Foundational Parenting

I specialize in helping people manage the challenges of family life. Using a systemic approach, I help empower clients to improve their relationships, achieve change, and increase understanding of their barriers. I work from the standpoint of ‘the client is the expert in their own life, and I am an instrument to help them accomplish their goals.’ Mia DiMola, CFLE, MS MFT has been studying parenting and child development for more than twenty years. She has a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, a bachelor's in Elementary Education, is a Certified Family Life Educator, Certified Life Coach, and certified Montessori Teacher. Mia is the mother of three sons, and the oldest of 7 siblings. Her interest in family consulting comes from a deep desire to nurture the individual talents and strengths each family possesses. As a teacher, Mia saw too many kids forced to spend the majority of their time dealing with consequences for their behavior and not enough time being encouraged to grow into the valuable individuals they are. She saw families struggling with 21st-century demands that left parents feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.  She decided to take her gifts outside the classroom and further her education in Family Science in order to work with families directly.  From helping families solve discipline challenges to guiding couples in relationship enrichment, Mia helps families develop uniquely tailored plans to navigate the waters of their family's own extraordinary journey. Mia helps families redirect child behavior in positive ways so that children can spend their youth growing into unique and valuable members of society, instead of spending most of their energy on dealing with the consequences of their “disruptive” behavior and learning to see themselves as “bad."  In collaboration with parents, Mia provides advice on reducing stress and frustration and teaches problem-solving skills to guide their children’s behavior. She presents each family with step-by-step instructions on how to implement a uniquely tailored Action Plan so they know exactly how to meet their goals. “To achieve a lasting loving bond, we have to be able to tune in to our deepest needs and longings and translate them into clear signals that help our lovers respond to us. We have to be able to accept love and to reciprocate.” -Sue Johnson (co-founder, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy) Relationship Enrichment is more than learning conflict resolution and communication techniques. It's not just about understanding the typical brain differences and how not to strangle your partner. Relationship Enrichment is about making your relationship a high priority. It's about creating the habit of appreciating and validating each other. It's about being able to advocate for your true authentic selves. Mia provides clients with information, skills, and resources to strengthen, improve, and enrich their family experience.