What is Parenting Therapy?

What is parenting therapy?
Parenting therapy helps parents improve their parenting skills, manage stress, and navigate challenges related to being a parent and raising children. The purpose is to help parents feel better equipped for the job of parenting. It’s not about fixing your child—it's about supporting you so you can build a healthier, more supportive environment for your child’s growth and development. Parenting therapy is a space for parents or caregivers to explore the emotional, relational, and practical challenges of raising children. It helps you build confidence, reduce stress, and feel more connected in your parenting role.

Why don’t you do child therapy instead?
When parents intuitively notice that their child needs extra support, the first thing they often do is try to find a child therapist in their area. This is a supportive and loving first step. However, I have found in therapy that progress can often be made faster if the therapist works with the parent instead. I know this isn’t the answer most parents want to hear. Imagine this though: your 5-year-old has a complete melt down at dinner, and you know the best way to stay calm and respond in that situation. Or your teen comes home from school and you know something upsetting happened that day, and they choose you to be the one they talk to about it. I want to help foster the parent/child relationship so you, as the parent, can be the one your kids look to for help, comfort, and support. It’s really hard to achieve that when it’s the child or teen coming into therapy instead.

What parenting issues can you help me with?
Lots. As a licensed mental health professional, I’m trained in several childhood and lifespan development disorders and concerns. If your child has ADHD, anxiety, depression, is on the Autism Spectrum, is often emotionally and/or physically dysregulated, is grieving, or if you just want a better relationship than the one you currently have, we can work together to parent through all these scenarios. Parenting therapy can help with stress, discipline struggles, communication breakdowns, sleep issues, emotional regulation (for both parents and kids), transitions (like divorce or a new sibling), and more.

Who is parenting therapy for?
It’s for anyone in a caregiving role—whether you're a biological parent, step-parent, adoptive parent, or guardian. You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit; support is valuable at any stage.

Is therapy only for parents with serious problems?
Not at all. Many parents come to therapy just to talk through the everyday pressures of parenting. You don’t have to be in crisis—just ready for some support, guidance, or clarity. Get help with the small things and you can feel better prepared when you are surprised by the big things.

How do I know if I need parenting therapy?
If you often feel overwhelmed, confused, disconnected, frustrated, or unsure of how to handle certain parenting situations, therapy can help. Sometimes even small concerns can grow if we don’t have space to work through them.

Can therapy help if I just feel overwhelmed or burned out?
Yes. Feeling depleted is common—and legit. Therapy can help you recharge, set boundaries, and find more sustainable ways to show up for your children and yourself. Parenting is a marathon, not a sprint, so it’s important to create a relationship built for the long term.

Can therapy help with my child’s behavior problems?
Yes. While therapy may focus on you as the parent, it often includes tools to better understand and respond to your child’s behavior in ways that are calm, effective, and developmentally appropriate.

Can therapy help me become a more confident parent?
Absolutely. Many parents doubt themselves—therapy can help you trust your instincts, clarify your values, and parent with more calm and confidence.

Can I talk about my own childhood or family trauma in parenting therapy?
Yes. Many parenting patterns come from our own upbringing. Exploring your past can help you understand triggers, set healthier boundaries, and avoid repeating patterns you want to change.

Will therapy help me deal with parenting guilt or anxiety?
Yes. Guilt, self-doubt, and anxiety are incredibly common for parents. Therapy offers a space to name those feelings and move forward with more self-compassion.

Can you help with co-parenting issues or conflicts?
Yes. Whether you're parenting together, apart, or in a blended family, therapy can support healthier communication and more consistent parenting strategies.

What if my partner and I parent very differently?
Therapy can help you better understand each other's approaches, reduce conflict, and work toward a more unified or respectful dynamic—without needing to agree on everything.

Can parenting therapy help if I’m a single parent?
Yes. Therapy can provide emotional support, problem-solving strategies, and space to focus on you—which can be hard to find as a solo parent.

Do both parents need to attend therapy sessions?
Not necessarily. One parent can absolutely benefit from therapy on their own. If both want to attend, that can be helpful too—but it’s not required.

What if I’m struggling with my identity or mental health as a parent?
That’s completely valid. Parenting therapy can address your needs as a whole person, not just as a parent. When you care for yourself, it benefits your entire family.

What happens in a parenting therapy session?
Sessions usually involve talking through challenges, exploring emotional dynamics, and identifying practical tools or strategies that work for your unique family. The pace is always set by you. We can talk through a specific situation, set goals for specific changes you would like to make, talk about your parenting values, practice setting boundaries - therapy often branches off in several directions based on what you need. Additionally, we can take the time to learn more about ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Emotional Regulation, Childhood Grief, or any other specific topic you’d like a little more knowledge about.

How long does parenting therapy usually take?
It depends on your goals. Some parents get the help they need in a few sessions, while others prefer ongoing support. We’ll tailor the approach to your needs and comfort level - you are in charge.

Do you work with parents of teens or just younger children?
Parenting support is for all ages—from toddlers to teens and even adult children. Each stage brings its own challenges, and therapy can adapt accordingly.

Is this the same as family therapy?
Not exactly. Parenting therapy focuses on supporting the parent(s) directly. Family therapy typically involves multiple family members in the session. 

Can you work with my child too, or just with me as the parent?
I work exclusively with parents. However, there are some situations in which it is beneficial for a child to have their own therapist. In this case, I’m happy to provide referrals to trusted colleagues.

What should I look for in a parenting therapist?
Look for someone who is warm, nonjudgmental, and experienced in child development and family systems. It’s important you feel safe being honest about your struggles.

How do I get started?
Start by reaching out to schedule a consultation or intake session. This gives you a chance to share what you’re looking for and ask questions before committing.

Do you offer tools, resources, or strategies I can use at home?
Yes. I can provide personalized strategies, worksheets, or parenting resources to use between sessions. These tools are tailored to your specific situation.