The Transformative Journey of Youth and Their Parents Through Counseling
About Us
I'm Dr. Courtney Conley
I’m an author, educator, licensed Counselor, adolescent therapist, and parenting coach. I partner with parents to provide support and strategies so they can help their struggling teen without going insane.
I have dedicated my career to supporting adolescents both directly and indirectly. My driving force has always been the internal suffering I experienced as a teenager. My mother used to say, “You are only as happy as your saddest child.” She would know this all too well as she tirelessly tried to help me. At the heart of my work is the desire to help adolescents avoid the sea of negative emotions that consumed me as a teenager and impacted me well into adulthood. I consider myself a wounded healer. I understand on the deepest level what it’s like to struggle with depression and all the far-reaching implications that result.
I also know that parents can play a critical role in helping their child. No, you can’t eliminate all their pain even though you so desperately wish you could. But you can help.
Yes, I have a doctorate in counseling. Yes, I am a licensed therapist. But that’s not what helped me develop my unique approach to working with adolescents that I now teach to parents. I developed my approach by listening to the adolescents I was serving and absorbing everything they had to tell me about their thoughts, feelings, and the challenges of being a teenager. My education certainly helped, but I developed my approach from something far greater than education. I developed my approach from the ground up by listening to what teenagers needed and developing ways to meet those needs.
After working with hundreds of teens over the past 135 years, I discovered some common themes. They long for acceptance and connection.
Here's My Why
and How I Can Help You
I decided to become a counselor to help kids. I consider it a privilege when people invite me into their lives and allow me to journey with them during difficult times. While I am always far more interested in listening to the story of others, I’d love to introduce myself and give you a glimpse into why I am so passionate about helping teens and their parents.
My driving force has always been the internal suffering I experienced throughout my life. At the heart of this work is the desire to help adolescents avoid the sea of negative emotions that consumed me as a teenager and impacted me well into adulthood. I consider myself a wounded healer. I understand on the deepest level what it’s like to struggle with depression and all the far-reaching implications that result. I have dedicated my career to supporting adolescents both directly and indirectly.
I have been working with youth since 2007. Through my years of service as a school counselor and therapist it became clear to me that the struggles that many young people face start at the core. Yet we try to put band-aids on the surface. We teach self-esteem techniques but not self-acceptance and self-love that starts at the core.
My mission is to equip adolescents with the inner tools needed to successfully and authentically navigate their teenage years. I developed my approach after seeing so many teens struggle with depression, anxiety, and a lack of confidence. My work combines the power of connection with spiritual concepts to help today’s youth expand their thinking, raise their awareness, and challenge their negative beliefs.
Fun Facts About Me...
- I have a passion for reading nonfiction and personal development books. Among my favorite authors are Wayne Dyer, Eckhart Tolle, and Mike Dooley.
- Interestingly, I’m one of the few people who haven’t watched Game of Thrones, as I don’t watch TV.
- My musical taste is diverse, and I equally enjoy Fleetwood Mac and Jay Z. Different types of music evoke memories of specific periods and special individuals in my life.
- A unique bond I share with my sister is matching tattoos.
- Cooking and baking bring me joy, and it’s how I won over my amazing husband.
- Traveling is another love of mine.
- Whether it’s raw or steamed, I enjoy oysters but not when they’re fried.
- I come from a small town with a population of about 500 people.
- Family holds immense significance to me, and I consider my siblings to be my closest friends.
- Raising my two incredible children allows me to apply the parenting skills I teach on a daily basis. And did I mention my wonderful husband?