Parenting Tweens is a Whole New Game—And I’m Here to Help You Pivot
Why I Get It (And Why I Do This Work)
(Yes, thats me as a Teen!)
I know inviting someone (even virtually) into your world is a big deal. So, let’s take a deep breath together.
Inhale… exhale…
Here’s a little about me.
My childhood? Chaos.
We’re diving in, folks. No bs over here. I'm not into wasting your time or mine.
I know firsthand what it’s like to have unmet needs, a broken family dynamic, and to navigate life alone far too early.
By the time I hit my tween years, defiance was my language. I rebelled, pushed the limits, and went through my own messy, painful journey of self-discovery.
I even got married at 18 & lost my husband to war, it hasnt been a pretty journey at all...
Then, I met a therapist who changed my life.
That’s when the real work began. Healing my trauma, unlearning toxic patterns, and doing the deep, uncomfortable work of emotional growth.
It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done
—but also the most rewarding.
Now? I’ve built a life I love.
I share my days with my Goldendoodle (my favorite
person —don’t tell my husband!), my love for mexican food (okayy but have you tried the fajitas tho?!) and I find peace in fishing, hunting, hiking, biking and really anything outdoors.
And while I’ve grown, I can’t say I’ve outgrown my defiance—I’ve just redirected it.
Now, I rebel against outdated parenting norms that disconnect parents from their tweens.
Because I believe in something better.
(Yes, thats me as a Teen! Peep the Black Eyeliner 😂)
Growing up, I knew what it was like to feel unheard.
I remember the disappointment of having my emotions dismissed
I saw how desperately parents try to hold on—gripping tighter when what their kids really needed was guidance, not control.
That’s why I do this work.
With 11+ years in family therapy and coaching, combined with my own lived experience, I help parents bridge the gap between them and their tweens.
✅ I teach parents how to communicate so their tween actually listens (without eye rolls and slammed doors).
✅ I help break generational cycles of yelling, guilt, and control.
✅ I show parents how to balance boundaries and independence—so they don’t lose their relationship in the process.
Because parenting a tween isn’t about power—it’s about connection.
And that changes everything.
You don’t need to be a perfect parent
You just need to be a parent who’s willing to pivot
When things Shifted...
After working with my own therapist, I knew —deep in my bones—that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping families heal.
So, I did the work.
I earned my Master’s in Social Work, became a licensed therapist, and committed myself to understanding what truly transforms parent-child relationships.
So How does this help you?
1️⃣ I’ve spent hundreds of hours working with families from all walks of life, refining the exact processes and therapeutic techniques I use today. These aren’t just theories from a psychology article—these are real, science-backed methods that create real change.
2️⃣ Every single one of my programs and course materials is built on evidence-based strategies and field-tested approaches —designed to help you see results in your parenting, not just read about them..
There’s no shortage of thera-influencers out there, and if you’re wondering, “Why should I trust what you have to say?”
I get it.
I’d be skeptical too.
Anyone can slap “evidence-based” on their advice, but that doesn’t mean it actually works in real-life parenting.
So, here’s how I back it up:
I only use up-to-date, peer-reviewed research from credible sources—and I openly share them with my clients. No fluff, no guesswork.
Citation is basically my love language. If it’s science-backed, I’ve got the receipts.
I’ve tested and refined these methods not just in theory, but in real families, real coaching, and real life.
I take this work seriously. I’ve put in the hours. And I play NO games when it comes to your family
The Tween Years Are a Crossroads—Which Path Will You Take?
Right now, you have two choices:
❌Keep parenting the way you always have, hoping it works.
✔️Learn a new way to connect, so your tween keeps coming to you—even when things get hard.
Your tween still wants and needs you.
They’re just asking for it differently.
Let’s make sure you’re ready to meet them where they are.
Let’s build a relationship that lasts
Over 180 families are now thriving—equipped with the tools to navigate challenges and build stronger, more connected relationships.
Because of this success, I’ve been able to expand my impact, bringing on a team to help me carry out my vision and support even more families on their journey.
Working with Crystal has changed our relationship with our daughter. No more fighting and her success or failure are her responsibility, not ours. We're here to guide her, encourage her and answer her questions. No more nagging, begging, or discipline that punishes the whole family. We told her our relationship with her is far too important to continue down the path we were headed.
Jessica Wozniak
There's so much advice about parenting out there that it can feel completely overwhelming. Crystal cuts through the clutter and gives you the best, most up-to-date information in a way that's easy to digest and put into practice at home. I really like the combination of science-based information and practical advice. Crystal allowed me to become more proactive and less reactive when parenting. I feel more confident and have more tools to deal with difficult situations, which allows me to relax and actually enjoy parenting.
Terri States
Crystal created an environment for self-reflection that allowed me to get off the mommy treadmill of guilt that was making me doubt myself and kind of hate parenting. It just shifted my perspective, and this helped me communicate in a better way with my child.
NICOLE MARTIZ
Follow along on Instagram @CRYSTALTDOESTHERAPY for daily inspiration and tips on building a solid relationship with your tweenager. When you follow, you’ll also get a peek into my personal life (HELLOOO fajitas, my precious goldendoodle, my hot husband, my obsession with fancy sparkling water and all things outdoors/nature)!
Follow along on Instagram @CRYSTALTDOESTHERAPY for daily inspiration and tips on building a solid relationship with your middle schooler. When you follow, you’ll also get a peek into my personal life (HELLOOO fajitas, my precious goldendoodle, my hot husband, my obsession with fancy sparkling water and all things outdoors/nature!)
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