Parenting Counseling
Are You Considering Counseling
For Parenting?
Do you struggle with the demands of parenthood?
Are you a new parent and having difficulty adjusting to the changes a baby brings?
Do you and your partner disagree on approaches to parenting and hope to work better together?
Or maybe you are a single parent and wondering how you can be the best parent you can be and feel like you could use more support.
You might feel like something gets in the way of your parent-child bond, or you struggle with setting boundaries that only seem harder to correct over time. Maybe you wonder if counseling could help you or both you and your partner with the challenges of parenting.
Parenting Can Be Difficult No Matter What The Circumstances Are
Between the ups and downs of daily life, the constant need to make decisions, and the complexities of navigating childhood development, it can be tough to cope with the challenges of parenting
It is incredibly common for parents to develop anxiety, shame, guilt, sadness, frustration, and burnout with the demands of raising children. You might feel isolated, have difficulty maintaining friendships, or feel judged by others—especially if you’re new parents who are still discovering your parenting style.
Sleep deprivation can be a huge challenge in early parenting, and its effects can impact all facets of your life. Parental load can feel all-encompassing, especially if things don't feel balanced with your partner or if you are a single parent.
You may feel like you don't have any time for self-care, well-being, or hobbies and interests, but you’ve taken a great first step which is recognizing that you and your partner could use some support. Counseling can provide a neutral space to discuss your life if you are single or partnered, the aspects of being a parent that are a struggle, and the guidance to pave your way forward with compassion for yourself and optimism for the future.
Have any questions? Send us a message!
Our Society Does Not Prioritize The Realities Of Parenthood
As a society, we often face unrealistic expectations of parenthood, where perfection and self-sacrifice are normal. Social media use typically magnifies the highlight reel of parenting, leaving out the unpleasant parts. But this can lead to parents feeling inadequate or not good enough if they don’t have “picture perfect” moments themselves.
Our culture also doesn’t typically give parents adequate time after the birth of their child for parental leave from their jobs. This can lead to added emotional and physical stress on new parents who may struggle to balance the lack of sleep and caregiving for their child with the demands of their workplace. They may also find that time for themselves and their self-care seems nearly impossible during the first year of their child’s life.
It's Harder Than Ever For Parents To Find Balance
The surgeon general shared a health advisory regarding parental stress. (1) Parents work more hours than they did decades ago, and they also spend more hours per week on child care, not counting the time they spend with their children after working hours. So, while the number of hours in the day remains the same, the demands on parents have increased, undoubtedly leading to stress and burnout.
Parents also lack quality time to spend on their relationships or to engage in leisure, and these factors also negatively impact their children’s well-being. While we may not be able to change the cultural trends that have put additional pressure on parents to do more, counseling can guide you on recognizing your biggest challenges with parenting, and create a plan to tackle those problems while embracing some joy and optimism along the way.
Counseling Can Help You Navigate Parenting Challenges And Dilemmas
Bluestone Counseling Group provides parenting therapy for individuals and couples. We can help caregivers in all parenting phases. Maybe you are a new parent who is adjusting to the challenges and joys of parenthood and the new identity that you have taken on. Or perhaps you have a toddler, school-age children, teenagers, or young adults, as each developmental stage brings new challenges for parents.
No matter your circumstances, the themes we will explore will likely include managing stress, fostering secure attachment, setting boundaries, and enhancing communication with your child. Counseling will also likely address parental guilt or burnout, as they are common themes.
Parenting During Different Childhood Development Phases
Early Parenthood
A big part of therapy in early parenthood is surrounding your new identity as a parent. It is important to understand from each parent's perspective what feels the most challenging and to work together to communicate and support one another (if partnered) through it. Additionally, we also provide counseling for those who feel uncertain about being parents or need grief support due to a traumatic experience like going through a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss.
School Age Parenting
We will explore what you observe is happening in your child’s life in terms of developmental levels, emotions, behaviors, and how to approach their needs. Parenting conflicts over issues like independence, for example, may show up differently based on your own childhood experiences. You might also be the parent of a child with disabilities and are looking for counseling and support navigating the challenges that come along with that.
Our Practice Utilizes Evidence-Based Therapeutic Modalities
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps parents address negative thought patterns that arise in parenting and family relationships. It can assist you and your partner with understanding your underlying values and goals, and how your past impacts your present decision-making and feelings about yourself as a parent.
Attachment-based parenting therapy focuses on improving parent and child relationships by addressing attachment issues and strengthening the bonds, which can help alleviate depression and reduce the risk of self-harm among adolescents.
Mindfulness for parents emphasizes being present and aware in interactions with children to foster a more positive relationship, which helps parents manage stress, regulate emotions, and understand their children's needs more effectively. By practicing mindfulness-based approaches, parents can respond to challenging situations with greater empathy and compassion, ultimately creating a more secure and nurturing environment for their children.
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) is a parent-based treatment program designed to help parents reduce their children's anxiety symptoms and distress. It focuses on teaching parents how to respond more supportively to their child's anxiety while also decreasing their own accommodating behaviors.
No matter what phase of your parenting journey you are in, things might feel very challenging right now, but with support, you can find balance, joy, and your sense of self again. Growth is possible through self-compassion, learning effective strategies, and strengthening connections with your child.
You Might Still Have Questions Or Concerns About Parenting Counseling…
Why will parenting
therapy be useful for
me &/or my partner?
New parents will be supported by learning coping strategies for stress, exhaustion, and emotional overwhelm in counseling. Your therapist can help in navigating identity shifts, relationship changes, and parenting challenges with confidence.
Through guidance, you learn to manage anxiety, set realistic expectations, and build a secure bond with your child. Therapy also fosters self-care, improves communication, and reduces feelings of isolation, empowering parents to create a balanced, fulfilling family life.
I am concerned about
the cost of therapy.
Parenting therapy can often be a short-term support to become more balanced and learn strategies to cope with some of the stressors and load that families experience. Our work is client-focused and goal-oriented, and we will take actionable steps so that you can witness the benefits weekly to fully understand your progress. Once we have reached our established goals and given you the tools to self-manage, you can step away from therapy.
How much experience
will my therapist have
working with parents
so I know they truly
understand my unique
situation?
All of our counselors are parents, and we all know what it feels like to experience so many mixed emotions when it comes to parenting. We have all been there on our own journeys and we also all have experience working with children, adolescents, and early adults earlier in our careers so we have experience in managing challenging behaviors as your child grows.
Your Path To Better Balance And Confidence As A Parent Can Start Here
Bluestone Counseling Group can help those in need of support with parenting struggles understand their challenges and manage their daily lives as parents. Reach out to set up a free, 15-minute consultation with one of our therapists. Call 202-505-1454 or connect through our Contact page to get started.
