Sarah Crane O'Neill, PLLC
Becoming a parent or adding a new child to your family is a major milestone, and begins a highly demanding period of our adult lives. As fulfilling as parenthood can be on a larger scale, the adjustment can be difficult and the day-to-day juggle a challenge. Our mental health and relationships can suffer. We live in an arduous time as parents -- our country lacks strong, supportive social and economic policies for families, and there can be pressure to give our children the very best. Add to this, some of us live far from our extended family or support networks. We just can’t do this job of being a parent alone.
The good news is you don’t have to go it alone. Counseling with me is a safe space to:
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Express your feelings and thoughts about your experiences as a parent
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Explore what feels most overwhelming, challenging, or impossible
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Make sense of potential disparities between what you thought parenthood or a particular stage would be like, and what it actually is like
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Contemplate who your child is, their developmental phase, and what they are experiencing -- and what this brings up for you
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Process and heal some of your own growing-up and family of origin experiences
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Reflect on what's important to you as a parent, and how you want to show up for your child
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Recognize and celebrate your most gratifying moments as a parent
I draw from my over fifteen years of working with parents of children ages 0-21. I’ve worked in various capacities as a counselor, case manager and workshop facilitator in mental health settings and a child welfare setting. Prior to graduate school, I was a childcare worker in a residential program for children with emotional and behavioral challenges. I have personal experience raising my two elementary school-age children. I come to the topic of parenthood and parenting with a lot of humility and respect for individual experiences.
I do not go in depth on parenting strategies such as behavioral interventions – though I can point you to other providers for this. Rather, I can help you gain more clarity and awareness about yourself as a person and parent. Equipped with this knowledge, you can make intentional shifts in how you treat yourself and your child, and I believe it’s likely you’ll become a more happy, effective parent along the way.
Parent The Best You Can.
If you’re seeking guidance in your parenting journey, I invite you to schedule a free consultation. Together, we can explore the challenges you’re facing and develop your strengths, values, and practices as a parent. Choose between in-person sessions at my Seattle office or Walk-and-Talk Counseling for a more dynamic approach.