We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Becca Schuetz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Becca below.

Becca, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

As a Child Life Specialist, I have the privilege of working alongside families during some of their most stressful and vulnerable moments. It’s a role that requires not only specialized skills but also deep empathy and the ability to guide families through difficult transitions. Each family sticks with me although one story that comes to mind is about a 10-year-old girl whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

When I first met this family, the parents reached out to me because their daughter was withdrawing from her friends and becoming extremely protective of her mother. They were concerned that she was struggling to process the overwhelming changes happening around her. After meeting with the parents, I provided developmentally appropriate education about cancer to their daughter, addressing the young girl’s fears and misconceptions. I also provided therapeutic outlets, like creative expression and play, to help her navigate her emotions.

In our sessions together, I supported the family as they learned to communicate more openly with each other about their feelings and needs. It was incredible to witness the shift in their dynamic. The family expressed that they felt more “connected” and there were “no secrets” between them anymore. This sense of openness and understanding was key to their healing process.

One of the most touching moments came when the young girl decided to shave her head alongside her mother as she began chemotherapy. In that moment, she shared that she felt “a part of helping her mom in her cancer journey.” It was an act of solidarity, strength, and love that deepened their bond during such a challenging time.

Working with families like this one is truly an honor. It is a reminder of the resilience and strength families have, and the privilege I have in supporting them during these tender, vulnerable moments.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a certified Child Life Specialist with over a decade of experience supporting families through some of life’s most challenging moments. My journey into this field began with a deep passion for helping children and families navigate difficult transitions. I’ve had the privilege of working in some of Atlanta’s top hospitals, including Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory Healthcare, where I honed my skills in offering support to both children and families during medical treatments. This experience inspired me to pursue my private practice, where I now focus on empowering families to cope with life’s stressors in a way that promotes healing, connection, and understanding.

My practice specializes in supporting children and families during a family diagnosis such as cancer, separation or divorce, grief, or any other significant life transition. I offer both in-home and virtual sessions, which makes it easier for families to access the support they need no matter where they are.

For children, I provide developmentally appropriate education, help them build coping skills, and create opportunities for therapeutic art and play to process big emotions. I also offer parent coaching sessions, where I guide families on how to communicate with their children effectively, equip them with tools to navigate these difficult times, and provide them with advice tailored to their unique family dynamic.

I am now offering specialized staff training for pediatrician offices to equip healthcare teams with effective techniques for supporting children during medical procedures and tests. When staff are trained in these child-centered approaches, children are better able to cope with the stress of medical experiences, leading to more positive outcomes. This not only boosts staff confidence but also significantly enhances patient satisfaction, creating a more compassionate and efficient environment for everyone involved.

One thing I’m particularly proud of is the research I’ve published in the field of child life, showing the positive benefits of Child Life Specialists working with families through Telehealth during cancer treatment. This research reflects my dedication to finding innovative ways to support families, especially when physical distance or other barriers exist.

I’m deeply committed to giving back to the community, and for the past 13 years, I’ve volunteered with Camp Sunshine, a nonprofit camp for children with cancer, where I’ve been able to witness firsthand the healing power of connection and support.

What sets me apart from others is my holistic approach. I don’t just work with children in isolation; I work with the whole family. It’s this comprehensive support that allows families to strengthen their bonds, communicate more effectively, and find new ways to cope with stress. I also offer free consultations because I truly believe that the first step in any family’s healing journey is finding the right fit. If we aren’t a perfect match, I’ll help guide families to the right resources, whether that’s within my practice or elsewhere.

What I want families to know most about my work is that it’s not just about offering short-term solutions; it’s about giving them the tools to thrive long after our sessions end. My goal is to help families feel empowered, connected, and equipped to handle life’s challenges with confidence.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

My reputation within the Atlanta community has been built over many years of working with families in need of psychosocial support. From the start of my career, I’ve been deeply ingrained in the local community, partnering with families and organizations to provide care when it’s needed most. As I transitioned into private practice, I made a conscious decision to ensure that every family I worked with felt that they were receiving more than they expected—not just in terms of services, but in terms of the care and dedication I bring to every session.

I give 110% to each family I work with, because I believe they truly deserve it. Not only is it the right thing to do, but I know that reputation is everything in this field. Word of mouth has been one of the most powerful ways I’ve built my practice. When families feel truly supported and valued, they share their experiences with others, and that kind of organic referral is invaluable.

For me, seeing my clients as family is a core pillar of how I conduct my business. I’m not just providing a service; I’m building lasting relationships with families. That level of connection, combined with a commitment to going above and beyond, has been key to establishing the strong reputation I have within my market.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I often work with families during the heartbreaking process of losing a loved one. One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned through this work is the importance of resilience, not just for the families I support, but also for myself. I’ve had to navigate the loss of clients I’ve deeply cared for, all while guiding their families through a difficult and often overwhelming experience.

What has helped me remain steadfast in these moments is my own lived experience with loss. Over the years, I’ve personally experienced the loss of family members, close friends, and pets and it has shaped the way I approach my work. I know first-hand what it’s like to grieve, and because of that, I can offer a level of empathy and understanding that goes beyond the professional. Being present in these deeply emotional moments with families is an honor, and it has taught me the true meaning of resilience.

This resilience has translated into my personal and professional life in profound ways. It’s become a cornerstone of how I approach my practice, providing a sense of stability for the families I work with. I can understand the weight of their grief and offer tools to help them cope, while also helping them find hope during the hardest times.

The field of Child Life is growing rapidly, fueled by a greater awareness of mental health and the need for more specialized support for families. Yet, despite the growing demand, many people still don’t fully understand what a Child Life Specialist does. I see this as an opportunity—not a challenge—to spread the word about this invaluable service. While others may view it as a mountain to climb, my background of resilience makes it feel like a small step. The work speaks for itself, and the more families I can help, the more others will learn about the profound impact of Child Life services.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.copingsolutionsllc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copingsolutions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Coping-Solutions/61566739076532/