Donna Gray-Davis

Master of Science, Counseling, magna cum laude

Amridge University

Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy and Government

Lewis & Clark College

Safety is one of our most fundamental needs. Our sense of safety develops very early in childhood. Safety is more than physical concerns such as how to child proof a house, car seats, safety belts or gates and fences, all of which are important and about which I am knowledgeable. Our sense of safety is equally psychological. As we grow up from infancy through childhood and into adolescence, our sense of safety develops based on how we are treated by the significant adults in our life, primarily our parents.

If you are a parent and concerned about child safety from a broad perspective, taking into account not only physical safety but psychological safety as well, then I invite you to contact me. I will share with you treatment plans which can help you help your child develop a sense of safety and well-being. I can help you determine the best age appropriate household and behavioral guidelines, nutrition and exercise; how to prevent common mistakes and when to allow your child to risk new behaviors in new environments, which is important for their growing sense of safe autonomy. For older children, proper use of the Internet has become a very important safety issue and I can help you set up age appropriate guidelines in this area. Peer relations are also a critical part of a child’s emerging sense of safety and I can share with you ideas and strategies to help make sure your children are safe in their social world.

If you are in a domestic violence situation with children, I can help guide you to safety. We live in a violent, aggressive world. It is important that parents understand the resources available to help them provide a safe, nurturing environment for their children. I am one of those resources and I am available to you.

I have organized and taught teachers of summer programs for children. I have worked with the courts regarding custody and supervised visitations. I have worked as a marriage and family therapist and have taught parents how best to communicate with their children. I am skilled in guiding children to understand and deal with various emotions and behaviors, including peer relationships. I can help children access and apply their own internal resources and strengths. I am familiar with children’s literature and I am versed in the developmental stages of children, able to help them, and their parents, understand their developmental needs at every stage of their growth.

But, perhaps most importantly is that I and my husband have raised three healthy children, now adults, who themselves feel safe in this crazy world and are now raising their own children applying what they have learned about safety from their own upbringing.

There may be nothing more important than raising a child who feels safe in their surroundings.