Parenting is one of the most rewarding and often challenging experiences for those of us who become parents. Beyond vast joy and pleasure, parenthood often carries complex feelings - sadness, concern, anger, frustration, guilt and self doubt, among others. In addition, for all of us, parenting has become an increasingly complicated and difficult task, in the midst of advanced technology, divorce, single parenthood, and the pressure to become the so-called "perfect parent."
CONSIDERING PARENTHOOD - FROM CONCEIVING TO PREGNANCY
The process of becoming a parent may be in itself a challenging one. You may struggle with merely conceiving the idea of having a baby; or you may have be experiencing difficulties with getting pregnant, or dealing with fertility issues and/or pregnancy loss; or you may have a difficult pregnancy either because of emotional or physical issues. As a therapist, I specialize in helping parents-to-be navigate those troubling moments, reconnecting with your inner strength, confidence and hope.
MEETING YOUR BABY - POSTPARTUM ADJUSTMENT
The transition to parenthood may not be as easy as it was expected. Adapting to a new family constellation while healing from labor and dealing with the demands of a newborn may reveal itself as a challenging process for a lot of parents. Added difficulties arise when a mother is also struggling with postpartum depression. Becoming a parent is a time of great transition, and you can get help throughout this process. In our work together, we will focus on your communication and bonding with your new baby as well as your inner experience of parenthood and parenting.
GROWING AS A PARENT - PARENTHOOD AND BEYOND
As your child grows, daily interactions with her may raise questions, insecurities and/or our self-doubt. Much beyond all the complexities described above, parenthood also create endless opportunities for growth. In our work, we will focus on your inner experience of parenthood as well as the challenges you face in your daily interactions with your children and/or toddlers. Working together, we will create a safe space for self exploration, self-acceptance and transformation. We will also work towards facilitating not only your self confidence but also the development of new parenting skills, leading you to become the parent you want to be.
My work with parents may happen in any one or more of the several formats described below:
- in individual psychotherapy;
- in collateral meetings as part of your child psychotherapy process;
- infant-parent sessions;
- in couple therapy to work on parenting and co-parenting issues;
- in parenting workshops.
RECOMMENDED READINGS FOR PARENTS
Becoming the Parent You Want to Be - A Sourcebook of Strategies for the First Five Years
by Laura Davis and Janis Keyser
Between Parent and Child
by Dr. Haim G. Ginott
Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline
by Becky Bailey
Parenting from the Inside Out
by Daniel Siegel and Mary Hartzel
Spoiling Childhood: How Well-Meaning Parents Are Giving Children Too Much - But Not What They Need
by Dr. Diane Ehrensaft
The Magic Years: Understanding and Handling the Problems if Early Childhood
by Selma Fraiberg
The Birth of an Adoptive, Foster, or Stepmother: Beyond Mothering and Attachments
by Dr. Barbara Waterman
Emotional Muscle: Strong Parents, Strong Children
by Kelly Kerry Novick and Jack Novick
by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too
by Adele Farber and Elaine Mazlish