FAQs

Positive Discipline is a program developed by Dr. Jane Nelsen. It is based on the work of Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs and designed to teach young people to become responsible, respectful and resourceful members of their communities. Positive Discipline teaches important social and life skills in a manner that is deeply respectful and encouraging for both children and adults (including parents, teachers, childcare providers, youth workers, and others).

Recent research tells us that children are hardwired from birth to connect with others, and that children who feel a sense of connection to their community, family, and school are less likely to misbehave. To be successful, contributing members of their community, children must learn necessary social and life skills. 

(copied from The Positive Discipline Association’s website)

I help parents address a variety of challenges related to raising children and managing family life. I help families with:

Parent-Child Relationships-Strengthen the bond between you and child, foster trust, and build a nurturing environment

Discipline Strategies-Develop consistent and effective discipline techniques that align with your family's values and goals.

Developmental Support-Learn about your child's developmental needs and strategies to support those needs in a way that seamlessly fits into your lifestyle

Emotional Support-Brainstorm techniques to manage your own feelings of stress and anxiety so you can be more present and patient with your child

Behavior Management-Address tantrums, defiance, and aggression utilizing effective, research-backed methods

I help parents of children 18-months through 14 years-old.

Parents may choose to work with me to gain personalized support and guidance in navigating the challenges of raising children. Parenting can be complex and overwhelming, with each stage bringing new questions and concerns. I offer guidance tailored to each family’s unique situation, helping parents develop effective strategies for managing behaviors, improving communication, and fostering a positive home environment.

As a developmental therapist, I also provide valuable insights into child development, helping parents understand their child’s needs and how to meet them in a nurturing way. Whether dealing with specific issues like discipline or seeking to build a stronger parent-child relationship, you’ll be empowered with the tools and confidence to create a harmonious and supportive family dynamic.

No! Caregivers of any kind will benefit from learning to implement methods from Positive Discipline. I work with grandparents, nannies, babysitters, and generally, anyone who provides care for another person. The principles from Positive Discipline have the capacity to improve every relationship in your life.

Adlerian psychology is a framework that emphasizes social relationships and our interconnectedness. With regard to parenting, his approach stresses listening to children, emotion coaching, attunment, family meetings, and encouragement.

As a developmental therapist, I have a thorough understanding of children’s holistic development across domains—cognitive, social-emotional, language, and physical (fine and gross motor skills).

I offer guidance to parents as they navigate day-to-day parenting struggles and seek deeper insight into their child’s behavior. My approach is thoughtful, gentle, and mutually respectful for all involved—including the children.

Playgroups provide a safe, structured environment where children can develop social skills, learn to share, and practice cooperative play. This early social interaction is crucial for emotional and cognitive development, laying a foundation for better communication and problem-solving skills later in life. Research also shows that playgroups can help children build resilience and adapt to new situations more easily, as they are exposed to a variety of activities and peer interactions.

Additionally, playgroups offer parents a supportive community where they can share experiences, seek advice, and build friendships, which can be invaluable during the early stages of parenting. Research shows that parents who participate in playgroups report “higher parenting confidence, increased well-being, increased child communication, socio-emotional, and general developmental skills”.

Parent coaching is centered on your role as a parent and aims to provide practical tools, strategies, and guidance to help you create a positive and supportive family environment. Typically, I help couples with coparenting dynamics: synching up parenting styles, promoting emotional awareness, and guiding them in dividing household task in an equitable manner.

I am not a licensed therapist; I do not diagnose or treat mental health disorders. I emphasize the here-and-now, providing practical strategies and interventions.

Read more about the differences between what I offer and marriage counseling in this blog post.