Welcome!

Parenting is tough. You don’t have to do it alone!

I provide support for every stage, from sleepless nights with a newborn to teenage silence. Here you won’t find rigid rules, shame-based strategies, or unrealistic ideals. Just real-world support. Using evidence-based strategies and insights from my 20+ years as a clinical and developmental psychologist, and as a mom of three, I help you understand your child’s brain, build on your strengths, and navigate tough moments.

Remember, just by virtue of seeking support means YOU ARE A GOOD PARENT!

At the heart of Connect with Dr. Carrie is a simple truth: children thrive when they feel safe, understood, and connected. And so do parents.

Hi, I'm Dr. Carrie!

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I’m a mother, psychologist, practice owner, and parenting coach.

Are you feeling unsure, stuck, or just plain exhausted? You’re not alone! Whether you’re navigating newborn cries, toddler meltdowns, school-age struggles, or adolescent pushback, I’m here to help you show up with calm, confidence, and connection.

My “Why”

For more than twenty years, I’ve supported families through every stage of childhood and adolescence. My work blends the science of child development with the real-life challenges parents face every day — the meltdowns, the power struggles, the big feelings, and the moments you wonder, “Am I getting this right?” or "Is this normal?"

My approach is grounded in evidence-based psychology, but it’s delivered in a way that feels human, warm, and doable. I help parents understand the “why” behind their child’s behavior, build confidence in their instincts, and respond with connection (which actually helps "fix" what's going on!)

Parents have said that our sessions help them feel supported and understood, not judged. That’s because I believe there is no one “right” way to parent. There is only the way that aligns with who you are, who your child is, and the relationship you want to build.

My training at Duke University and the Mayo Clinic shaped my clinical expertise, but it’s my experience in the room with families for 20 years and as a mom that shape how I show up for you.

You’re In the right pLace if You’re:

A new parent feeling anxious and unsure about what your baby really needs
Tired of second-guessing how to handle tantrums, big emotions or power struggles
Wondering if your child’s behavior is “normal”
Struggling with transitions: starting school, making friends, moving homes or adjusting to a new sibling
Feeling disconnected from your tween or teen, or feel like you’re walking on eggshells when you talk to them
Trying to parent differently than how you were raised, but not sure what that looks like.

Together, we can help you:

Parent with more patience and less guilt
Feel closer to your child (even in tricky stages)
Respond to challenging behavior without losing your cool
Break cycles of yelling, bribes or confusion
Raise emotionally resilient, compassionate kids
Find the middle ground between structure and flexibility, discipline and connection
Sort through all the noise from social media, neighbors and friends to find what work best for you and your child
Combine practical ideas and emotional reassurance
Avoid parental burnout
Strengthen communication
TRUST YOURSELF AGAIN

I Can Support You Through:

One-on-one parent coaching
Workshops
Downloadable resources
Weekly parenting tips on Instagram

Commonly Asked Questions

Parenting coaching is a space for thoughtful, supported reflection and practical strategy. My goal is to build confidence and maximize connection with your child.
During sessions, we frequently review common struggles in your home and in your relationship with your child or teen. It’s where we slow down, look at what’s happening and ask:
- What is this behavior communicating?
- What does my child need developmentally?
- What do I need in order to respond well?
You leave with tools, language, and a clear next step — not just insight, but action.
This is such an important question.
Therapy is medical in nature. It typically involves diagnosis, treatment plans, and addressing mental health disorders. It often includes deeper exploration of developmental, social or emotional concerns.
Coaching is forward-focused. We work on current parenting challenges and build skills that help you respond differently. There is no diagnosis, no treatment plan, and no medical record. It is much more practical.
If therapy is needed, I will always say so. My priority is making sure families receive the right level of care.
Coaching is for parents who are thinking:
- “I want to handle this differently.”
- “I don’t think we need therapy, but something feels off.”
- “We’re stuck in power struggles.”
- “I want to feel more confident.”
- “I don’t know if this is normal.”
Many of the parents I work with are deeply invested, thoughtful, and capable — they just need a place to think clearly and recalibrate.
In coaching, I work with parents.
Because when parents shift, families shift.
If a child needs therapy, I will help guide you toward appropriate services. Coaching is not a substitute for mental health treatment. Given that I am both a developmental and clinical psychologist, I can often determine if the concerns are more therapeutic in nature.
Yes — absolutely! My coaching draws from:
- Developmental psychology
- Brain science
- Attachment research
- Behavioral science
- Emotion regulation principles
Coaching allows me to translate research into everyday parenting decisions — the ones that happen in your day to day life.
Coaching may be right if you want growth, clarity, and strategy — not diagnosis or treatment.
If your child (or you) is experiencing significant anxiety, depression, trauma, or behavioral concerns that require clinical care, therapy would be more appropriate.
If you’re unsure, we can talk it through. You don’t have to figure that out alone.

Coaching vs Therapy

What People Are Saying

“We would highly recommend this training to other educators and organizations. It provides a clear, compassionate understanding of sensory-seeking behaviors and equips adults with meaningful ways to support children. The content is practical, accessible, and deeply relevant for anyone working with young learners.”

— Mara Martinez, Ivybrook Academy

“Working with Dr. Carrie has been transformative for our family. Her deep developmental knowledge, combined with her warmth and genuine care, helped us understand our child in a new way and respond with more confidence and connection.”

— Katherine, client

"I have truly valued working with Dr. Dittner for almost ten years. She brings a thoughtful, client-centered approach to her practice, demonstrating both expertise and compassion in her work. I admire her commitment to high standards of care, and frequently recommend her to parents and families."

— Dr. Proffit, colleague

Let's Get Started

Helping Parents Navigate Parenting with Confidence & Connection