“The question isn’t so much are you parenting the right way? As it is:
are you the adult you want your child to grow up to be?”
– Brene Brown
Parent Coaching
Parenting is hard…
That’s right. Being a parent is one of the most rewarding AND one of the most challenging things you will do in life. In fact, it is one of the most important jobs you will ever have and one which you have little to no training for.
So, how do we learn to parent?
But there is a better way!
When you, your child, or your family is struggling, it can be hard to figure out what is needed or what will help. That is where a parent coach comes in. Our parent coaches provide two important things. First and foremost, a safe, judgement free space for you to talk about just how hard parenting really is. Second, an opportunity to learn skills and develop strategies that are tailored to your family. And someone who will walk alongside you as you do the hard work of implementing those strategies at home.
Through our work together, you will become confident and will make choices that are aligned with the type of parent you want to be.
Sound great? Learn about the differences between therapy and coaching, our areas of expertise and get started now!
Invisible
Therapy vs. Coaching
How do I know whether coaching is right for me?
There are two key differences between therapy and coaching.
Therapy tends to focus on the past while moving you towards a better future. Therapy is introspective and supports clients in working through emotions, behaviors, and though patterns. Therapy also usually focuses on why things are the way they are.
Coaching is more future and goal oriented. Coaching focuses on clarifying goals, identifying obstacles and building skills to achieve those goals. That being said, coaches can also help you understand how the past influences your present.
Coaching and therapy are complementary processes, and when needed I can help you find a therapist that is right for you.
Therapy is about treating a mental health problem. As such, it may be covered by your insurance if you meet the criteria for a mental health diagnosis per insurance guidelines. Therapy is billed based on a 50-minute therapy session.
Coaching is not covered by health insurance because it does not focus on treating an illness. Coaching is billed at an hourly rate. Because coaching can involve support between appointments, billing can also include time spent on phone calls, emails, texts etc.
Our current rate for a coaching hour is $225.
Individual Divorce Coaching
There is no question about it, divorce is tough. Separating physically, emotionally, and financially from another person is complicated and often fraught with emotions that can make even the simplest of decisions seem impossible. Then throw children into the mix and the challenges can take on a life of their own.
For most, seeking legal or financial help to navigate divorce is a logical first step, but many don’t think to also seek support for the emotional aspects of divorce. A divorce coach can support you through the emotional aspects of divorce which can help you find clarity in making decisions regarding the legal, financial, and custodial aspects of divorce.
This is a particularly important resource when a divorce is high conflict because you can get swept up in your emotions and lose sight of what is ultimately in your, and more importantly, your children’s’ best interest.
And these challenges can occur long after a divorce is finalized. You may be legally divorced, but when children are involved, you will always be tied to your former spouse.
Your divorce coach can help you navigate your post-divorce parenting journey.
One of our experienced coaches, Kate, Gaby or Zoe, will help you step into your new role as a part time, or in some cases, a full time, single parent. They will also work to help you develop strategies and skills to navigate the difficult job of co-parenting.
This is not easy work and you don’t have to do it alone. Get support today.
Parenting Your Anxious Child
Who isn’t feeling a little more anxious these days? Anxiety is a normal and common emotion. It can also be useful. It helps us stay safe by taking precautions and avoiding unnecessary risks and helps us stay motivated. While anxiety is normal and necessary, it can also cause a lot of distress, particularly for kids and teens.
As parents, we have an innate urge to take care of and protect our children. So, when we see our children in distress, it is only natural for us to want to step in and make it better for them.
So, when we see our children feeling anxious, we try to help. We reassure, we comfort, we reassure, we bribe, we reassure, we help our child avoid and, yep, you guessed it, we reassure some more. And, somehow, with all that help and reassurance, anxiety just keeps coming back. Because our natural tendencies to help our children manage worry can have the opposite effect and in the long run, serve to exacerbate their anxiety.
The cycle of anxiety is exhausting for everyone. When anxiety is in charge, it can feel like you are playing whack-a-mole. You alleviate anxiety in one area and another one pops up.
As therapists, Kate, Gaby, and Zoe have helped children and teens learn ways to better manage anxiety for over a combined 20 years. But they are just one piece of the puzzle. It is critical that parents also learn how to help their child manage their anxiety and how NOT to accommodate.
Your parent coach will help you help your child break free of the cycle of anxiety. Not only will the strategies you learn help your child take charge of their anxiety, but you will also feel more confident– and maybe a little less anxious too.
Brain First Parent Coaching
“She ruined the day for everyone!”
“He got suspended from kindergarten for biting.”
“They dumped all the brand new shampoo down the drain when I EXPLICITLY told them NOT to!”
“Why won’t they just listen to me?!”
Parents are burnt out. They’re frustrated. Maybe even a little resentful. And rightfully so — how difficult could it be to just NOT bite someone?
The school calls at least once per week and today is Wednesday, so you’re just waiting for that call to come any minute now. You’d love nothing more than to take your kids to the park so they can play while you sneak in 10 minutes of that audiobook you’ve been trying to get through for 6 months. But you can’t trust your 8 year old to not hit other kids. Your child knows better but they just keep misbehaving! You are in a state of hypervigilance all the time and it is downright exhausting.
What if I told you that there is no such thing as maladaptive behaviors? What if I told you that all behavior is communication? What if we allowed ourselves, as parents, to get really curious about the why behind the action?
As a brain-first parent coach, Danielle will help you gain insight into the “why” behind those big, baffling behaviors. You will learn about the different states of the nervous system, what a “felt sense of safety” looks like, and how neuroscience influences behavior.
In your work with Danielle, you will learn skills and interventions that will help de-escalate those undesirable behaviors, as you learn to be the external regulator your child is telling you they need.
