Smith Canyon Counseling

Middle school can turn a child’s world upside down. Friendships shift, schoolwork gets heavier, emotions hit harder, and suddenly your child is lying awake — anxious about a test, confused by a friend’s behavior, overwhelmed by expectations, or unsure where they fit in. You notice their confidence fade, their spark dim, and their stress rise, and you wonder how to help when so much of their world feels out of reach. Parents feel this season deeply, too. You worry about their self-esteem, safety, and sense of belonging. You see them pull away or melt down over things that seem small but feel enormous to them. You wonder when to step in, when to step back, and whether what you’re seeing is “normal” or something more. It’s exhausting to watch your child struggle without knowing what will truly help. I support middle schoolers as they navigate friendships, school pressures, anxiety, and self-doubt, helping them make sense of big feelings and build skills to communicate, manage stress, set boundaries, and regain confidence. I also guide parents with practical strategies and reassurance, so you know how to support your child without adding pressure. With a Masters in Clinical Psychology, 14 years as a middle school counselor and now a provisionally licensed professional counselor, I bring experience, empathy, and evidence-informed strategies to these challenges. I’m here to help your child feel more confident and capable while helping your family find stability, connection, and hope.