Parenting therapists in Smithville, Missouri MO
Parenting
Merritt Posten Benz
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LSCSW, CDWF, MCLC
Within any family there are many moving parts, and each members' experiences and struggles have an impact on the functioning of the whole family unit . This is both good news and bad news. The good news is change in one area, or in one member, impacts the family as a whole. The hard part is stepping out and finding a place to start - and I'm here to say, "it won't be as hard as it feels right now."
21 Years Experience
Parenting
Dr. Yanet Vanegas
Psychologist, PsyD
My experience in working with parents on parenting concerns in therapy has been deeply enriching and impactful. Recognizing the profound influence of parenting on child development and family dynamics, I approach these sessions with empathy, collaboration, and a strengths-based perspective. Through open dialogue and active listening, I strive to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where parents can explore their concerns, challenges, and goals. Drawing upon evidence-based practices and my expertise in child development, I provide practical guidance, psychoeducation, and skill-building exercises to support parents in fostering positive parent-child relationships, setting healthy boundaries, and promoting their children's social, emotional, and cognitive development.
8 Years Experience
Parenting
Ailyn Payan, Psy.D.
Psychologist, Licensed Psychologist
As a parent myself, both biological and step-mother, I understand the difficulties in parenting children of all ages. I guide parents navigate this very hard journey by improving their communication and relationship with their children, and forming a stronger, more secure bond.
14 Years Experience
Parenting
Jennifer Plumb Vilardaga, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
I love working with parents to manage their stress about being a parent, whether parenting small children and teens or improving relationships with emerging adult and fully grown adult children. Being a parent is a challenge for most of us, particularly those managing multiple life roles (such as paid work, home management, schooling, and other relationships). I am not an expert in WHAT you should do to parent your children well; I am an expert in helping you figure out HOW you want to be as a parent and empower you to seek additional support and resources that might help you achieve your goals. I can help you clear the fog to determine your inner compass for what matters to you most, and hopefully you will find ways to find balance, show up with your children in ways that are important to you, and be the best you you can be as you parent. If you need higher intensity resources for parent-child interactions or higher level skills for managing your child's very difficult behavior, I can help you figure out how and where you might succeed in bringing those specialty services to help your family.
11 Years Experience
Parenting
Gayle MacBride
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Parenting - "All joy and no fun" is a quote I hear often and it resonates. It has been a great joy and the hardest job. It's hard to know if we are "doing it right" and "I don't want to screw up my kid" are the most common things my clients tell me. Let's talk about your parenting values and how this aligns with your parenting reality to learn some ways to increase your confidence.
18 Years Experience