Terapia para Padres

Helping You Solve Parent-Child Relationship Problems

• Do you and your young child wind up in a power struggle over even the most minor problems?
• Does your teenager seem to pull further and further away?
• Does parenting trigger anxiety or a trauma response in you?
• Do you have concerns about your child’s behavior and want new ways to reach them?
• Do you and your partner disagree on the best parenting style?

When you become a parent, people tell you to enjoy every moment and that the years go by too fast. That’s all true, but it’s not the whole story. Whether it’s the difficulty of keeping another human alive with minimal sleep or navigating the emotional turmoil of adolescence, parenting is the most challenging job anyone can take on.

Unfortunately, kids don’t show up with an instruction manual, and they can add emotional challenges and even trauma to the mix. Add that to the fact that parenting can activate many of our triggers, and you have a recipe for struggle. You want to show up for your children as a calm, nurturing presence, but you can’t manage your stress enough to do that. Parenting therapy may help you and your family find a harmonious way forward.

What is Parenting Therapy?

Therapy for parents can help you maintain your well-being while learning to parent your child the way they need. Parenting therapy helps strengthen parent-child relationships using evidence-based techniques to help you resolve conflicts, understand your child’s behavior, and handle any additional life stressors. Parenting therapy can be individual therapy for one or more caregivers or include all family members. Parenting counseling can help with the following.

For parents:

• New and more effective ways of responding to your child’s behavior.
• Emotional support during parenting challenges.
• Connection to community resources to help you navigate difficulties.
• Strategies to improve family functioning.
• Help with co-parenting relationships.
• Couples therapy.
• Parenting skills for every stage of child development.
• Provide help with problem-solving when issues come up.

For children:

• A place to learn about emotions and practice emotional regulation.
• Learning how to communicate
• Increased support from parents and therapists.
• Feeling more included in family decision-making.

Parenting therapy can help the whole family improve communication, undo negative generational patterns and create rules and expectations that work for everyone. You deserve a harmonious home, and parenting counseling can help you create one.

Who Needs Parenting Counseling?

Parenting therapy is for parents who want to solve their children’s behavioral issues and learn to be responsive and attuned to their child’s needs. Seeking parenting therapy doesn’t mean you’re a terrible parent – in fact, it’s the opposite. Those who seek parenting therapy are concerned parents who want to raise happy, well-adjusted humans. Family therapy can be beneficial for families dealing with issues such as:

History of Abuse

Parents who suffered abuse in childhood are more likely to use aggressive parenting tactics. Recognizing this pattern and seeking to change it through parenting therapy shows love and commitment.

Marital Issues and Divorce

All marriages are difficult from time to time, and when your home is chaotic, you may not parent in the best possible way. Parenting therapy can help you ensure your children feel loved and supported even if your relationship with their other parent ends. You can learn strategies for communicating with your children and create an open dialogue, so they feel comfortable coming to you no matter what changes your family undergoes.

Parents With Health Problems or Disabilities

Sometimes life throws an unexpected hurdle your way. If your life changes due to illness or injury leave you less capable, parenting therapy can help you explain the differences to your children. It can also help you learn new ways of being the engaged parent you’ve always been.

Parents With Substance Abuse Problems

Whether you’re still struggling with substance use, or celebrating years of sobriety, having substance use disorder can impact your children. Parenting therapy can help you find the words to discuss your struggles with your children, help you through any guilt you experience, and show you ways to heal your relationship with your children.

Families Coping With Loss

The grief of a loved one, pet, relationship or any other loss can impact your ability to be present with your children. Your children may feel abandoned or act out as you struggle to process your grief. Parenting therapy can give you a safe space to process your loss, allowing you to remain present for your children.

Navigating Children’s Issues

Children often have their own issues that make parenting a challenge. Whether you’re navigating ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disabilities, trauma, bullying, or any other problem, parenting therapy can help. You will discover ways to connect with your child and develop strategies for discipline and positive reinforcement to help them reach their potential.

As your children grow into adolescence, parenting therapy can help you discuss complex subjects like sexuality and drug use in a non-judgmental way that keeps you and your child connected as they find independence.

Choosing a Mental Health Professional for Parenting Therapy

When your family struggles, you want help from a provider who won’t judge your faults or missteps but instead meets your family where you are and guides you through creating a harmonious home. Talking about your children, parenting techniques, and perceived failures is vulnerable and uncomfortable unless you’re working with a therapist who excels at creating empathetic spaces.

At SMPSychotherapy and Counseling Services, our providers have a wealth of experience with adults, children, and families. We have clinicians with various specialties, so there’s sure to be someone who fits your family’s needs. Our therapy sessions focus on improving mental health so you can connect and build successful relationships with your loved ones, including your children. Contact our office today to learn more about parenting therapy and find the right provider for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re considering parenting therapy, here are answers to some of our most common questions. If your questions aren’t answered here, call our office. A staff member will help you make the best decision.

How much does parenting therapy cost?

Since we take most insurance plans, you likely won’t be responsible for more than a copay. For more on copayments and to see if your insurance is accepted, call our office today.

How long does parenting therapy take?

Parenting therapy goes at your pace. Your therapist will work with you to set the goals for your sessions and decide which issue you want to tackle first. Some families use therapy for a short time to help them adjust to a life change, and others use therapy continuously for support and accountability.

Do I have to bring my children to parenting therapy?

Parenting therapy can take place as individual therapy or family therapy. Your therapist will meet with you, and you can decide on the structure that best suits your family’s needs.