“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.
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.
