Parent
Coaching
Is your family system feeling a little off-kilter? Is your child having a hard time, which in turn is affecting the balance in your home? This might look like tough school mornings, lots of whining, talking back, aggressive behaviour, big feelings over seemingly small things, sibling rivalry, lying, or stealing, to name a few. My view is that these behaviours are never the problem (though they are problematic!), rather, a symptom of the problem. I also believe that it is not your fault that your child is struggling, and, as the parent in the relationship, it is your responsibility to support them through their hard times so that they can be their happiest, healthiest selves.
I know firsthand that parenting is one of the hardest jobs out there. Parenting kids with intense emotions adds a whole other layer of complexity – I get that too. I am in this with you! There is no judgement here; we are all human, and we all have parenting moments we are not proud of. I wouldn’t want to be judged on my not-so-stellar parenting moments, and I will extend you the same courtesy.
Did you know that research has shown that sometimes when kids are struggling, the most potent intervention is not therapy for the child themselves, but coaching with a parent?
I strongly believe in the importance of working with parents, sometimes in addition to working with the child and at other times as a stand-alone intervention. The impact that your words and connection can have is far greater than that of any therapist.
We know that through parent coaching and trying new ways of responding to your child’s behaviour, your brain will rewire and create new circuitry. This will also happen in your child’s brain through their new interactions with you. By focussing on changing the way you respond, we will not only be improving the way you feel about yourself, the situation, and maybe even your child, but also how your child feels and behaves! A win-win!
The strategies we will discuss will never be grounded in fear, coercion, or control; I would never suggest using these strategies to obtain compliance or change behaviour. Our goals will be centered on building connection with your child. My belief, which is supported by research, is that by focussing on improving this connection, the circuitry in your child’s brain will change, leading to a decrease in their undesirable behaviour and an increase in their ability and desire to cooperate, be flexible, problem solve, and regulate their emotions.