In 2013 Marcus hosted a free parent education event at PFT’s office in Petaluma. Uriah Guilford, MFT and Sierra Dator, LCSW joined Marcus to talk to parents about planning for a successful and supportive summer. We also discussed pressing issues that parents were facing. This was a unique opportunity for parents to talk to three therapists who work primarily with families …
Poor School Performance?
The majority of teen boys I work with have moderate to severe difficulty in school. Many are failing classes, find it difficult to stay focused, or their emotional disturbances interfere with learning. Their parents carry constant stress regarding their son’s immediate future, and even more about his eventual success. One thing that parents can do during the summer months is …
Is Your Child Emotionally Prepared for School?
– by Kimmy Peterson, MFT – Yes, another summer has flown by and most of us are ready to send our kids back to school. This year will be full of new challenges and experiences no matter what grade your son or daughter will be attending. Back to school means a time to get your kids ready to embrace the …
Simplify Your Life for the Holidays
– by Kimmy Peterson, MFT – Simplify: sim·pli·fy; ˈsimpləˌfī/ verb: to make less complicated, clearer, or easier We are about to head into one of the busiest and most stressful times of the year, the holidays. The holiday season can be hectic and demanding both emotional and financially. Take a step back and ask yourself: Is this working for my family, and …
How to Get Your Teen to Talk to You: Clear these 6 common communication roadblocks to facilitate trust.
– by Jennifer Norstrom, LMFT – If you’re like most parents, you’d like your teen to be able to come to you with her problems. It bothers you that you don’t know what is going on when he is clearly upset. Watching your son or daughter walk briskly away and slam the bedroom door isn’t a good feeling. The truth …
Parenting Teenagers
What is a parent’s role during the teen years? – by Marcus Moore, MFT – Some of the most common questions parents raise in therapy (besides “How can I get him to do his homework?!”) have to do with the role of parents during their child’s teen years. By the time parents are ready to seek counseling for their teenagers, …
What’s Going on In Your Son’s Brain?
– by Kimmy Peterson, MFT – The life of a parent includes helping your child navigate transitions; from a once tiny snuggly baby boy, to an on the go toddler, an exploring grade schooler, an awkward preteen, and now, a young adult learning to become independent. These transitions have each been made with minor fails, a few emotional wounds, and …
How NOT to Support Your Teen in Therapy
Creating Resistance by “Dropping In” on Your Teenager’s Sessions – A major error that I have seen parents make time and time again over the years is the mistake of showing up unannounced to a therapy session with their teenager. Parents usually do this in order to bring up an issue that they want their teen to work on …