Parent Counseling in New York

While related, parent counseling and family therapy serve different purposes. Parent counseling focuses specifically on supporting parents in developing effective strategies and approaches, and sessions typically involve only the parents or caregivers. Family therapy, by contrast, includes children and other family members in the sessions to address dynamics and communication patterns among all family members. At Coast Psychology, we offer both services and can help determine which approach best suits your family's needs. Some families benefit from a combination of both parent counseling and occasional family sessions.

The duration of parent counseling varies based on the complexity of the challenges you're facing, the age of your children, and your specific goals. Many parents experience significant improvements within 6-10 sessions as they implement new strategies and approaches. For more complex situations or ongoing support through different developmental stages, some families choose to engage in counseling for several months or return periodically when new challenges arise. At Coast Psychology, we customize our approach to provide the right level of support for your family's unique situation.

Yes, parent counseling can be particularly valuable when co-parents have different approaches or philosophies. Our counselors are skilled at helping parents:

• Identify shared values and goals despite different approaches

• Develop consistent expectations and consequences that both parents can support

• Create a unified framework while honoring each parent's unique relationship with the child

• Improve co-parenting communication and problem-solving

• Resolve specific disagreements about parenting decisions

We work respectfully with both parents' perspectives to develop approaches that integrate the strengths of each parent while creating the consistency children need to thrive.

Absolutely not. Our parent counseling approach is fundamentally supportive and non-judgmental. We recognize that parenting is complex and challenging, and all parents are doing their best with the tools they have. Rather than focusing on what's "wrong," we help identify what's working well and build on those strengths while adding new strategies for areas of challenge. Our goal is to enhance your confidence and effectiveness as a parent, not to criticize or blame. We believe that when parents receive the right support and tools, they are the true experts on their own children.

Yes, our therapists have experience supporting parents of children with various diagnoses including ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders. We provide:

• Education about your child's specific condition and how it affects behavior

• Specialized parenting strategies tailored to your child's unique needs

• Guidance on working effectively with schools and other service providers

• Support for the emotional aspects of parenting a child with special needs

• Connections to additional resources and support services

During your initial consultation, we'll discuss your child's specific diagnosis and ensure you're matched with a counselor experienced in that area.

Yes, parent counseling can be highly effective even when children are unwilling to participate in therapy themselves. Research consistently shows that working with parents can create significant positive changes in child behavior and family dynamics. By changing how you respond to and interact with your child, you can influence their behavior and emotional well-being. For many families, especially those with younger children, parent counseling alone may be sufficient to address concerns. For families with teens, parent counseling can help you maintain a supportive relationship while navigating challenges, even if your teen isn't ready for their own therapy.

Yes, we provide specialized parent counseling for divorced or separated parents focused on:

• Developing consistent co-parenting approaches across households

• Minimizing conflict and its impact on children

• Creating effective communication systems between co-parents

• Supporting children through transitions between homes

• Addressing specific challenges related to custody arrangements

We can work with co-parents together in joint sessions or separately, depending on your situation and comfort level. Our goal is to help children experience stability and support despite the changes in family structure.

To get the most from your IFS experience:

• Begin noticing different "voices" or perspectives within yourself

• Observe when you feel conflicting emotions or motivations

• Approach your internal experience with curiosity rather than judgment

• Consider reading introductory material about IFS (we can recommend resources)

• Come with an openness to a different way of understanding yourself

No special preparation is required, however—your therapist will guide you through the IFS process regardless of your familiarity with the model.

Yes, parent counseling adapts extremely well to virtual sessions. Coast Psychology offers secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth parent counseling for families throughout New York State. Many parents find virtual sessions particularly convenient as they eliminate travel time and simplify scheduling around busy family calendars. Our telehealth platform allows for sharing of resources, demonstration of techniques, and the same quality of guidance you would receive in our Oyster Bay office.