FAQs
What is Parent Coaching? Are you like a shrink?
Nope, not a shrink! As a Parent Coach, I help you: gain clarity on present challenges, identify your preferred future, and develop weekly action steps based on proven methods to get you there. Therapy and counseling tend to focus on healing the past. Here are some other key differences:
I welcome emails between sessions with your questions, ideas and success stories! I also often follow up sessions with links to articles and podcasts to support your progress.
Coaching follows a method of weekly or biweekly sessions that naturally conclude after around 8 sessions. And I’m here for M.E. sessions (Maintenance and Enrichment) for clients wanting to continue their growth or pick-up coaching again due to new challenges and developments.
Coaching’s desired outcome is Results with Fulfillment: meaningful progress for parents and guardians that is deeply satisfying.
So, you’re a parenting coach?
No, I'm a Parent Coach; there's a difference. I coach the parent, the whole person. I'm not a consultant telling you what to do. You are the expert on your kids. As a Parent Coach, I'll help you reframe challenges, implement new strategies, prioritize self-care, and feel good in your parenting identity, without judgment.
I need help NOW! How long before I feel better about these lovable tyrants?
Most of my clients actually start feeling better after the first session. Having a non-judgmental comrade listen and give helpful feedback out of the gate can be extremely calming. If you commit to this process and come to each session having explored the previous week’s action steps, you’ll be surprised how many aha! moments you’ll have, both during our sessions and observing with purpose at home.
I live on a remote island, far, far away. Do you offer distance coaching?
Absolutely! As long as your island has either wi-fi or cell service, we can conduct sessions by phone or via Zoom.
How will I know if it’s coaching or therapy that I need?
I’ll let you know if I think you’d be better served by a therapist, first, or perhaps couples counseling. This becomes clear early on. Some clients start with me as they are finishing up the good work they have done in therapy. They are ready to move on and create the future they want for their family and themselves. You are a great candidate for parent coaching if you want help:
Reframing challenges (I call it looking in through a window instead of the front door)
Finding useful strategies
Connecting in a positive, supportive way, and unhooking from negativity by leveraging current strengths
Feeling confident and clear about your choices as a parent
Will I need a second mortgage to afford this?
Absolutely not. Parent Coaching is done in a finite period of time. And, although it is not covered by health insurance, it is a wonderful investment in your happiness as a parent. Feeling more confident and capable will save you a lot of time and money down the road. My session fee is currently $150. The 8 session program is $1200. I ask for that upfront so we can focus on the good work, not the bookkeeping.
What’s so magical about 8 sessions? Are you gonna leave me high and dry after that?
Our work together is goal focused and oriented towards tangible results. Through my practice, I have found that 8 sessions is just the right container to create meaningful change. “I’ve got this!” is the common phrase I hear during our final session. But, of course, I’d never leave you in the lurch. If new developments arise, often just one or two "Maintenance & Enrichment” (M.E.) sessions can support your progress and put you back on track.
Do you have any specializations?
My clients run the gamut in terms of age, family composition, and the issues they face. If a potential client is motivated and open-hearted, meaningful change will happen. However, I do have a special interest in working with parents of tweens/teens and young adults, and in long-distance parenting for kids away at school, college, or living with another caregiver. Also, I'm uniquely qualified to support "sandwich generation" parents survive and thrive while caring for children AND aging parents.
What’s the first step?
Let's talk! Schedule an Ignition Call with me to get things started. You'll provide your phone number and I will call you at the time that's convenient for you. Ignition calls usually last 25 minutes. You can confidentially give me an idea of what inspired you to reach out to me. I can answer your questions, discuss how I work, and we can see if we click. It's a wise move!
