Support for the Sandwich Generation
Caregivers of Aging Parents
I am Christina Thompson, and I have been in practice for about 6 years. I work as an LCPC licensed in Maryland. I provide telehealth for adults and couples located in Maryland from Monday to Friday. Many people I see find themselves squeezed between the needs of their children and the shifting needs of their parents. You might be the person everyone looks to for answers while you feel like there are not enough hours in the day. I offer a relational space where you can speak plainly about these roles. My approach is down to earth and focuses on exploring your current patterns while practicing skills for your daily life. We can look at your situation together without the pressure of having to perform for others.
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Navigating The Dual Demands Of Family
Being a caregiver often means you are on call for two different generations at once. You might spend your morning coordinating a parent house repair only to rush to a school event or prepare a meal for your kids. This constant shifting of focus can leave you feeling thin. In our work together, we look at the specific patterns that emerge when you are the primary emotional anchor for your family. We explore ways to maintain your own sense of self when your schedule is full of school calendars and family needs. We use this time to focus on your perspective and your presence.
Managing The Shift In Parent Child Roles
It is a significant change to become a decision maker for the person who once raised you. You might notice a sense of hesitation when you have to discuss new limits or suggest extra assistance at home. I see how complex it is to witness a parent lose some independence while you are also trying to encourage it in your own children. We use practical strategies from DBT and ACT to look at these role reversals with clarity. I want to help you practice communicating with your parents and siblings about how tasks are shared so the daily load feels more clear.
Building Tools For Everyday Resilience
I incorporate mindfulness based and somatic practices to help you notice your physical responses during the day. When you are sitting in Maryland traffic or helping a child with a difficult task, your body reacts to those moments. We practice noticing these sensations in real time. We also use CBT methods to look at the thoughts that occur when you feel like you are not doing enough for everyone. We can talk about how you view your responsibilities and your own needs. My goal is to offer a space where you can practice being present and grounded despite a very busy schedule.
Practical Boundaries For Busy Lives
Setting boundaries is a way to look at what is sustainable for your life. You might find it hard to say no to extra tasks at work or feel you must visit a parent every evening even when you are tired. I help you identify where your energy goes and how to practice new ways of protecting your time. We talk through everyday examples of asking for help from a partner or a friend. Learning to state your needs clearly is a skill we can practice together. We focus on how you can provide care while also acknowledging your own human limits.
Practical Focus
What We Can Work On
- Exploring caregiver roles and patterns
- Practicing clear family communication
- Identifying personal time boundaries
- Noticing daily physical stress responses
Keep Exploring
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Your Next Step
Ready to put yourself on the list?
Start with a free consultation. Therapy is available by secure video for adults located in Maryland.
Book a Free Consultation