Parent Counselling

Parent Counselling Services

Get the support you need with our skilled and compassionate counsellors.

At NeurAlive, we understand the joys and challenges of parenthood. Our Parent Counselling services are designed to provide a supportive and understanding space where parents can navigate the complexities of raising children and build strong, nurturing relationships with their kids.

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Why Choose Parent Counselling at Neuralive?

Expert counsellors: Our team of experienced and compassionate counsellors specializes in supporting parents through various parenting challenges and transitions. We have a deep understanding of child development, family dynamics, and effective communication techniques.

Individualized Support: We recognize that every parent’s journey is unique, and our counselling approach is tailored to meet your specific needs and concerns. Whether you’re a first-time parent or have multiple children, we are here to provide personalized guidance.

Positive Parenting Techniques: Learn effective and positive parenting techniques that promote healthy child development and create a harmonious family environment. Our counsellors can help you foster open and loving connections with your children while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

Stress and Anxiety Management: Parenting can be rewarding, but it can also be stressful at times. Our counsellors can help parents manage stress and anxiety related to parenting, offering practical strategies for self-care and emotional well-being.

Our Parent Counselling Services

Parent-Child Communication: Effective communication is the foundation of a strong parent-child relationship. Learn how to listen to your child’s feelings, thoughts, and concerns, while expressing your own with empathy and understanding.

Effective Discipline Strategies: Our counsellors can help you implement positive discipline methods that encourage cooperation and positive behaviour in children, without resorting to punitive measures.

Coping with Parenting Challenges: Parenting comes with its unique set of challenges. Whether it’s dealing with behavioural issues, sibling rivalry, or school-related stress, our experienced counsellors can offer support and guidance.

Single Parent Support: If you are a single parent, we understand the additional responsibilities you carry. Our counsellors are here to offer you the support and guidance you need to navigate parenthood on your own.

Co-Parenting After Separation: Co-parenting can be challenging after separation or divorce. Our counsellors can help you create a healthy co-parenting dynamic that prioritizes the well-being of your children.

What To Expect In Your Parent Counselling Sessions...

During your parent counselling sessions, our counsellors will:

  • Listen attentively to your concerns and challenges as a parent.
  • Provide non-judgmental support and guidance tailored to your family’s needs.
  • Collaborate with you to develop practical strategies and action plans that fit your parenting style.
  • Offer resources and tools to help you become a more confident and effective parent.

Our Parent Counsellors

Alice Mickelson, MSW RSW

Available in Victoria & online, Alice champions the power of family and believes that cultivating a strong and supportive relationship between child and parent(s) or caregiver(s) is one of the most important parts of the therapeutic process. Alice also helps parents draw upon their strengths and values to deepen their understanding and connection with their children of all ages. Read More>>>

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Vanya Hanson, MA RCC

Connect with Vanya for counselling, conveniently offered in Victoria & online. Seeking to provide a safe, peaceful and accepting therapeutic space, Vanya supports parents as they deepen their understanding of themselves, their relationships, and the world around them. Read More>>>

Brenden Bentley-Taylor, MA RCC

For parent counselling, you can find Brenden available at Victoria & online. Brenden is well-equipped to help parents connect with their children of all ages and to guide their optimal development. He seeks to help parents uncover and share feelings, clarify beliefs and values, and recognize unhealthy patterns. Read More>>>

Anna Chadwick art therapist

Anna Chadwick, MA RCC DVATI

Anna is trauma-focused, working from our Victoria location & online. Anna offers parents practical skills and space for self-reflection to enhance connection and communication within families outside the therapy office. Her aim as a therapist is to create a collaborative space for clients to explore life's challenges with safety and acceptance. Read More>>>

Rhiannon Harding, MA RCC

Rhiannon is available for virtual sessions and in-person meetings at our Langford location. She's passionate about helping parents who have children with ADHD and anxiety. Rhiannon uses a variety of counseling techniques, including a person-centered approach, positive thinking strategies, problem-solving methods, and mindfulness practices. Read More>>>

Brad Rudner, Intern Counsellor

Brad Rudner, Intern Counsellor

Brad is available at a reduced rate in Langford & online. Brad is passionate about supporting parents through life transitions. He uses a solution-focused and strengths-based approach. Read More>>>

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Parent counselling can benefit your family and parenting approach in numerous ways. It provides a supportive and non-judgmental environment for parents to explore their strengths, challenges, and emotions related to parenting. Through counselling, parents can gain valuable insights into their parenting style, communication patterns, and family dynamics. A skilled therapist can offer practical strategies and tools to improve parent-child relationships, foster effective communication, and manage challenging behaviors. Parent counselling also helps parents develop a deeper understanding of their children’s needs, emotions, and development, leading to more empathetic and responsive parenting. By addressing parental stress and self-care, counselling can enhance the overall well-being of parents, enabling them to be more present and attuned to their children’s needs. Ultimately, parent counselling empowers families to build healthier and more nurturing environments, promoting positive growth and harmony within the family unit.

In a parent counselling session, you can expect a supportive and collaborative environment where you and the therapist will discuss various aspects of your parenting journey. The therapist will take the time to understand your unique family dynamics, parenting challenges, and goals. Expect open and non-judgmental communication as you explore your parenting approach, strengths, and areas for growth. The therapist may provide psychoeducation on child development, effective communication strategies, and positive discipline techniques. Together, you will work on addressing specific concerns, building stronger parent-child relationships, and enhancing your parenting skills. Parent counselling often involves setting achievable goals and creating actionable plans to implement positive changes in your family life. Additionally, the therapist may encourage self-reflection and self-care practices to support your well-being as a parent. Throughout the process, the focus remains on empowering you to become a more confident and effective parent, fostering a nurturing and harmonious family environment.

Parent counselling can be instrumental in helping you improve communication with your child or teen. A skilled therapist will provide a supportive space for you to explore your current communication patterns and challenges with your child. Through the counselling process, you will gain insights into your child’s developmental needs and emotional cues, allowing you to respond more empathetic and effectively. The therapist will offer practical communication strategies and active listening techniques to strengthen your connection with your child. You will learn how to express your emotions and concerns in a constructive manner while encouraging your child to express themselves openly. By improving communication, parent counselling fosters a healthier and more trusting parent-child relationship, enhancing mutual understanding and resolving conflicts more harmoniously. These improved communication skills can have a positive and lasting impact on your child’s emotional well-being and overall family dynamics.

Yes, there are specific strategies and techniques that can be used to address behavioural challenges in your child or teen. In parent counselling, a therapist may introduce evidence-based approaches such as positive reinforcement, behaviour modification, and setting clear boundaries and expectations. Positive reinforcement involves praising and rewarding desired behaviours, which can encourage your child to repeat them. Behaviour modification focuses on identifying problem behaviours and implementing strategies to promote more adaptive responses. Setting clear boundaries and expectations helps establish consistent rules and consequences, providing structure and predictability for your child. Additionally, the therapist may teach you communication skills, active listening, and problem-solving techniques to address conflicts and promote cooperation with your child or teen. By working closely with a therapist and implementing these strategies, you can effectively address behavioural challenges and create a more positive and supportive family environment.

Absolutely, parent counselling can significantly help you build a stronger and more positive relationship with your child or teen. Through the counselling process, you will gain valuable insights into your parenting style, communication patterns, and your child’s needs and emotions. A skilled therapist will offer practical guidance and strategies tailored to your family’s unique dynamics, helping you develop more effective communication skills, active listening, and empathy. By implementing these tools, you can better understand and connect with your child or teen, fostering a deeper bond and a sense of trust. Additionally, parent counselling addresses any challenges or conflicts in the parent-child relationship, promoting open dialogue and problem-solving. This process enables you to navigate parenting with greater confidence, creating a nurturing and supportive environment that cultivates a positive and long-lasting relationship with your child or teen.

Determining if your parenting style is appropriate for your child’s or teen’s needs requires ongoing self-reflection, open communication, and a willingness to adapt. Start by considering your child’s unique personality, developmental stage, and temperament, as well as their strengths and challenges. Reflect on whether your current parenting approach is responsive to their emotional and psychological needs. Open communication with your child or teen is crucial; listen to their thoughts and feelings, and be open to feedback about your parenting style. If your child seems well-adjusted, confident, and communicates effectively, it may indicate that your parenting style is suitable for their needs. On the other hand, if you notice signs of distress, withdrawal, or rebellion, it may be an indication that adjustments to your parenting approach are necessary. Parent counselling can also be beneficial in gaining a deeper understanding of your child’s needs and providing guidance on effective parenting strategies tailored to their development and well-being.

Yes, parent counselling can be immensely valuable in helping you navigate and cope with the challenges of parenting. A skilled therapist can provide a supportive and non-judgmental space for you to express your concerns, frustrations, and emotions related to parenting. Through counselling, you can gain a better understanding of your parenting style, strengths, and areas for growth. The therapist will offer practical strategies and tools to address specific challenges, such as behaviour management, communication issues, or sibling rivalry. Additionally, parent counselling can help you develop coping skills to manage stress and self-care practices to support your well-being as a parent. With the guidance and support of a therapist, you can feel more equipped and confident in handling the demands of parenting, leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling family life.

Yes, parent counselling can address specific family dynamics or issues within the household. A skilled therapist will take a holistic approach to understand the dynamics of your family system. They will explore how different family members interact, communicate, and influence each other’s behaviours and emotions. By examining these dynamics, the therapist can identify potential sources of conflict, stress, or unresolved issues that may be affecting the family’s overall well-being. Parent counselling aims to promote positive communication, cooperation, and understanding among family members. The therapist may provide guidance and interventions to improve family relationships, resolve conflicts, and create a more harmonious and supportive home environment. Through open communication and collaborative problem-solving, parent counselling can help address specific family issues and facilitate positive changes for the entire household.

Parent counselling can be instrumental in helping you set appropriate boundaries and rules for your child or teen. A skilled therapist will work with you to understand your child’s developmental stage, individual needs, and family dynamics. They will guide you in establishing clear and consistent rules that align with your child’s age and maturity level. Additionally, the therapist can help you develop effective communication strategies to explain these rules to your child or teen in a supportive and respectful manner. Through counselling, you can gain insights into your parenting style and how to balance nurturing and discipline. The therapist may also provide tools to reinforce positive behaviour and consequences for rule violations. By working collaboratively with a therapist, you can set appropriate boundaries that promote your child’s growth, safety, and emotional well-being, while also fostering a positive and trusting parent-child relationship.

Yes, there are several valuable resources and parenting tools you can use between counselling sessions to support your parenting journey. Online parenting courses or workshops offer valuable insights and practical tips on various parenting topics. Books written by reputable experts in child psychology and parenting can provide valuable guidance and new perspectives. Parenting apps or websites often offer interactive tools and age-specific advice. Journaling can be a helpful way to reflect on your parenting experiences and track progress. Additionally, some therapists may provide handouts, worksheets, or exercises to practise at home. Engaging in self-care practices, such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques, can also enhance your emotional well-being as a parent. Remember that while these resources can be helpful, ongoing communication with your therapist during counselling sessions remains crucial for personalised guidance and support.