What is parent coaching?
Parent coaching is a customized-to-your-family opportunity to understand your intense child’s behavior and learn what to do to help it improve dramatically. You’ll learn Present Moment Parenting with the support of a coach who will not pass judgment on you, but will stand by you as you gain new skills. There’s no diagnosis from your coach, just solid, usable tools for bringing out the best in your intense child. How do we define “intense”? If you have a child with whom typical parenting methods don’t help, and even make the situation worse, you’ve come to the right spot.
What type of issues do the kids have?
Our parent coaching clients have kids of all ages who have ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, giftedness, adoption or foster care issues, and even those with no diagnosis at all.
How does parent coaching work?
We meet for 1½ hours for the first appointment and 1 hour after that. Typically, parents have four appointments, after which they decide whether to continue, based on their individual needs.
The appointments are usually two weeks apart, so you have time to implement the techniques, and come back to get your questions answered. You can request once-a-week appointments if you choose.
Appointments can be over the phone, on three-way calls with spouse or and/or teacher, or even over the Web. We work with people from all over the world. Parents and teachers alike benefit from coaching.
What will I gain from parent coaching?
You will:
- Understand the underlying cause of the unwanted behavior.
- Learn to approach the child as a success mentor, rather than the “behavior police.”
- Energize children’s success in a way that brings out the best in them.
- Help your child identify real feelings, so they don’t have to come out “sideways” through inappropriate behavior.
What can I expect for long-term results with parent coaching?
Parent coaching will help you to:
- Learn highly effective techniques and apply them, whenever or wherever you are with any child.
- Gain a sense of peace and calm in the child’s presence.
- Gain control over the classroom or home environment.
- Take pride in the fact that your child/student is successful.
- Witness your child’s dramatically increased sense of esteem and empowerment.
Does the coach meet my children?
Not usually. We support adults from the background, placing the healing in the hands of parents and teachers who love the children and have the most invested in their success. We help parents maintain the authority with their children, which can dissipate if they see their parents being corrected. We also work best when we have our clients’ full attention, and they have ours. Occasionally home visits are necessary, but only when parents need extra support. In addition to parent coaching, our coaches visit schools to observe children anonymously, attend school meetings with parents, and consult with teachers on improving behavior.
How much does it cost?
For private consumers, the initial 1½-hour appointment is $175, and subsequent 1-hour appointments are $125, for a total of $550. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. If you have a child care business or are a teacher, the coaching can be deducted from your taxes as an educational expense. For a small investment, you can have peace at home and a relationship with your child that’s stronger than you ever imagined.
HealthPartners members receive a Healthy Discount for parent coaching, no matter where you live! Click here.
A more intensive model is also available for agency work with treatment foster care. These sessions are specialized for children who have experienced trauma and are offered in a block of six for $2,500.
