My clinical work with adults is varied in a way that balances the therapy I do with children and expands the range of skills I can competently use. Some adults see me to work on their parenting skills, which could involve talking through past or present experiences or adapting techniques to support their child’s unique developmental needs. I also see adults who are managing their own mental health needs, whether that is coping with a specific diagnosis or adjusting to a major life change.

I draw on my child psychology knowledge when working with adults because adults are also undergoing development and are involved in numerous systems that affect their lives. So, a biopsychosocial perspective is used to shape our mutual understanding of their concerns as well as to guide the strategies we decide to use. A client’s childhood, history of trauma, or “past” is explored when those factors appear to be directly impacting on the current concern, with the purpose being to get a more comprehensive understanding of the problem so we can create more finely tuned and effective interventions.

While I am experienced in diagnosing specific psychiatric conditions, I tend to focus less on making the “correct” diagnosis and focus more on supporting clients to improve their quality of life and reduce suffering. One of my priorities with all adult clients is that they leave sessions feeling respected for who they are, empowered by enhanced knowledge, and more capable of producing the change they want to see in their lives.