Emotional Intelligence

Students come to our work together with stored pain from the past, and harmful patterns playing out in their life as a result. To thrive, they need to learn how to move through their pain, and then create new pathways of thinking and acting. 

We work with the challenging emotions, and learn how to consciously process them. Students understand how to feel their feelings, and take excellent care of themselves emotionally. 

Many students have shared with me, “My biggest issue is my fear of letting people down,” or “My pattern is sabotaging my progress.” They recognize that the same track is playing out again and again, and they want to shift it. 

When we see these patterns for what they are — ineffective but innocent attempts to keep us safe — we come to them with more curiosity, openness, and ability to change them. Students recognize their patterns, reframe them, and then create a personal psychological toolkit: new frameworks that promote self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-responsibility.

Holistic Wellbeing

A good night’s sleep and some morning sunshine really do make a difference. Students explore what rituals and habits support their health — time outside, a phone call with their favorite aunt, reading before bed, dancing to upbeat music. Together, we develop a sustainable routine for mind, body, and spirit so they have a solid baseline to work from. 

Healthy Relationships

One of the most important needs a person has is connection and belonging, and many young people struggle to find it. We focus on how to build genuine, supportive relationships in their life — fostering healthy communication, honoring boundaries, and being real, vulnerable, and their authentic self. 

One teen said, “When I found the people meant for me, it was like two puzzle pieces fitting together. It finally felt right!”

Unique Path

As Friedrich Nietzsche once famously said, "He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” With a purpose, we feel directed and clear. It helps sustain us in difficult times because we know what we are living for. For teens, this is a valuable question to ponder. And even if they don’t know what it is yet, they’re right on time — discovering our purpose is a beautiful and ongoing process. 

Together, we tackle the existential questions: What matters to me? What do I value? As well as the practical: How do I get there? What first step can I take? We embrace the journey, orient to their goals, and tackle how to reach them.