Parenting
Being knowledgeable about kind, effective parenting strategies is essential in Dr. Hill’s marriage and family therapy. For children of any age, Dr. Hill will help you brainstorm which rewards and consequences will truly motivate an irritable, disobedient child, or a child who simply reacts with too much entitled “attitide.” Parents sometimes need coaching or encouragement to be consistent long enough for their strategies to actually work. Some parents may need ongoing counseling to implement brand new ideas, while others may find brief consulting is enough to get their own parenting back on track.
From early in his graduate training, Dr. Hill began seeking out extra coursework and clinical experience with both couples and families. In addition to his 4 years of practicum at the University Counseling Center, he also completed a year-long specialty practicum in Marriage and Family Therapy. This specialty practicum included both prerequisite and concurrent graduate classes, and benefited from a team treatment approach in all supervision. The Marriage and Family Practicum– as well as Dr. Hill’s internship– refined his clinical skills in working with parenting, family and stepfamily conflict, and adjusting to divorce.
Dr. Hill’s style in working with parents or whole families is to first get to know each person as a human being and to hear about each relationship in the family. What conversations (and arguments) are already happening at home, and what messages or conversations are perhaps missing? How have recent family changes or stressful events affected children’s behavior or “attitude?” Dr. Hill may even want to hear from siblings not involved in the current conflict, as they often have fascinating and helpful insights.
Dr. Hill works with parents and families to rebuild mutual respect, peace, acceptance, improved communication, and forgiveness– which may require meaningful change by both children and adults. Finding the most helpful approach for your own family will vary, so Dr. Hill will work collaboratively with you to choose a counseling direction that is both effective and comfortable.