Nicolette Bidlingmeyer, LCSW, IFECMHS, RPF II, PMH-C

Parent support and play therapy for families with very young children in Los Angeles and the South Bay.

You've been walking on egg shells around your child trying to prevent ANOTHER melt down. You're thinking "Why does every tiny thing have to be so hard?" The arguing, crying, whining, screaming, hitting, name calling... it seems to come out of nowhere, it makes no sense to you, and it's gotten out of control. You're thinking "I knew parenting wouldn't be easy, but is it supposed to be this hard?" You're tired. Your overwhelmed. You're about to lose it.
What if you could feel confident and calm (mostly!) in the face of whatever big behaviors come your way? Imagine enjoying more time with your child again and feeling clarity around their behavior. I help parents and children learn how to manage big feelings, PREVENT more meltdowns, and re-establish connection and joy.
Parenting is hard. Kid’s behavior can be baffling and draining, particularly if there has been trauma or a major change. I am therapist with specialized experience helping families with very young children. But I'm also a parent of two kids under 5, I get it. I approach my work as a therapist and parent coach from a place of lived experience AND professional expertise. I am direct in helping parents understand themselves better- their emotions and past experiences that guide the way they engage and respond to their children. It is important to me that when you are with me (virtually, in the office, or in your own home) you and/or your child are comfortable- I’m talking “kick of your shoes and sit cross-legged on the chair or floor,” or “not worried about the crumbs on the carpet or folding the mountain of laundry on the couch in preparation for my visit” kind of comfortable! I do my best to be myself in a way that encourages the same from you and your family.
I will never promise perfection. Let’s be real- pregnancy and parenting perfection is a myth. Real life with kids, especially young kids, is a MESS. I want you to bring that mess to our meetings (or let me come and visit it in person!). I’ll use my expertise, and a good amount of humor and silliness, to help you develop your or your family’s unique tool kit for surviving AND thriving.