“What the hell am I doing wrong?!”
Parents, how many of you have asked yourself that? I’ll bet, at some point, we all have. You get to your wits end with this adorable little creature that you love with all your heart. How is it that you can get so angry, and dare I say, feel hatred toward them all at the same time? Rest assured, you are not alone. Parenting is one of the hardest, thankless jobs at many points in a child’s development. You work so hard to protect them from the dangers of the world, to guide them into being a good person, and love them through all of their struggles as they move through each developmental milestone. Often you will be met with tantrums, bad attitudes, and some semblance of “you’re ruining my life” or “you’re the worst parent ever!”
If this sounds familiar, keep reading because there is still hope.
Hey there, I am Rosa, a therapist at Unity Youth and Family Services, and even I have had those parenting days. Days when I say, “Not today, Satan.” That said, I know many of you are on your last damn straw. You are exhausted with the bickering and fighting. You don’t want parenting to feel like you are pulling teeth when you ask them to get ready for school in the morning. Some of you are burnt out on trying, fed up with the back-talk and rolled eyes. However, every thrown toy, meltdown, angry slap – every “I hate you”, “go away” and “leave me alone” your kid yells at you – are all just desperate attempts to say “Help me understand what I’m feeling.” Through my years of experience with youth and teens, I’ve learned that behavior is just another language. And like any language, it can be understood, interpreted, and eventually transformed into something more positive, and that is where I come in.
The toughest kiddos are often the ones who need us most. And we can relate and regulate with them through the universal language of play!
For over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside children, teens, and their families across various settings – from bustling daycares to quiet home environments. As a parent, you know that each child is unique, and sometimes finding the right way to connect can feel like solving a puzzle, so let’s start to stick those pieces in place together.
My extensive experience working with children and teens, paired with my background as a registered behavioral technician, has given me specialized experience working with young people on the autism spectrum. However, my approach to counseling extends far beyond that. I’ve seen firsthand how young people navigate the complex journey of growing up, and I’m passionate about helping them find their path and connect their puzzle pieces together.
I have experience in working with youth who are tackling life’s big challenges: building social connections, developing a healthy self-image, understanding their identity, managing anxiety or depression, and finding their voice in the world. These aren’t just clinical terms to me – they’re real challenges that affect real families, and I’m here to help your child navigate them with confidence. What makes therapy special is that it provides the child a safe space to explore who they are, free from judgment or pressure. I don’t just work with children – I partner with families to build stronger connections and open up those vital lines of communication that sometimes feel impossible to establish.
Whether your child is struggling to make friends, dealing with school-related stress, or working through identity questions, my goal is to provide the support, tools, and guidance they need to thrive and help parents offer the same support at home. I understand that seeking help for your child can feel overwhelming, but I want you to know that taking this step is a sign of strength, not struggle or failure. Remember the old saying “it takes a village to raise a child?” Parents come to me stressed as single parents, working parents, and overwhelmed through their parenting journey. This is a tough job and no one should do it alone. Let me be a part of your village!
What to Expect When Working Together
Your child’s well-being matters, and I’m here to help them thrive. In my office, we go beyond traditional “talk therapy” to meet your child exactly where they are. We will utilize a variety of therapeutic tools to help your child process emotions, thoughts, and experiences; answer tough questions; and sort out difficulties due to neurodiversity.
I utilize Play Therapy, a proven therapy tool that allows kids to process things in different ways. But keep in mind, play isn’t just fun and games here – it’s a powerful tool for healing and growth. When words fail (as they often do for kids and teens), play becomes their natural language. Through carefully chosen activities, art materials, and therapeutic play, we create a safe space where your child can express what’s really going on inside. Whether they’re struggling with anxiety, feeling down in the dumps, having trouble at school, or testing every boundary you set, we’ll work together to help them find better ways to cope and communicate. Your child have difficulty with being told no or not getting their way? I can help with that too!
To better understand and support your child, I use targeted assessments that help us track progress and adjust our approach as needed. These aren’t just formal evaluations – they’re valuable tools that help me create the most effective plan for your child’s unique needs. I’ll always share findings with you in clear, practical terms. Our sessions include engaging activities and take-home strategies that make therapy both meaningful and lasting. You might find your child working with art materials, practicing new coping skills through hands-on activities, or using worksheets that help them better understand their emotions.
Remember, you’re a core part of your child’s journey. Therefore, I’ll keep you updated on your child’s progress and provide practical strategies you can use at home. Together, we’ll help your child build the skills they need to handle life’s challenges with confidence and become more of the child you hope to see.
What Do You Do Now?
Your first step is simple: sign up for an initial consultation with me where we can discuss your concerns and create a plan that works for your family.
Your second step will be completing documentation electronically and providing your insurance information for verification of benefits.
Once those 2 steps have been completed, you will be placed on my schedule for routine sessions. I choose to schedule clients on a consistent basis so that scheduling is not confusing or difficult for either of us.
Legal Mentions
- I have a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science from Bellevue University.
- I am a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Provider in Nebraska (PLMHP).
- I am under supervision of Corina Maher (LIMHP, CPC, LMHC, RPT), license # 2385. If you have any questions about this process, you can contact her directly at corina.maher@unityyfs.com with any questions or concerns.
- I am trauma informed, LGBTQ+ friendly, and am aware of neurodiverse needs.
If you need any other information, please contact me. If you feel like someone else in the clinic would be a better fit, please reach out to one of our amazing therapists! Or if you would like more options, I would be happy to help you find the therapist you need.
Want a free consult or more information?