Parenting can be an emotional rollercoaster. One moment, you feel connected and confident, and the next, you’re faced with tears, frustration, or complete silence from your child or teen. You may find yourself wondering, Am I doing enough? Why won’t they talk to me? How do I help them through this? Watching your child struggle with anxiety, emotional ups and downs, or major life transitions can be overwhelming, leaving you unsure of how to support them while managing your own stress.

I’m Joanna Farley, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I specialize in working with teens and parents who are navigating the challenges of growing up and raising emotionally healthy kids. Adolescence is a time of enormous change—shifting friendships, academic pressure, emotional highs and lows, and an increasing need for independence. Teens often struggle to manage these transitions, leading to anxiety, self-doubt, mood swings, and difficulty communicating with family. Many parents feel caught between giving their child space and wanting to step in and fix everything. My goal is to help teens build confidence, develop emotional regulation skills, and gain the tools they need to handle stress, relationships, and life’s inevitable changes in a healthy way.

I also understand that parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and even the most loving and well-intentioned parents sometimes feel lost. That’s why I work closely with parents, providing guidance on how to support their child without power struggles, frustration, or feeling disconnected. I have extensive experience working with issues related to anxiety, emotional regulation, trauma, family transitions, and adoption-related challenges. My approach is rooted in Theraplay (Level 1), Attachment Regulation and Competency (ARC), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing, all of which help children and teens build resilience, understand their emotions, and develop healthier coping strategies.

Rather than focusing solely on problems, I utilize a strengths-based approach, helping clients recognize what’s already working while finding new strategies to overcome obstacles. Every child and teen has their own way of processing emotions, and I tailor my approach to meet each client’s unique needs and personality. Whether it’s helping a child struggling with anxiety, a teen feeling overwhelmed by school and social pressures, or a parent looking for tools to better connect with their child, I provide practical strategies that lead to real change.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, being outdoors, baking, camping, and watching football. I believe that no one should have to navigate life’s challenges alone, and I am committed to helping children, teens, and families create meaningful change that allows them to thrive.

If your child is struggling, or if you’re feeling stuck as a parent, I’m here to help.