You're a parent coach? What is that?

People generally have an idea of what a therapist does, but I am often asked to explain my work as a parent coach. It is different than therapy, in that it tends to be more educational and directive; however, when a parent coach is a licensed professional therapist, as I am, there can be a great deal of overlap between family therapy and parent coaching.  Sometimes, parent coaching can make such a difference that children who have been given a clinical diagnosis such as ADHD have  such a dramatic reduction in symptoms that they no longer meet the criteria for the diagnosis. Here is a quick explanation for you.

What is parent coaching?
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Parent coaching is a process designed to help parents overcome obstacles to joyful and effective parenting, and reduce the stress in their own and their children’s lives.  If you are struggling with mealtime or bedtime battles, tantrums, sibling conflicts, homework headaches, communication breakdown with your teen, setting and sticking to limits, or any of the many challenges parents face on a daily basis, parent coaching can help.  In the context of a supportive relationship with a seasoned parent coach, parents who are struggling can gain confidence and start to really enjoy the experience of parenting their children.

Your parent coach will help you look more closely at the context of the problem, figure out the real meaning behind challenging behaviors, and make lasting changes that will make both you and your children happier.  You will learn new skills and enhance those you already have.  Your parent coach will share expertise, knowledge, and a fresh perspective, but she will always do so while honoring the vision that you have for your family.  Your coach has unique expertise to guide you on your journey, but you are the real expert when it comes to your own family!

Who can benefit from parent coaching?

You might benefit from parent coaching if you:

• Are feeing angry, guilty, exhausted, or yelling at your children more often than you would like
• Feel like your child’s behavior has become unmanageable
• Could  use some support and education about a particular age, stage, or issue
• Often wonder if you are doing the right things in taking care of your children
• What you are doing isn’t working, and you don’t know what else to do
• Are expecting a child and want to get the best start possible
• Feel like your family’s life has become a bit too  busy or even chaotic

 
What will my results be?
 
With parent coaching your family’s life will feel more spacious, and your relationships more joyful.  Parents who have worked with me as their parent coach have experienced happier, better-behaved children, a more peaceful home, and an inner joy and satisfaction that they had only hoped was possible.  I work with parents all over the country via phone and online video platforms, as well as in my Grayslake, IL office for those who live in the Chicago area.  Learn more at www.SusanDLove.com .  You may contact me for more information at susanlovelcsw@gmail.com or by phone at (847) 223-4996.