Family coaching is a process where one or more members of a family partners with a coach to address goals that will ultimately improve their family dynamics. Family dynamics are the interactions between family members, how they relate to one another and how the family functions as a whole.
While I work with families to improve family’s dynamics, I also focus on helping teens and children, assisting with parenting needs (sometimes referred to as a parenting coach). Every family has their own group dynamics and unique structures, whether it’s a traditional family with two parents (also known as a nuclear family), a single-parent family, a step-family, an extended family, a one-child family, an adopted family or a family with same-sex parents.
One of the most important things to consider in family coaching are the needs and wants of each of the family members, so as to better facilitate the coaching process.
Every family has its problems, whether those problems are as commonplace as not knowing how to deal with difficult teenage behavior, or as complex and devastating as trying to cope with betrayal or a separation.
The truth is, living with other people is difficult, even if those people happen to be the ones we care most about in the world. Managing a good family dynamic takes time, patience and practice. Keeping all family members happy is no easy task - especially when you all have to live under the same roof.
Family coaching sessions are designed to provide your family with the tools and techniques to resolve conflicts, reach compromises and hopefully transform a difficult living situation into a comfortable one.
Some reasons people seek family coaching include:
- addressing work/life balance
- bringing up children
- dealing with problem teenagers
- dealing with life after separation or divorce
- New parent challenges.
- Teen pregnancy.
- School dropout prevention.
- Anger or stress management.
- Poor communication
- Parenting issues for different stages, such as separation anxiety, depression, or discipline.
Seeking support does not mean you are not fulfilling your role as a parent - it means you are doing the best you can to
provide the happiest life possible for yourself and your child.