Hi, I'm Grace

What I Do

For the past 15 years, I've worked as a therapist with children and families in New York City. I see kids struggling with anxiety, navigating friendship challenges, managing big transitions, and learning to understand their own emotions. I work with parents who are exhausted, confused, and doing their absolute best.

My clinical training is in attachment-based therapy, cognitive-behavioral approaches, and developmental psychology. But what I've learned most is this: parenting is hard, children are complex, and there are very few universal answers.

Why I Write This Newsletter

In my therapy practice, I see the same patterns repeat across different families. A parent will ask me a question, I'll share a framework or insight, and they'll say, "I wish I'd known this years ago."

This newsletter is my attempt to share what I'm learning with a wider audience. Not prescriptive advice, but clinical perspective. Not parenting rules, but developmental context. Not perfection, but useful frameworks.

Every month I write about one topic in depth, drawing from research, clinical experience, and real scenarios from my practice (anonymized to protect confidentiality). I try to make complex psychology accessible without dumbing it down.

What I Write About

Topics I explore regularly include:

• Emotional development and regulation across different ages
• Common developmental challenges (anxiety, friendship issues, sibling conflict)
• The gap between parenting ideals and parenting reality
• When to worry and when to wait
• What therapy can and cannot do
• Building resilience without dismissing feelings
• Repair after difficult parenting moments
• The neuroscience behind challenging behaviors

Who This Newsletter Is For

This newsletter resonates most with parents who want developmental context, not just behavior management tips. With caregivers who are curious about the "why" behind their child's behavior. With clinicians looking for frameworks to share with clients.

If you're looking for quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions, this probably isn't the right newsletter. If you want thoughtful exploration of complex topics, grounded in both research and real-world practice, then I think you'll find it valuable.

The Format

One essay per month, usually 1,200-1,800 words. I publish on the first Wednesday of each month. Each issue explores a single topic in depth rather than skimming multiple subjects.

I don't send promotions, affiliate links, or sponsored content. Just one thoughtful email per month about child development and parenting.

My Background

I earned my Master's in Social Work from Columbia University and have maintained a private practice in Manhattan since 2009. I've worked in school settings, community mental health, and private practice. I regularly consult with pediatricians, educators, and other clinicians.

I'm also a parent, which has both humbled me and deepened my clinical work. Nothing prepares you for parenting like parenting, and experiencing it firsthand has made me a better therapist.