Parenting Issues

Raising a human being can be a daunting task. Though babies may look uncomplicated, infants require a significant level of attention and care in order to grow up into a healthy person. On top of the day-to-day needs that young infants and children have, each child has their own unique personality–these personalities are in part encoded within their genes, and in part shaped by their caregivers and living environment. It is the parents task to work with each child–and the unique personality of that child–to develop appropriate behaviors and social skills, learn life skills, and create healthy relationships. Though parenting can be difficult at times, many parents report that raising their child(ren) was the most rewarding aspect of their adult life.

Psychotherapy for Parents

Psychotherapy and counseling can help parents in many different ways. For instance, some parents are stressed by a particular parenting challenge, whether it is a one-time event or an on-going situation. Indeed, so many issues arise in parenting that most parents do struggle at one time or another. Most psychotherapeutic models and treatments can provide some level of stress relief. However, some parents need more than the opportunity to get something off their chest–they actually need information, guidance, and/or proven parenting strategies. In this case, professionals who specialize in parenting and/or developmental psychology may be able to provide the best help. These professionals will take into account the parents current parenting style and emotional state in order to develop the most appropriate interventions. Often parents will receive specific instructions that they will be able to carry out with their family at home. Progress is monitored in counseling sessions until the parent’s specific goals have been met.

Some parents have mental or emotional issues of their own that make parenting particularly challenging. For example, those who are depressed or highly anxious may find the normal stresses of parenting to be more than they can handle. Individual therapy that reduces or eliminates their mood condition or anxiety can help them reduce stress and become more effective parents. Similarly, parents with anger management issues may find that therapy can help them find healthier ways of communicating with their family.