Supporting Teens Struggling With Depression – Exclusive Interview With Kristina Saelee

Kristina Saelee is a Parent Coach specializing in coaching parents raising teens who are struggling with Depression. Her own daughter struggled with Depression as a teen and Kristina is passionate about helping parents learn how to best support their teens. She developed her 5 Steps to emPOWERed Parenting program based on the tools she had learned to best support her daughter. Kristina is certified in Positive Discipline, Collaborative Problem-Solving, Brain-Health Coaching and as a Life Coach. She is also a youth therapist trained in DBT and Trauma-Informed CBT. She has helped many families reach healing and wholeness.

Kristina Saelee, Empowered Parenting

Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.

I am a mama of 5 right in the parenting trenches alongside you! My eldest is 27 and my youngest is 15. I love being a mom more than anything…but, boy is it hard! That’s why I am so passionate about supporting parents. It really does take a village to raise a child and I am so honored to be apart of parent’s journeys. I enjoy reading a good book and great magazines like Brainz. I also enjoy meditation, yoga and traveling. I am always planning my next adventure! What inspired you to create Empowered Parenting LLC, and what is the primary mission or purpose behind your website?

I founded Empowered Parenting because as a young, single mom I didn’t have a lot of support raising my kids. I didn’t have positive role-models and I definitely didn’t have parenting skills. But, I was dedicated to being the very best mom for my children. I wanted to support other parents out there that want to be the best version of themselves and show up as the very best for their kids. A quote I love and sums up my mission is “There is no single effort more radical in its potential for saving the world than a transformation of the way we raise our children” – Marianne Williamson. My mission is to EMPOWER as many parents as possible!

Could you provide an overview of the services and resources offered on your website to support parents and families?

I coach parents of teens struggling with Depression to connect, support and advocate for their teens through my 5 Steps to emPOWERed Parenting Program. I offer one-on-one coaching and group coaching. I also offer a free webinar “Kick Your Teens Depression to the Curb” and soon will be publishing my book, “Navigating the Storm: Empowering Parents to Support their Teen’s Journey Through Depression” and my online course. Also, on my website you will find many blogs and The Guiding the Teen Experience Virtual Summit I hosted last year. How do you ensure that the content and advice provided on your platform are evidence-based and reliable for parents seeking guidance?

I ensure the content and tools I offer are evidence-based by continually doing my own research and growing in my knowledge by attending trainings on parenting and mental health. I have many years experience working as a Behavior Specialist and Youth and Family Therapist so I continue to learn to best serve my clients and I am still parenting my own teenagers. I know the tools I offer work because all the families I have worked with continue to tell me the impact and difference working with me has made in their family. What sets Empowered Parenting LLC apart from other parenting and family support websites or resources? What unique features or approaches do you offer?

What makes Empowered Parenting different is that I not only have the educational and professional experience, more importantly, I have the personal experience. I truly understand the heartache and worry that goes along with parenting a teen that is struggling with Depression and not knowing how to best support them. When my daughter was struggling I couldn’t find parenting programs that addressed our specific challenges- so I have created one! Can you share some success stories or testimonials from parents who have benefited from your platform or services?

Here are some testimonials from parents who have participated in our Empowered Parenting Coaching Program:

1. "I cannot express enough how grateful I am for this coaching program. It has given me the tools and support I needed to connect with my struggling teenager on a deeper level. Through the program, I've learned to observe and validate their emotions, and we've grown closer as a result. I feel more equipped to navigate the challenges of teenage depression and advocate for my child's well-being." – Sarah

2. "As a parent, it's not easy to see your teenager go through depression. This coaching program has been a game-changer for me. It has provided me with valuable insights into my teen's behaviors and helped me understand the underlying patterns. The strategies shared have helped us work through challenges together, and I now feel more confident in advocating for my child's mental health." – Michael

3. "Before enrolling in this coaching program, I felt helpless in supporting my depressed teenager. But through the Connect, Support, Advocate approach, I've learned how to build a powerful connection with my child and create a safe space for open communication. The program has given me a roadmap to navigate tough situations and has empowered me to be an effective advocate for my teenager's well-being." – Lisa

4. "I was skeptical about coaching programs at first, but after participating in this Empowered Parenting program, I am a true believer. The strategies taught are practical, effective, and tailored to the unique challenges faced by parents of depressed teenagers. I've seen a significant improvement in our relationship and my ability to support my child through their struggles. It's been a transformative experience for both of us." – David
   

Please note that these testimonials are from real parents who have participated in our coaching program. Their experiences may vary, but they all highlight the value and positive impact of the program on their relationships with their struggling teenagers.

How do you stay updated with the latest trends and challenges in parenting and family dynamics, and how does this knowledge influence the content and resources you provide?

I go straight to the source and ask parents in my community what challenges they are having and what support do they need and then I create resources for them. Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.

My greatest career achievement so far has probably been the Guiding the Teen Experience Virtual Summit I hosted last year! It was a big endeavor to take on but so worth it! I was so honored to interview some of the top parenting experts in the country. I was able to support parents all over the globe. My next, has been finishing writing my first book. I have always dreamed of becoming an author as I am an avid reader. Now…time to get it published. If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?

The one thing I would change about the parent coaching industry is the feeling that so many parents have that parenting should come naturally and seeking support means they’re failing as a parent. This is absolutely not true!!! Seeking support through parent coaching demonstrates your commitment to your child’s well-being and growth. It is an act of strength and love! Parenting was never meant to be done alone! It truly does take a village!

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Read more from Kristina!