Are you struggling with a defiant child? Do you find yourself telling your child to do something many times before it actually gets done? Do you feel that you are not bonding or connecting with your child the way you wish you did? Any behavior that receives attention will continue, whether positive or negative. When you tell your child to stop running, it actually reinforces that behavior because you are giving it attention. I coach parents on focusing on what their child is doing right or what is pleasing to the parent. It is more likely that the child will increase those pleasing behaviors and problem behaviors will decrease because the child is invested in the relationship with the parent. After only a few weeks of parent coaching with me, your child will be excited to please you because it feels good and your relationship with your child will become much less stressful. You will get along with each other again!
When parents divorce, children naturally undergo many transitions and experience unexpected emotions. Sometimes it can be difficult for them to cope with all of those changes. Having some support can be very helpful. As a child therapist I help children process their feelings about their parent’s divorce and learn to regulate their emotions. I am also able to provide support for parents to help them understand what their children might be experiencing during this time. I can help you co-parent and hopefully prevent stress for your children. I am also willing to work with collaborative parents on creating parenting plans that are in the best interest of the children.
