Services
All of my services are customized to meet your specific needs. My only agenda is to help you – to unravel your challenges, understand what your child is communicating, and unleash the power that you have to change your life.
I use these bowls in my sessions with parents. I call them pebbles of responsibility.
One bowl represents the parent, and the other bowl the child. When kids are born, all the pebbles (responsibilities) are in the parent’s heart and over time we need to slowly give pebbles of all different sizes to the child so that eventually the child has all the pebbles.
Parents
One-on-One Coaching
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Free 30-minute consult
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Sessions are 55-60 minutes
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Bundle of six sessions - $1,215 (10% discount)
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Bundle of three sessions - $641 (5% discount)
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One session - $225
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Top-up 30-minute session (check-in for established clients) - $115
Parent Coaching sessions are done over Zoom. Payment accepted by check, PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle.
Our family went through hell and came out the other side, stronger and more connected.
Sample presentations:
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Raising Healthy, Capable, and Resilient Kids, Teens, and Adults.
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They Have a Device, Now What? How to Create Tech-Free Zones in Your Family.
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School and Homework Refusal – Why it Makes Sense Your Kid Doesn’t Want To and What You Should Do.
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Ready for College – It’s More Than XL Twin Sheets and Shower Caddies.
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Happy as Your Least Happy Child and other Parenting Myths.
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Schools and Parents – Working Together for Healthier Kids.
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - What’s a Parent to Do?
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Self-compassion and Finding Joy Whilst Parenting Teens through Young Adults.
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Why it’s Important to Quit Tracking Your Kids' Phones When They Head Off to College and Other Tips as Your Child Launches.
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Navigating the Complexities of the Mental Health System and Strategies for Sourcing the Right Help for your Family's Needs.
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How to Get the Home Life You Want.
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How Block Parties Can Change the World.
In my presentations, I cover a variety of topics (effective communication, connection, community, technology, homework, sports, toxic achievement culture, mental health, parental well-being, independence, play, chores, and more) and provide education, guidance, and actionable ways to achieve the goal/presentation topic.
Please use the contact form below to tell me more about your group or event, and I look forward to customizing a talk for your community!
Speaking Engagements
I lead a culture shift of hope, connection, and action for individuals, families, and communities around the world. My speaking engagements include keynotes, parent roundtables, book discussions, PTA meetings, and as a featured panelist with fellow mental health professionals and advocates for connection.
As a parent support group facilitator for NAMI Southwest CT, Vanessa was honored to present at the CT Region 1 conference: "Mental Health in a Post-Covid World: How to Ensure Emotional Health and Resilience in our Youth/Teens."
She shares her journey to NAMI, how NAMI-CAN groups support parents of children and teens struggling with mental health issues, and what free meetings are like. This video excerpt includes presentations from both Vanessa and a parent from her NAMI group.
Upcoming Events
Parent Coaching Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a parent coach?A parent coach is a certified professional who guides, supports, and empowers parents to have strong relationships and connection with their children so that they can have the family life they envisioned. A parent coach offers personalized parent education, is skills-based, solution-orientated, and focuses on the here and now.
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Are you a certified parent coach?Yes, I am a professionally trained, certified parent coach. I earned my certification through the Center for the Challenging Child, LLC in Minnesota.
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What is your approach?Parents seek me out because they are frustrated, exhausted, scared, embarrassed, confused, lost/don’t know where to turn, feel alone and not supported, and are desperate for help and hope. Together, you and I will use our heads and our hearts to problem solve and strategize.
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Are you a therapist?No. I am not a clinician, I do not diagnose or offer treatment. When needed, I partner with clinicians to support my clients and their families.
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Are you a parent coach because you are a perfect parent?No! No one is – we are human and we learn and grow every day. I have learned a tremendous amount of what works – and what makes things worse – and have established healthy family relationships so that we can better work through the challenges our family faces.
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I’m not sure if I need a parent coach and don’t want to commit to a session yet.I offer a free 30-minute consult where we can talk and see if this would be a good fit.
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How do we meet?We can meet over the phone, FaceTime, or Zoom.
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How long are your sessions?Sessions are between 50-60 minutes long.
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How many sessions do I need?Change takes time. I recommend six sessions to start. A three-session bundle is also an option.
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How often will I have a session?Sessions are generally spaced two weeks apart, but you can do more often if desired.
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Do you have sessions with children or teens?No. My work focuses on having the biggest impact and that is working with you, as parents and caregivers. I empower you to make the difference in your child’s life. You are the most important person.
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I am worried you will be shocked at what I tell you. Should I be worried?You should not worry. I have worked with many different parents with issues ranging from lack of cooperation, bad attitude, excessive technology use, school refusal, anxiety, depression, verbal and physical abuse, drug use, and attempted suicide.
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Why should I hire you?Not only am I trained and certified, I offer tremendous experience, perspective, and strategies. I am your confidential, nonjudgmental guide and partner to help you navigate your family’s obstacles so that you can have better relationships and a better life together. There is so much, and often conflicting, information out there and it can be overwhelming to navigate. Together we explore your family’s needs, ways to help you be the parent you wanted to be and have the family life you want. “Getting by” is no way to live, I want you to thrive.