Louisa McLane-Seidler, MFT

You are going through a difficult divorce. You and your children are hurting and you don't know what to do, you really need someone who is understanding but objective to point you in the right direction.

Your son has received good grades through elementary school, he is now entering middle or high school and his grades are failing, he continues to blow you off when you encourage him to study harder, thinking he can continue to get by without using some different study skills, you are frustrated.

You or someone you know has lost someone or something they loved very much. They are hurting and nothing you do is helping. You don't know where to turn.

Your 15 yr old daughter has had the same friends since 4th grade and you have been comfortable with them, now she is starting to date a boy you do not trust, he's older than your daughter. Her self esteem is determined by him and he is making her decisions. You are scared.

I have been in the above situations. I have a loving family that cares for me. However, sometimes they don't know how to help. I had a lot I wanted and needed to talk about but was often misunderstood or not listened to at all. I did not have good communication skills. I sought support in other areas, at times not making the best choices. I really just wanted someone to guide me in a non judgmental way. I needed to make my own decisions and mistakes. I needed support. I needed to be comforted and encouraged to try again. Education on more appropriate skills would have been priceless.

I have focused my career on developing brief skills families,teens and individuals can use to improve, communication, assertiveness, self esteem, decision making, peer pressure, school and emotional problems.

I am a licensed counselor and I love sharing my experience with families,teens and individuals. Sometimes we need someone to talk to that can listen and relate to us.

I would love to be that person for you and/or your teen!

A NOTE ABOUT FEES AND INSURANCE...

I work on a fee-for service basis. I do not participate in insurance panels.

The benefits of paying for counseling are as follows.

1. I work with adolescents and families. Most of the situations are issues of adjustment and development, not a mental health disorder. Insurance companies ask that I give you a mental health diagnoses to be paid. This can be damaging to your teens future.

2. Many insurance companies are refusing to pay for couples or family counseling.

3. I prefer to spend the extra time I have, researching your particular situation and provide you with the most up to date skills and information. Not doing insurance paperwork so I will be paid.

4.Confidentiality is compromised, I am often requested to write reports and justify that your family/teens requires continued counseling, therefore you cannot get too much better or I will not get paid. This information is also entered into huge data bases that can be easily accessed by anyone.

Being able to choose the right counselor is the key to a successful outcome.