dysregulation can be helpful. For example, our son tends to struggle if he gets too much screen time, sugar, or food containing artificial dyes. As a result, we tend to limit electronics and less healthy food choices, especially during big events like birthdays or other events, which can lead him to be even more dysregulated. While it is not the most “fun” parenting opinion, I believe that setting him up for success is more important than letting him indulge and get super out of control! I hope these parenting tips can help you manage situations that arise at this time of year! If you would like to discuss any of these topics further, feel free to reach out to our team for a parent consultation :) If you want to learn more about Connecting and Setting Boundaries with your child, check out our mini-parenting courses!
If you are interested in learning more about connecting with your child please make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Dr. Wollerman has launched mini parenting courses! You do not want to miss it!
At Thrive, we take a positive, client-centered approach to therapy that is focused on creating a genuine connection with our clients. If you would like to talk with a Thrive Therapist about yourself, your child, or teen attending therapy we offer in person and telehealth via video sessions, please reach out to us by phone at 858-342-1304.
By: Dr. Erica Wollerman
For the month of November, I wanted to share a few different ideas for how families could add gratitude practices to their families. Since “Thanksgiving” can be easily rebranded into a day of gratitude, I figured a month of gratitude might be even better. Especially for our kids, who we feel might struggle to identify things they are grateful for.
What is a gratitude practice anyway? A gratitude practice really just means setting aside a bit of time each day, week, month, etc., to contemplate things in your life that you are grateful for. My favorite way to practice gratitude is by setting aside time at the end of the day to think of at least ten things that I feel grateful for in my life. This could be things like our home or the health of our family. It also could be as simple as a beautiful day. Or bigger things, such as my ability to work doing something I truly enjoy and believe makes the world a better place. It could even be targeted towards something you are struggling with - such as a relationship or situation and trying to reconsider it from a more appreciative perspective. With kids, it can be fun to have this daily practice as well. Sometimes that can be a conversation after story time and before bed (when kids really love to open up!). Or it could be a family discussion at the dinner table where everyone participates. A favorite idea of mine is to write the things we are grateful for on slips of paper and put them in a glass jar to read at a later date. When setting your child up to do this, it is important to try and phrase the exercise in a way that does not leave them feeling that they are ungrateful or entitled simply because they might struggle with this. I try to follow the below steps:
As mentioned before, this could be something you do every day, weekly, or just on Thanksgiving. We often hear from parents that their kids are “entitled” or “ungrateful” and I truly believe that is because we do not always take the time to teach them to notice the things that are going well. If we take a bit of time now, I am hopeful that we can help to shift our kids’ perspectives so that they do notice the good things in their lives more often!
If you are interested in learning more about connecting with your child please make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Dr. Wollerman has launched mini parenting courses! You do not want to miss it!
At Thrive, we take a positive, client-centered approach to therapy that is focused on creating a genuine connection with our clients. If you would like to talk with a Thrive Therapist about yourself, your child, or teen attending therapy we offer in person and telehealth via video sessions, please reach out to us by phone at 858-342-1304.
By: Dr. Erica Wollerman
Since I talk often in my work about children and their big emotions, I wanted to share some tips and ideas to help you keep your cool while your child is losing theirs!
Before we dive into the how-to's of staying calm, it's essential to recognize that your child's emotional turmoil can stir up a whirlwind of emotions within you. It's normal to feel a range of things, from empathy and concern to frustration and helplessness. Understanding these feelings and their sources is the first step toward managing them effectively. The Importance of Staying Calm Staying calm in the face of your child's upset is crucial for several reasons: 1. Role Modeling: Your child learns how to handle emotions by watching you. Staying calm teaches them that emotions are manageable and can be expressed in a healthy way. 2. Effective Communication: A calm demeanor fosters open and constructive communication. It allows your child to express themselves without fear of judgment. 3. Problem Solving: Being calm enables you to think more clearly and find solutions to the issues at hand. Tips for Staying Calm 1. Breathe: When you feel your frustration or anxiety building, take a moment to breathe deeply. Inhale for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four. This simple exercise can help you regain your composure. 2. Pause and Reflect: Before reacting to your child's upset, take a brief pause. Ask yourself what's triggering your emotions. This self-awareness can help you respond more thoughtfully. 3. Empathize: Put yourself in your child's shoes. Try to understand what they're feeling and why. Empathy can help you respond with compassion. 4. Stay Mindful: Mindfulness techniques can be incredibly helpful in staying calm. Techniques like meditation and grounding exercises can keep you in the present moment and reduce stress. 5. Set Boundaries: It's okay to set boundaries with your child, even when they're upset. Calmly let them know what behavior is acceptable and what isn't. 6. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to other parents, friends, or a therapist when you're feeling overwhelmed. Talking to someone who understands can provide you with valuable guidance and emotional support. 7. Fill your cup: Don't forget to take care of yourself. A well-rested, emotionally balanced parent is better equipped to handle their child's emotional ups and downs. 8. Learn from Mistakes: Nobody's perfect. If you lose your cool occasionally, it's okay. Use those moments as learning opportunities for yourself and your child by discussing how you can handle things differently next time. Staying calm when your child is upset is a challenging but essential aspect of parenting. It sets the stage for your child to learn emotional regulation and healthy communication. Remember that it's normal to feel a whirlwind of emotions yourself, but by practicing deep breathing, empathy, mindfulness, and self-care, you can be a steady anchor for your child during their emotional storms. Stay calm, and you'll not only navigate these challenging moments more gracefully but also strengthen the bond with your child, showing them that they can always count on your support and understanding.
If you are interested in learning more about connecting with your child or setting boundaries please make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Dr. Wollerman has launched mini parenting coursesl! You do not want to miss them!
At Thrive, we take a positive, client-centered approach to therapy that is focused on creating a genuine connection with our clients. If you would like to talk with a Thrive Therapist about yourself, your child, or teen attending therapy we offer in person and telehealth via video sessions, please reach out to us by phone at 858-342-1304.
By: Dr. Erica Wollerman
Isn’t parenting fun? One minute everyone is having a great time, and the next, your child could be having an epic meltdown. These moments can be challenging for both you and your child, but understanding and practicing "co-regulation" can make these moments a bit smoother. In this blog, we'll break down what co-regulation is and how it can be a game-changer when your child is going through a meltdown.
What's Co-regulation? Co-regulation is a fancy term for the give-and-take of emotions and behavior between you and your child. It means you, as the parent or caregiver, play a crucial role in helping your kid handle their emotions, especially during tough times like meltdowns. Co-regulation is all about being empathetic, supportive, and creating a nurturing environment to help your child learn how to deal with their feelings. Cracking the Meltdown Code Before we jump into the co-regulation stuff, let's get a grip on what meltdowns are and what sets them off. Meltdowns aren't the same as tantrums; they're more like emotional eruptions your child can't control. They happen when your kiddo feels overwhelmed by their emotions. Typical triggers include tiredness, hunger, sensory overload, frustration, and changes in their routine. Recognizing these triggers can help you step in before things go haywire. The Co-regulation Guide 1. Keep Your Cool: Your emotional state sets the tone for co-regulation. So, when your child is having a meltdown, try to stay calm. Your composure will create a safe space and show them how to regulate their emotions. 2. Show Some Love: Start by recognizing your child's feelings. Say something like, "I see you're really upset right now," or "I get that this is hard for you." Let them know that their feelings are valid and that you're there to support them. Some kids will become more upset upon hearing these words, and that’s okay. Offer some comfort and then simply stay near them in a quiet and calm way, offering support. 3. Comfort with Touch: A reassuring hug or holding their hand can provide a sense of security during a meltdown. Sometimes, physical contact can be super comforting. Also, if your child pushes you away, it is helpful to stay in the vicinity, but not too close. 4. Respect Personal Space: While some kids need cuddles during meltdowns, others may need a bit of space. Respect their preference, but make sure they know you're nearby if they need you. 5. Chill with Calming Techniques: Breathing exercises, mindfulness tricks, or counting together can help your child regain control over their emotions. Guide them through these techniques to help them calm down. My personal favorite is having kids try to blow my hand away. I hold my hand near their mouth and tell them to try and blow my hand down. Then, I act super animated and impressed when they take a deep breath, blow out, and boom, my hand is down! 6. Patience Is Key: Meltdowns take their sweet time. Be patient and be prepared to stick with your child until they've calmed down. Rushing the process can make things worse, so take your time. Note: If your child, like my son, does not respond well to “co-regulation,” that’s okay! Just try to stay close, but not too close, and say something comforting and kind. Keep your composure and be patient with them. Then, offer a hug once they are calm. Co-regulation is not for every child, and that’s okay :) Why Co-regulation Rocks Co-regulation isn't just about helping your child manage emotions; it's also about building a stronger bond with your kiddo. By being there for them during meltdowns, you're teaching them that it's okay to have intense feelings and that they can lean on you for comfort and understanding. This trust and connection will have a lasting, positive impact on their emotional growth. Meltdowns can be rough, but with the power of co-regulation, you can make them a bit more manageable. Remember, co-regulation is all about staying calm, being empathetic, offering comfort, and using calming techniques. By embracing this approach, you'll not only help your child handle their emotions but also build a solid, trusting parent-child relationship filled with love and support. So, take a deep breath, and remember that you've got this!
If you are interested in learning more about connecting with your child or setting boundaries please make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Dr. Wollerman has launched mini parenting coursesl! You do not want to miss it!
At Thrive, we take a positive, client-centered approach to therapy that is focused on creating a genuine connection with our clients. If you would like to talk with a Thrive Therapist about yourself, your child, or teen attending therapy we offer in person and telehealth via video sessions, please reach out to us by phone at 858-342-1304.
Parenting can be a wild ride filled with joys, challenges, and the constant quest to provide the best for our children. While we want to shield them from the world's worries, we also recognize that life often throws curveballs, and anxiety can creep into even the most wonderful childhoods. When a parent notices their child grappling with anxiety symptoms, it's natural to feel concerned and seek ways to help. One invaluable resource many parents turn to is individual therapy. In this blog post, we'll explore why parents opt for individual therapy to assist their child in managing anxiety.
Understanding Childhood Anxiety First, let's briefly delve into what childhood anxiety can look like. Anxiety in children may manifest as excessive worrying, fearfulness, restlessness, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and even physical symptoms like stomach aches or headaches. It can be triggered by various factors such as school stress, peer pressure, family issues, or even internal thoughts and fears. Why Individual Therapy? 1. A Safe Space to Express Emotions Individual therapy provides a safe and confidential space for children to express their thoughts and feelings openly. Children might find it challenging to articulate their anxieties to parents or teachers, fearing judgment or misunderstanding. A therapist creates an environment where children can share their concerns without fear of consequences. At our office, we like to do so by utilizing a lot of play and art in our therapy with children. You see, children learn best when you speak their language, which is often not talking about problems but playing or expressing them in other ways. 2. Specialized Guidance Therapists who work with children are trained to understand the unique developmental needs and challenges of young minds. They use age-appropriate techniques and tools to help children cope with anxiety. Therapists can connect with children through play, art, or talk therapy and help them navigate their feelings. All of the therapists at Thrive specialize in child and teen therapy as well as supporting families and parents. 3. Skill Development Anxiety can be complex, and individual therapy equips children with the skills to manage it effectively. Therapists teach strategies for identifying triggers, challenging irrational thoughts, and developing coping mechanisms. These skills empower children to tackle anxiety both in the short term and as they grow older. Often, children experiencing anxiety are eager to feel better and will readily engage in learning skills. At times, that can be challenging due to the desire to avoid facing their fears; in those situations, progress can be slow. However, it is always better to have your child attend therapy if possible! 4. Building Resilience Resilience is a crucial life skill; therapy can help children build it. Through therapy, children learn to face their fears, tolerate discomfort, and gradually develop the confidence to confront challenges independently. This newfound confidence can increase self-esteem, a stronger sense of self, and distress tolerance skills. You see, anxiety management and distress tolerance are closely related as we often need to learn to tolerate the initial distress and discomfort when facing a fear or anxiety-provoking situation. Doing so can be tricky, but it is a great skill for future challenges! 5. Parental Guidance and Support Individual therapy isn't just for the child; it can also provide parents valuable insights and guidance. Therapists often involve parents in the process, helping them understand their child's perspective and offering strategies to support their child effectively at home. At our office, we all enjoy involving parents so that everyone can make more progress through treatment! Parenting an anxious child can be incredibly challenging. Knowing when to accommodate their fears and needs and when to challenge them is hard. Often, parents of children with anxiety may also have their own experience of anxiety too. This stress makes it even more complicated, as you can imagine! Luckily, we at Thrive are here to help you figure out these challenging issues and parenting decisions! Contact us today to discuss how we can help your child and your family today
If you are interested in learning more about connecting with your child please make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Dr. Wollerman has launched mini parenting courses. You do not want to miss them!
At Thrive, we take a positive, client-centered approach to therapy that is focused on creating a genuine connection with our clients. If you would like to talk with a Thrive Therapist about yourself, your child, or teen attending therapy we offer in person and telehealth via video sessions, please reach out to us by phone at 858-342-1304.
Ahh! Parenting! It is never a dull moment. And definitely not for the faint of heart. Being a parent is filled with joy, confusion, laughter, monotony, surprises, and frustration. So, we decided to ask our Thrive team of therapists to share their favorite parenting tips or recommendations. Come learn a little more about parenting and our therapists.  Abbey Stewart, AMFT: My favorite parenting tip is not usually my most popular: less is more. I mean that parents are quick to believe that if they don’t offer solutions or instant comfort, their child will experience unreasonable distress. I like to support children in finding their inner strengths by increasing their understanding that they can navigate challenges autonomously. If folks have questions, I am happy to expand!  Dr Andrea Seldomridge: Less is more! Often, seeing kids and teens about to make mistakes can be hard. Instead of stepping in each time, allowing them to make mistakes can be a great way to help them grow, mature, and build confidence.  Kim Macias, APCC: I always recommend that parents spend time one-on-one with their children where the child gets to pick the activity. You may be surprised by what they choose! And it's a great way to show how special they and their interests are to you.  Jennifer Gonzalez, LMFT: Although not the only form of communication, words matter. Even when you think that your child is not listening, they are. The best way to teach your child positive behaviors is by role modeling, but you are also human, and you might not get it right every time. You are also learning with your child, so if you notice that your emotions are intensifying and might dictate your reaction, take some space and walk away rather than saying things you may not mean or want to say.  Dr Maria Fowlks: That your child is a whole person with the same feelings we have, but with developing brains and very limited experience with these emotions. So remember your child is having a hard time, not giving you a hard time.  Molly Llamas, AMFT: Less is more! Parents often feel pulled to make decisions and choices for their children to prevent them from making mistakes or getting hurt. I love experiences where I can work with parents to normalize these worries/ concerns while also empowering them to welcome opportunities to see their children succeed and learn from their mistakes/ choices.  Ying Ying Shiue, LPCC: Foster connection and hold your boundaries. While you may think it’s an oxymoron, you can do both by fostering a connection with your kids and holding them accountable. Being present in the moment to love and support your child is key. At Thrive, we are here for you. We take a positive, client-centered therapy approach focused on creating a genuine connection with our clients. If you want to talk with one of our therapists about yourself, your child, or your teen about attending therapy, call us at 858-342-1304. We offer in-person and video sessions, and all of us LOVE supporting parents!  Are you thinking about starting therapy for yourself or a loved one? An important aspect of that decision is finding a therapist who can connect with you. Every therapist has a style and approach that is as unique to them as their thumbprint. We recently asked our Thrive therapists to describe their approach in therapy. We invite you to read and consider if this may be the help you have been looking for. Dr. Maria Fowlks: My therapeutic approach looks to help individuals become more understanding, accepting and compassionate in dealing with themselves and those they love. I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients. I strive to make them feel comfortable and supported throughout our sessions. My goal as a therapist is to support my clients on their journey towards improved mental well-being, and to empower them with the tools and insights to navigate life's challenges. I do this by taking an integrative approach to therapy. This means that I draw from various evidence-based therapeutic modalities and techniques, tailoring my approach to meet their unique needs. I also recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity and strive to create a culturally inclusive environment. I respect and value diversity and am committed to understanding and addressing the unique challenges clients may face based on their cultural background. I work alongside my clients, supporting, guiding, and rooting them on as they brave the challenges life can sometimes bring. My clients are as much my teachers as I am theirs. My clients never cease to amaze and inspire me with their strength, courage, and resilience. Dr. Andrea Seldomridge: I like to strike a balance between structured and unstructured. I often will bring in tools that may help them with what they’re coming in for, such as depression or anxiety. However, I always want to meet the client where they’re at and utilize a more conversational and organic approach. Molly Llamas, AMFT: I bring my authentic self to all sessions by incorporating humor, curiosity, empathy, and culture, inviting you to bring your whole self, too. My approach includes a multicultural lens that allows me to understand and honor all of my clients’ needs and stories by meeting them where they are, while also challenging them to step out of their comfort zones through a non-judgemental approach. Ying Ying Shiue, LPCC: I like making connections with my clients, so I incorporate a lot of real-life experiences and humor into my style of therapy. I’m kind, caring, and compassionate while also being realistic and honest. If you’re making a mistake, then I’ll tell you that, but then I’ll also tell you about the time when I made that same mistake, and we can laugh about it! Abbey Stewart, AMFT: I would love for clients to know that I have tools and knowledge that I use to support a client in exploring their questions or processing experiences they have. Ultimately, every person is the expert of their own experiences, and supporting people in their therapeutic journey is a great privilege. Kim Macias, APCC: I strive to provide a warm and nurturing space for you to identify your needs and goals. I approach therapy as a partnership between me and my clients to help you reach your goals, and I strive to create a space where you can be yourself. Jennifer Gonzalez, LMFT: I utilize various evidence-based therapeutic modalities as I believe the therapeutic approach should meet the client’s needs, not vice versa. In treatment, I always operate under a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive lens. At Thrive, we have an amazing team of therapists. We take a positive, client-centered therapy approach focused on connecting with our clients and building skills to help them manage their symptoms more effectively. We offer in-person and video sessions and group therapy for preteens and teens. We would love to hear from you at 858-342-1304 so that we can support your family! Our final therapist post is about Jennifer Gonzalez, LMFT 98444 who has been working with Thrive for almost 7 years! Jennifer is incredibly passionate about working with teens and their parents, but also has a specialty in working with parents individually. Not only does she do an amazing job supporting her clients, but she also works with me on supervising our team and helping to lead them clinically. If you have the rare opportunity to work with Jennifer (as her schedule is rarely open), I think you are in great hands!  Who do you LOVE working with? I enjoy working with clients of all ages! However, I am particularly interested in tweens and teens as I believe adolescence is the most challenging and complicated stage in a person’s life! As a therapist, I love having the opportunity to support my client’s identity development, interpersonal challenges, and social and emotional health. Also, due to my many years of experience working with adolescents, I have also developed a passion for working with their parents. My unique insight into this stage of development helps support parents' goals of raising healthy and autonomous individuals. What should potential clients know about you and your style in therapy? I utilize various evidence-based therapeutic modalities as I believe the therapeutic approach should meet the client’s needs, not vice versa. In treatment, I always operate under a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive lens. What is your favorite parenting tip or recommendation? Although not the only form of communication, words matter. Even when you think that your child is not listening, they are. The best way to teach your child positive behaviors is by role modeling, but you are also human, and you might not get it right every time. You are also learning with your child, so if you notice that your emotions are intensifying and might dictate your reaction, take some space and walk away rather than saying things you may not mean or want to say. What advice would you like to have received when you were younger? Expressing sadness is not a sign of weakness. I was raised in a culture that values strength and promotes the “fake it until you make it” mentality. Just because you are not doing or feeling well does not mean that you have to act like everything is fine. Feel all of your feelings. This will create opportunities to learn more about yourself and how to cope better. What do you like to do in your free time? I am an avid traveler. The best way to experience culture is by visiting the place of origin. One of the best learning experiences is cultural shock, as this provides a unique opportunity to question everything you know and perhaps change your perspective for the better. I think this has made me a more well-rounded therapist, so I can better understand and serve my clients. At Thrive, we take a positive, client-centered approach to therapy that is focused on creating a genuine connection with our clients. If you would like to talk with Jennifer Gonzalez, or another Thrive therapist about yourself, your child, or teen attending therapy we offer in person and video sessions, please reach out to us by phone at 858-342-1304. Next up we have Kimberly Macias! She is an associate professional clinical counselor (APCC 5752), working with our clinical supervisor, Jennifer Gonzalez (LMFT 98444). Kim is really talented at finding solution focused ways to help her clients, even the youngest kids she works with. She loves working with parents and is truly an amazing resource for families who want to blend learning tools to help their children and time to process the challenges they are experiencing.  Who do you LOVE working with? I love working with clients from all walks of life, from children to adults and everything in between. I love working with clients to build confidence and self-esteem, and I love being able to help clients meet their goals. What should potential clients know about you and your style in therapy? I strive to provide a warm and nurturing space for you to identify your needs and goals. I approach therapy as a partnership between me and my clients to help you reach your goals, and I strive to create a space where you can be yourself. What is your favorite parenting tip or recommendation? I always recommend that parents spend time one-on-one with their children where the child gets to pick the activity. You may be surprised by what they choose! And it's a great way to show how special they and their interests are to you. What advice would you like to have received when you were younger? I would have liked to hear, and I want everyone to know, that it is okay to ask for help when you need it. There is nothing wrong with seeking the help you need, and it's the first step on the journey to better mental health. What do you like to do in your free time? I am a big book nerd and love to read. I also like to explore the city with my family, try new foods, and see new places. At Thrive, we take a positive, client-centered approach to therapy that is focused on creating a genuine connection with our clients. If you would like to talk with Kimberly Macias, or another Thrive therapist about yourself, your child, or teen attending therapy we offer in person and video sessions, please reach out to us by phone at 858-342-1304. Up next is Abbey Stewart! She is an associate marriage and family therapist (AMFT 133167), working with our clinical supervisor, Jennifer Gonzalez (LMFT 98444). Abbey is wise beyond her years and brings that to her clinical work, offering a depth of clinical understanding that is so helpful in her work with children, pre-teens, and their parents. She is able to facilitate communication between her clients and their parents, as well as between them in her pre-teen group, in a really effective way.  Who do you LOVE working with? It is hard to narrow a certain group down as my favorite to work with and support. I have found that whether a person is in elementary school or leaving college, we are all humans trying our best to navigate new experiences and find our sense of self. I have found joy in both individual work and working with our Preteen Group, as well! What should potential clients know about you and your style in therapy? I would love for clients to know that I have tools and knowledge that I use to support a client in exploring the questions or processing experiences they have. Ultimately, every person is the expert of their own experiences, and supporting people in their therapeutic journey is a great privilege. What is your favorite parenting tip or recommendation? My favorite parenting tip is not usually my most popular: less is more. I mean that parents are quick to believe that if they don’t offer solutions or instant comfort, their child will experience unreasonable distress. I like to support children in finding their inner strengths by increasing their understanding that they can navigate challenges autonomously. If folks have questions, I am happy to expand! What advice would you like to have received when you were younger? I actually received the most valuable advice, but my personal doubts and anxieties distracted me from taking it. The most valuable advice I have been given is that I was enough. We live in a world that is pervasive with comparison and urges to improve or change. I love supporting clients in discovering the areas of growth, of course, but understanding that they have the resources and strengths within to meet their needs. What do you like to do in your free time? I love reading a good mystery novel paired with bubble tea. And I can always enjoy perusing one of the million dog rescue accounts I follow on social media. At Thrive, we take a positive, client-centered approach to therapy that is focused on creating a genuine connection with our clients. If you would like to talk with Abbey Seldomridge, or another Thrive therapist about yourself, your child, or teen attending therapy we offer in person and video sessions, please reach out to us by phone at 858-342-1304. |
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