Parenting therapist in Denver, for when you react to your kids in ways you regret
You love your kids, and you still snap, shut down, or say things you swore you never would. We work on your side of the pattern: where the reaction comes from, and what you'd rather do.
Does this sound familiar?
Whether your kids are toddlers or teenagers, you might notice:
The morning rush or bedtime turns into the same standoff.
You hear your own parent's voice coming out of your mouth.
You snap over something small, then feel awful for the rest of the night.
You go quiet and check out when your kid melts down.
You apologize to your kids a lot, and it keeps happening.
You and your partner handle things differently, and the kids feel the tension.
You know your kid isn't the problem, and you still can't seem to stay calm.
What this is
When your child is upset, it can stir up what happened when you were upset as a kid. Reactions you learned long ago show up fast, often before you've decided anything.
Therapists sometimes call this emotional reactivity: reacting faster and bigger than the moment calls for. It doesn't mean you're a bad parent. It likely once made sense, and it can change.
It's often the same pattern you notice with a partner or your own parents. It's the same pattern, no matter who it's with.
How I work with this
What I see in my work is that parents who react this way usually care a great deal. What's missing is some steadiness in the moment it matters most.
This is therapy for parents, not for your kids. Your child doesn't come to sessions, and we work on your side of the pattern.
I've trained in Relational Psychodynamic Therapy. In plain terms, we look at how earlier relationships, including the one with your own parents, shaped the way you react now.
I pace the work to where you are. First we focus on understanding your reactions and settling yourself. When you're ready, we practice responding the way you'd like to.
What sessions look like
In the first session, you tell me about your family and the moments that keep going badly. You can ask me anything about how this works.
After that, we often start with a recent moment with your kid. We slow it down, name the feeling or need underneath, check whether that's the real one, and plan what you'd like to try next time.
Sessions are by video, Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm Mountain Time. If you've been searching for a parenting therapist near me, near can mean your own kitchen table, anywhere in Colorado or Washington.
You don't need a calm week to reach out.
Is this a good fit?
This is likely a good fit if you want to understand your reactions and respond differently, and you can look at your own part. You don't need to be good at naming feelings yet.
It's probably not the right fit if you're looking for therapy for your child. I work with adults only, and [I'll point you toward someone who works with kids].
I see individuals only. If you want joint or family sessions, I'm glad to suggest other options.
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Can a parenting therapist help me stop reacting so fast with my kids?
A parenting therapist can help you understand why you react so fast and practice a steadier response. In my sessions, we slow down a recent moment with your kid, name what you felt and needed, and plan what you'd like to try next time.
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Is there therapy for parents, not just for kids?
Yes. Therapy for parents focuses on you: your reactions, where they come from, and how you'd like to respond. Your child doesn't need to come to sessions.
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Does my partner need to come too?
No. I see individuals only, and we work on your side of the pattern. That's the part you have the most say over.
Related Pages
Partner conflict: when the same fight keeps coming back.
Parents and in-laws: when old family roles kick in fast.
Starting and keeping relationships: when you pull back as someone gets close.
About me: my background and how I work.
Fees and insurance: cost, insurance, and the free consult.
Start with a free call
You don't need to know exactly what to say, or have your partner on board. A free 20-minute call is a chance to ask questions and see if this feels right, with no pressure either way.