when we do the work of understanding who we are, we begin to understand who our children are.

Bryana Kappadakunnel

Parenting therapy seeks to support parents in changing their reactive patterns, addressing their triggers, and healing the wounds from their own childhood. Parents are the agents of change when it comes to improving family dynamics and the general chaos of family life. However, many parents are led to believe that if they simply get their child to change, then everything will improve. Unfortunately, getting children to change without first supporting parents in addressing their own behaviors & emotional reactions is a futile effort that won’t generate the results we’re looking for.

Parents who seek this type of therapy often report feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by family life. They struggle to identify the underlying needs behind their child’s behaviors and emotions, and benefit greatly from self-reflective work that allows them to better understand themselves and their children. These parents often cannot identify their own needs, and struggle to commit to a self-care plan that brings their soul the rest and stillness it craves. Parents who had disrupted attachments with their own parents worry that they’re “messing their kids up”, and learn how to reevaluate their expectations for themselves and for others. Many parents seek parent therapy because they need general childrearing guidance. They’re wanting an answer to the questions: “Am I doing this right? Am I good enough?” Parents who experienced trauma in early childhood and wish to break the cycle of repeating traumatic patterns find this type of therapy improves every relationship they have in their lives.