Parenting Support
Helping Parents to Empower Their Children
At the Center for Psychological Health and Wellness, our approach to child therapy often involves parents, whether to a lesser or greater extent. However, there are instances where the focus shifts almost entirely to the parents. This is especially true for very young children (under the age of 5) or when a child or teen is resistant to participating in therapy. In some cases, when a child’s symptoms are mild, parents can be trained to act as their child's "coach," effectively managing their child’s mental health without the need for therapy sessions.
If your child is displaying mild symptoms or if you’re unsure whether their behavior requires therapy, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our therapists before committing to therapy for your child. The decision to start therapy can be a significant and sometimes daunting experience for a child. They may mistakenly believe that therapy is a sign they are "broken" or that they are causing "problems" for their parents—misconceptions that can have a lasting impact. To prevent these feelings, and unless the issues are moderate to severe, our providers might suggest meeting with parents first to discuss the situation before involving the child.
Another option is to arrange a session with our founder, Dr. Heidi Ramsbottom, to discuss your child’s needs and determine the most suitable treatment approach. Dr. Ramsbottom frequently collaborates with parents and referring professionals to ensure that each child receives the appropriate care before starting therapy.
As parents, it’s natural to feel uncertain about the best way to address our children’s challenges. With so many sources of advice, it can be overwhelming to know what to trust. The good news is that beneath the myriad of expert opinions, certain universal principles stand out that can guide effective parenting. At the Center, we have therapists who specialize in teaching parents how to reduce negative behaviors, increase their child’s resilience, and support their child through change.
Our parent support aims to help you support your child’s happiness and emotional well-being, which in turn enhances the harmony of your entire family. To learn more about the parenting strategies, also visit our blog where you’ll find articles and additional resources.