Parent sessions can be in-person or virtual. Sessions are typically 50 minutes but can be 90 minutes if parents are looking for a comprehensive consultation that can be a stand alone appointment.

Parents typically schedule an appointment because:

• They aren’t sure if what they’re noticing about their child is developmentally expected or not

• They want to gain developmentally appropriate expectations

• Power struggles, melt-downs, tantrums, and walking on egg shells has become the norm

• The child’s school recommended child therapy

• A family transition has occurred, or is on the horizon

• The family has experienced loss, trauma, or a life event that they would like support to navigate

• They want to break cycles from their own upbringing

• Their child has received a new diagnosis and they want to learn more and have tools to support them

• Their child’s mood or behavior has changed recently

• A regression has happened and they want to make sure they have the information and tools to handle it in healthy and helpful way

• food has become a problematic aspect of daily life and parents want to understand what is happening and how to help

• The family wants tools and guidance to navigate raising a happy, healthy child in a complicated and messy world

All work with parents is grounded in years of clinical experience, current scientific literature, and advanced trainings specific to parenting young children and supporting the social, emotional, and mental health of children. We do not rely on just one methodology to inform our guidance, but instead, we draw from a variety of best practices that will support and strengthen each family’s specific goals and values to ultimately create a toolkit that will be actionable and sustainable for each family.

Parent work is straight-forward and goal-oriented. While we work hard to understand the underlying causes that may be contributing to challenges within a family, this work is not deeply psychoanalytical. Parents can expect to leave sessions with concrete actions they can begin implementing immediately.

We are deeply rooted in the scientific research that has identified evidence-based approaches and best practices for working with children based on neurobiology, child development, pediatric mental health, and parenting practices.

Our approach in action is always hands-on and interactive for the child; blending directive and child-lead play so that children can engage meaningfully while being guided through exercises and activities that help them learn and grow playfully.

Sessions can be silly, playful, quiet, calm, active, messy, gentle, creative…we are equipped with a range of activities and supplies to ensure all children feel safe, connected, and can learn in their own unique way.

Sessions typically begin with a parent touchpoint followed by the child’s session, which is usually between 20-30 minutes in length to respect their attention spans and ensure that our time is productive and engaging. We reserve the end of the session for a debrief that includes parent(s).

We understand first-hand how hard it can be to fit in another activity into the week. Therefore, we have developed interactive and engaging play-based therapy virtually. For virtual sessions, we have kits that can be delivered to your home to accompany sessions. Kits include items that correspond to the goals of therapy sessions and may include a specific game, art supplies, sensory items, or books.

After Leah completed her Masters Degree in Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis she pursued a Post-Master’s Certificate program in Clinical Interventions for Parents and Children at Wash U. Since then, Leah has completed many advanced trainings in modalities such as Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Parent Management Therapy, Love and Logic, Conscious Discipline, BrainWise, Moving Traditions, Responsive Classrooms, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and more. Leah has also completed clinical certification courses in Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD in child and adolescent populations. Leah has lead parent and clinician workshops on topics such as Assessment and Interventions for Opposition Defiant Disorder, Attachment and Bonding for Adoptive Parents, Responding to Challenging Behavior in Early Childhood Care Settings, Circles of Control in Early Childhood Care, Strength-Based Language for Early Childhood Professionals, and more.

Leah’s educational background and experience gives her the skills to engage children in meaningful work. Play therapy can leave parent’s wondering “is this working?” To minimize that curiosity for families at Heartstrong Counseling, we blend directive and child-lead therapy methodology that is aligned with the goals of the family. Years of experience give us tools to utilize games, art, and silliness to learn serious techniques to help children communication their needs, practice coping skills, manage frustrations, express themselves, develop a growth mindset, and more. For parents, they can take comfort in knowing we are able to use assessment tools and clinical judgement to continually adjust and recalibrate the trajectory of our sessions so that families feel validated, informed, and equipped to help their family thrive every step of the way.

Leah also holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Nutrition Science and Integrative Health and is a trained Lactation Counselor. Leah uses these skills to help families navigate the unique challenges associated with nourishing their families.