Guidance for Parents and Caregivers

Parenting can feel overwhelming—especially when your child is struggling with their mental health. At Therapy With A Dog, I offer dedicated parent support sessions designed to give you the tools, strategies, and confidence you need to support your child while also caring for yourself.

Why Parent Support?

Many parents want to help but aren’t sure how. What to say, what not to say, or how to respond when emotions are high. Parent sessions provide a safe space for you to ask questions, learn effective strategies, and process your own feelings. With Graham, my certified therapy dog, present in in-person sessions, you’ll also experience a calm and grounding presence during our work together.

My Approach

I use an EFFT (Emotion-Focused Family Therapy) and FBT (Family-Based Treatment) informed approach to help parents:

• Understand the emotional needs underlying their child’s behaviors

• Respond to their child in ways that reduce shame and strengthen connection

• Learn effective communication skills to navigate conflict or distress

• Support children with challenges such as OCD, eating disorders, ADHD, and anxiety

• Develop coping tools for themselves as caregivers

What Parent Sessions Can Look Like

• Standalone meetings to focus specifically on your role as a parent

• Ongoing sessions alongside your child’s individual therapy

• Coaching and role-play to practice new communication tools

• Space to process your own emotions, guilt, or fears around your child’s struggles