I have 30 years of experience helping kids and adults as a therapist and a teacher. It still feels like an honor to be trusted with your story, your hopes, dreams, and struggles.
I don’t believe in pigeon-holing people or focusing on what’s wrong; you are far more than the problems you struggle with! Instead, I look for the strengths and skills you already have that can change your relationship to whatever is challenging you.
The same goes for children. They, too, have strengths and resources inside themselves they can draw on to heal and grow. I am constantly inspired by the creativity and resilience of human beings, young and old, as they move forward into life with a new sense of hope and possibility.
What Sets Me Apart
I focus on your strengths
- I see the strengths and skills you or your child have even when you can’t. Recognizing where things are already working brings a new sense of hope and agency.
- I want you to have tools you can use right away. I teach skills that can be used at home, at school, at work, or wherever challenges arise. But the best tools are often the ones that you or your child come up with from your own knowledge, experience, and creativity.
- You’re not broken. Your child (if you have one) isn’t broken. We all have an inner Self that’s whole; a Self that’s clear, centered, courageous, and creative. Sometimes, we just need help connecting to that inner healer.
I help you make practical changes
- Although it can be satisfying to know the “why” behind the challenges you or your child are facing, I like to bring attention to the “what” and the “how” because it’s more helpful in moving forward into the life you envision.
- I don’t blame parents for their children’s struggles. I’ll work with you so you can support your kids.
- Although each situation is unique, I typically see children and families for 6 months to a year. With individual adults, our work together may be anywhere from 6 months to several years, depending on your needs and preferences. Once we’ve gained some traction, we may spread out our sessions while you or your child practice the strategies you’re learning.
I help you put things in perspective
- I focus on the values that guide you in your life and the vision you hold for yourself.
Whether there’s trauma in your past or not, we’ll focus on your resiliencies. Therapy does not need to pick the scab off every old wound to be helpful! - It can be enormously empowering to explore the ways our personal experience is connected to broader social forces like race, gender, sexuality, and economic status. I recognize the impact of culture, norms, and social systems on our lives, and I can help you find your own power and a path that works for you.
Lifelong Learning
I got my degree and license many years ago, but I’ve never stopped learning and growing. Some of the areas I’m particularly excited about are… Read more » “Wendy has this amazing ability to really listen to what you say, giving you her whole attention but in a way that allows you to relax and be yourself. Even more than that she listens to what you don’t say and gently helps you bring it out into the open. Wendy is thoughtful, empathetic, and kind, but not mushy or wishy washy. She is lighthearted with an easy laugh. She is non-judgmental and down to earth. I can testify that Wendy’s skills make real, concrete differences in people’s lives. She has helped me more than I can say. I recommend her to all without reservation!” –Jennifer Wuest, M.A., Licensed Clinical Social Worker “Wendy has a strong intuition about kids and always looks beyond the surface to what each child actually needs. Her artful questions and creative ideas stimulate children to expand their thinking and come up with their own theories and solutions to problems. “Through her gentle, yet stalwart support I’ve seen children’s confidence and self-esteem blossom dramatically.” –Betsy Nachman, M.A., Director of Griffin Nursery School “Wendy appreciates the unique context and experience of each child and family. Wendy elicits what children think and feel by asking the kinds of reflective, open-ended questions that allow children to feel more cooperative, emotionally flexible, and secure. “She gives children the tools to communicate their needs, to solve problems, and to resolve conflicts. As a teaching colleague of Wendy’s, I personally flourished from her analytical skills, enthusiasm for collaboration, and ability to ask questions that get to the heart of the issues.” –Denise Hingle, Owner/Director of The Play Yard Family Child Care “That’s my experience of Wendy as a participant in our master teachers group these past 10 years. Wendy is deeply committed to helping children, both within the family and at school. She is direct but tactful and knows how to connect with both adults and children. She sees the strengths in each child, even when they’re struggling. “Wendy understands how a child’s school experience has a profound impact on their happiness and sense of belonging. Her professionalism and knowledge of young children and families are great. Wendy has a lot to offer children and families.” –Marion Cowee, M.A., Professor Emeritus, Solano Community College
Testimonials
“There are so many good things to say about Wendy!”
“Wendy dedicates herself with great passion and skill to developing the best in each child.”
“Wendy has a deep respect for children and parents.”
“Caring. Thoughtful. Listener. Observant.”
