Parent Counselling & Coaching in Alberta
It’s never too early, never too late.” Dr. Becky Kennedy
Seeking parent counselling and coaching is brave work. As parents, we all have our struggles, you are not alone in this. Research from family systems and attachment theory shows that the most important parenting strategy involves us as parents doing the hard work of learning and making change in ourselves. In our counselling together, this may include learning ways to feel and regulate your own emotions. It may also include learning new ways to welcome your children’s emotions, even the messy and intense ones so that they do not need to act out these emotions in a dysregulated way. Engaging in parent counselling and coaching is vulnerable and requires a relationship that feels safe and supportive. Finding the right parenting psychologist is paramount in supporting you through this process. We often speak of this as finding the right fit.
Parent counselling and coaching is a specialized field so it is important to choose a parenting therapist with a depth of knowledge, experience and skill. As a parenting psychologist, I have provided counselling to children with mental health concerns. This type of counselling requires knowledge and understanding of child development and how to help children resolve issues and develop new skills. This includes the utilization of play, which is the language in which many children often communicate their struggles.
I have also taken specific training in a number of evidence based parent groups and became certified as a Peaceful Parenting Coach. These trainings focus on what the research has shown to be the most effective way to parent and how to implement these skills and strategies in the home. This combination of having experience in both child counselling and parent counselling allows for a greater understanding of the struggles facing families. This experience along with being guided by research, provides a roadmap for moving forward and making change.
I provide counselling and coaching to parents whose children are between the ages of 0-12 and are having various parenting challenges. Parent counselling sessions are for parents only. My role is to provide support, reflection, awareness, education, and the learning of new skills so that you can begin to heal old wounds if necessary, and begin to implement new strategies and techniques in your home. We will also work to understand your child’s behavior, what it is trying to communicate, and ways to respond that are practical, evidence based, and effective. This is a collaborative process.
Technology, using a secure online platform, has opened doors for clients to be able to look outside their geographic location to find this right fit. It also provides flexibility in being able to schedule the online counselling session and not have to worry about driving and parking which all requires more time away from family or work. If you live in Alberta, I would welcome the opportunity to work with you and to help support you and your family.
Online Parent Counselling in Alberta
What age range do you work with?
I provide counselling & coaching to parents whose children are 0-12 years of age.
Are the sessions in-person or virtual?
Sessions are offered virtually through a secure online platform and are open to all clients who live in Alberta, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick..
FAQ's
What can I expect in the first session?
In the first session, we will discuss your family, history, reasons for seeking parent counselling, and your goals. Subsequent sessions will focus on achieving these goals.
How frequently should we meet?
Research shows that clients who meet consistently tend to see better results, so I often recommend meeting weekly or biweekly in the beginning.
Why is individualized support important in parenting?
Individualized support is crucial because every family is unique, with different dynamics and challenges. Personalized guidance helps address specific issues and tailor strategies to fit your family's needs, leading to more effective and lasting positive changes.