Meet Helen
Licensed Professional Counselor, Public Speaker, Podcaster, Author
I possess two Masters degrees. My first is an M.A. in Counseling Psychology; my second is an M.B.A. As a licensed professional counselor I have been in the behavioral health field for nearly thirty years and I have owned and operated my private practice for fifteen years. I have worked with children as young as 3 to adults well into their 80s. My radical acceptance of all persons has diversified my experience to work with various cultures, ethnic groups, socio-economic statuses, religious & spiritual beliefs, LGBTQA+ and more. I am a firm believer it is the human experience that unites us all.
My career began working in group homes and residential treatment facilities for children and adolescents. There I learned how this form of treatment can be effective and generalizable to other conditions where a group must work together to achieve specific behavioral goals. I then took what I learned to help families and systems within the community modify the undesired behaviors of youth while creating or mending their interpersonal connections. Out of curiosity about other mental health treatment modalities I spent time working in an ER as part of a Crisis Response team. This led to the formation of my private practice which I maintain today. Private practice opened a pathway to new skills and interests as I honed my use of CBT, Psychodynamic and Gestalt theories in my work with adults. I later added to my repertoire by becoming a Level 2 Gottman Method trained couples therapist.
​
In 2018, I endeavored to find a new passion. My self-exploration led me to Parent Coaching. Here my initial passion for working with children combined with my desire to support adults. In this space I wrote my self-published book "The Parenting Treatment Plan." It is titled as such because I have come to believe that our approach to parenting needs restructuring. It needs to be healthier and easier. And the knowledge of how to achieve this needs to be affordable, hence the low price of my online parenting course. In both my book and my course I explain how understanding and achieving the two SMART goals of parenting eliminates power struggles and cultivates self-discipline and emotional stability in children. What are those SMART goals of parenting? 1) for the parent to become the authority figure (aka respected role model) and 2) for the child to learn how to make good choices. Parenting is a universal experience we all share and are shaped by. But the deluge of information and do's and don'ts often leaves those most in need of guidance paralyzed.
My goal is to simplify and improve.
​
In addition to my education and work experiences, I am also the mother of five sons. I bring all of my knowledge with me into my work by relating to the single parent, the partnered parent, the co-parent, the happily married, the unhappily married, the divorced, the grieving daughter, granddaughter and sister, the parent of adult children, the entrepreneur, the ambitious, the career-oriented and so much in between. I value being able to hear my client’s needs, validate them and encourage them to become the best version of themselves.
​
What I Specialize In
Parenting Coaching
Public Speaking
The first 15 years of my career focused predominantly on working with children and their families. My professional and personal experience as a mother of 5 led me to discover an approach to parenting that is highly successful.
Creating an emotionally safe environment is the key to creating your parenting miracle. Yes, miracle! After all, the word miracle is often used to describe the return of something to its intended state (ie. the blind to see). My approach to parenting results in a deep & loving connection to your child that eliminates power struggles and cultivates self-discipline and emotional stability in your child.
I believe parenting was meant to be joyous and can be once again.
Individual
Counseling
When working with individuals my goal is to meet my clients where they are. I utilize a combination of cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic and Gestalt therapies to formulate a working concept for my client. Psychodynamics involves looking at the relationships of your past to understand why the current cognitive-behavioral patterns have developed and how best to shift those patterns to create your best whole self (Gestalt). I incorporate the use of skills and techniques from all different theories to achieve your goals. I do this because there will never be one skill that works for everyone. I am committed to trying skills until we find what works for you.
SMART Goals Parenting!
Online Parenting Course
Every parent wants the same thing - to enjoy watching
your kids grow! But the joy of watching them grow
is constantly interrupted with opposition, power
struggles, life stressors, schedules and the
unrelenting amount of uncertainty and fear.
My course is based on SMART goals for parenting-
something no other parent education system does.
You will not only learn what these goals are and why
they are but also identify the barriers
separating you from your ideal parenting experience
and eliminate them for good.
The only thing left for you to do is enjoy Parenting!
-
understand the 2 goals of parenting
-
eliminate power struggles
-
get on same page with partner
-
simplify & streamline discipline
-
form a deeper connection with kids
-
work at your own pace
-
be part of a community
*monthly subscription $47/month*
What Would Helen Say?
Podcast & Social Media Handle
The Parenting Treatment Plan
To create an emotionally safe environment,
become the authority/ respected figure.
5 steps to becoming the respected figure...
Consistency
Nurture
Reduces anxiety.
Promotes mastery, self-confidence & trust.
Promotes self-soothing.
Teach & show love.
Develop empathy.
Guide
How does the world work & what is expected of its citizens?
Discipline- reshaping undesired behavior without power struggles.
Listen
Healthy communication starts by listening. You must first understand.
Talk
Where trust is tested. Do you mean what you say?
''Therapy is about validating your worth, ideas, and needs, while also exploring current behavior & thought patterns that contradict your desired goals.
Across races, genders, ages, and beliefs, people share the same needs: food, clothing, shelter, safety, belonging, self-worth and to become the best version of yourself.''
​Helen has helped me get through a lot of issues that I have been dealing with. She's very knowledgable and capable to help anyone. Helen also provides great help with business ideas as well. I can't wait to see her again in the near future!
- A.F.
​Helen is amazing. She was very supportive while working with me. She helped me let go of a lot of things. She worked with me and was available when necessary. She made me so comfortable with her I could let down my guard and be myself. I’m looking forward to returning to her in the near future and I highly recommend her to everyone...
- T.P.
Helen was referred to me. My experience with her is one that I can only describe as necessary. Helen is real and will help you to understand what you are going through. She listens and is very welcoming. I highly recommend going to her, especially if you're trying to sort out something within yourself and/or relationship.
- M.P.