This is my first blog ever in my entire life. I have hesitated about blogging for a long time due to my fears around writing, grammar, punctuation, really anything in the Language Arts department. Yes, it does bring up my past feelings/emotions that I had while in middle and high school. I have accepted that academics is not my strong suit and I continue to do my best and move forward. I have to admit there was a strong pull for me to send my blog to my mom to proof read… 🙂

I think of my young clients who also struggle with academics and all the pressure that it may, or may not bring into a teenagers life. I wonder where the pressure comes from, and how they are managing it or not. Sometimes this can be so overwhelming that people shut down or react in a negative way.

One of the tools I use in counseling is to narrow things down, to help decrease feelings of being overwhelmed, while at the same time not forgetting what is going on. I help students and families find a balance. Often times I talk to the parents or even the school, with permission of course. I want to make sure my clients are receiving the proper academic support.  Along with collaborating with the school, I have a degree in school counseling that helps me to navigate the school world. I act as an advocate for my clients and do my best to make sure they are being heard.

Sometimes it is scary, embarrassing, and difficult to ask for help or recognize that school is hard or even too easy.

If you find that your child/teenager is struggling in school, I am happy to help. Please contact me for a free 30 minute consultation to see if we are a good fit. This is a very vulnerable time and finding a good therapeutic match is important!

For those students… hang in there 🙂

~Katie