Laura Van Aken

My Story:

When my son came home from South Korea at 5 months of age, I thought I was prepared for adoptive motherhood. I quickly discovered that adopted children often need special parenting in order to thrive. I made a lot of mistakes, because I was not well-educated in trauma and attachment. My husband and I struggled to agree on many parenting issues during that time. Friends and family did their best to support me, but I often felt alone, frustrated, and overwhelmed. I didn’t have the energy to read all the parenting books out there, and when I did, it seemed they didn’t fit my situation. As I sought counseling, special parenting techniques, and more, I learned how to change my thought process so I could love and nurture my son in a way he could receive. I also learned, through deep reflection and lots of practice, how to become unified with my husband so we could be a strong team. I learned to find humor, pursue peace, and feel genuine joy in parenting. It was a hard journey, but I gained invaluable insights and became more empathetic, patient, and humble.

For over 25 years I have actively supported families, in a variety of avenues, with ideas for making their lives better. My Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and experiences in a learning support classroom, preschool, juvenile detention center, youth groups, women’s ministries, public speaking, and business mentoring all contribute to my “qualifications.” But, it was the battle I bravely fought and won in my own home that inspired me to become a parent coach. It was a battle to overcome my fears, to challenge my beliefs and assumptions about myself, my spouse, and my son, and to replace them with the knowledge that within each of us lies amazing potential for love, acceptance, connection, and teamwork. The Parent Coaching Institute’s intensive graduate level program prepared me to support other parents to do the same.

I see you. You are not alone.

Many parents with challenging children feel utterly alone and worn out. I often felt envious as I watched the “perfect” families surrounding me. What I have found, however, is that most parents are struggling to achieve the ideal family they see in their dreams. As your parent coach I will work collaboratively with you to identify and build upon your strengths and the strengths of your children. During my year-long practicum for Parent Coach Certification® I spent 100+ pro bono hours with parents from different demographics. I have witnessed what happens when parents choose to face their fears and to discover they can overcome them. It was a privilege to help parents see the beauty in the chaos, the potential in the struggles, and the solutions within the problems.

Together we will find and implement the best approach for parenting your kids, specifically tailored to the inherent strengths already within each of you. I will guide you into a thought process that empowers you to make small changes that create big growth.

Let’s Do This.

As a parent, you know your kids better than anyone, and within you is the strength, talent, perseverance, and creativity to raise them well.

My passion is to meet you where you are, come alongside you, and support you in making your family thrive.

I work with individuals, couples, and groups. We can connect by phone, Skype, Zoom, or face to face. If you would like to learn more, please contact me for a free 30-minute consultation conversation about how we might make a great partnership!