Parenting Therapy

Parenting Therapy For Stressed Parents

Parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world, if not the hardest. No child comes with a manual and all children demand a lot from parents. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and stressed at times while navigating the ups and downs of raising children and maintaining healthy relationships. Parenting with a partner naturally brings up conflicts and changes a relationship dynamic. If you’re a parent struggling with stress or seeking guidance, parenting therapy can provide the support and tools you need to overcome obstacles and foster harmonious family dynamics.
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Mother holding baby

What Is Parenting Stress?

Parenting stress can manifest in various forms and phases throughout your journey in raising children. If not managed well, it may become chronic and affect your overall well-being. Some contributing factors to parenting stress include:

Sleep Deprivation

There’s a reason sleep deprivation has been used as a torture tactic in wars. It is torture. A new infant that does not sleep changes the chemistry in your brain just by being born, and by keeping you awake when you want to sleep. Feeling so much love for a small human while simultaneously constantly exhausted can leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

Child separation anxiety

Whether you have to go back to work and leave your child at daycare or your child is struggling with separation anxiety at an older age, this experience is stressful for a parent. Maybe you need some alone time to take care of yourself but you feel guilty doing so. Or when you finally get that self-care moment, your child throws a major crying episode, making you feel worse.

Constant crying + tantrums

Dealing with a colicky newborn, toddler tantrums, or strong-willed and sensitive children can make everyday tasks like sleeping, bathing, or leaving the house feel like an insurmountable challenge.

Social Media

Parenting is hard. Parenting in this day in age with technology and social media is even harder. Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of technology and social media can feel like a full-time job. You may find yourself struggling to set boundaries, manage parental controls, or determine the right age for your child to have a smartphone or social media account.

Unequal parenting

Keeping score is never recommended in a relationship. But parenting duties can often feel unbalanced between partners, especially when one parent takes on more responsibilities due to factors like childbirth, breastfeeding, or disparities in parental leave policies. Single parents may face even greater challenges as they navigate the responsibilities of parenting alone. Time management and open communication can help mitigate these stressors but it can be overwhelming and frustrating to handle these family dynamics on your own.

Generational Trauma

Becoming a parent may unexpectedly bring up memories or realizations about your own childhood or parents. You may suddenly realize you want to do things differently than your parents did especially if you were not supported emotionally. It’s essential to recognize and address these feelings to prevent them from causing undue stress and negatively impacting your parenting style.

Close-up of happy African American dad talking to his son.

How Does Stress Make Parenting More Difficult?

Stress has a purpose in our lives and in our bodies by alerting us to potential threats and prompting us to make necessary changes. However, continued stress in parenting can cloud judgment and have long-term effects on both the parent and child. It’s crucial to address and manage stress effectively to maintain a healthy and nurturing environment for your family.

Need To Let Out Some Of Your Stress?

Remember, you’re not alone in your parenting journey, and it’s normal to feel stressed or overwhelmed at times. If you’re ready to invest in your well-being and create a more harmonious home environment, consider reaching out for parenting therapy. Together, we’ll explore your unique challenges and develop effective coping strategies to help you feel more confident and resilient on your parenting journey.
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How To Handle The Stress As A Parent

There are many ways you can handle the stress of parenting and it’s very common to feel isolated in your parenting journey. Some of the ways that can help you handle challenging times are:

Join A Support Group

Connect with other parents through your pediatrician, church, local organizations like MOPS, online forums, or by creating your own network. Sharing experiences and advice can help you feel supported and understood.

Ask For Help From Family & Friends

It takes a village for a reason. There is no shame in asking friends and family for help. We are not meant to bear the weight of parenting, working, and maintaining a social life alone.

Attend A Parenting Course

While there's no degree in parenting, you can learn from experts through online courses or in-person workshops. Keep an eye out for local events and speakers offering guidance on topics like navigating technology and setting parental controls.

Go To Therapy

Addressing mental health is crucial in fostering a healthy family. I offer compassionate parenting counseling. I want to provide you with valuable tools and strategies to manage challenging behaviors, reconcile differing parenting styles, and reduce stress in your life.

Which Type Of Therapy Is Best For Stressed Out Parents?

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for helping parents decrease their stress levels, I am well-versed in various therapeutic approaches that can address parenting stress. I have undergone extensive training in modalities such as EMDR, CBT, IFS, and DBT. While each parent’s needs are unique, some of the most effective types of therapy for parenting stress include:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR therapy, while traditionally used to treat trauma and PTSD, can be hugely beneficial for parents experiencing any generational trauma.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

I utilize my CBT training to help parents recognize and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior contributing to relationship and parenting stress. The length of treatment depends on the couple’s specific needs, typically ranging from 12-20 sessions.

Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)

With my systems-based background, and IFS training I assist individual parents in identifying their strengths and parts of them that may be helping them under certain circumstances, and hurting them in others.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

With a focus on finding the middle, building skills, and mindfulness, I integrate DBT into all my sessions with stressed parents.

The most suitable therapy

The most suitable therapy type for parenting stress depends on each individual’s unique challenges. My diverse training in various therapeutic approaches allows me to tailor treatment plans to the specific needs of each parent, ensuring they receive the guidance and support they need.

Parenting is the most challenging job on earth. l often joke that if anyone knew just how difficult it can be, they may never choose to become a parent, which is a protective evolutionary trait. Babies, children, and teens bring us so much joy in life.

A parent will inevitably experience stress throughout their years of raising children; it is not inevitable that this stress has to be felt alone or without help. Finding community, friends, or a therapist can help parents manage the stress of parenting.

If you’re looking for support and guidance in managing parenting stress, I am here to help. My expertise in behavioral therapy, combined with my compassionate non-judgmental space for you to share your concerns can provide you with valuable tools and strategies to overcome obstacles and foster a nurturing environment for your family. Take the first step towards a more balanced family life by scheduling a consultation with me.

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A close-up of a mother’s face filled with pride as she watches her child perform on stage
Cute kid boy hugging his mother

Parenting Therapy Frequently Asked Questions

While it’s common for parents to experience stress, if your stress is persistent, overwhelming, or affecting your daily life and relationships, it might be time to seek professional support.
Seek a therapist with experience in family therapy or parenting issues who creates a comfortable, non-judgmental environment for you to share your concerns.
Absolutely! Parenting therapy can provide insights into your child’s behaviors and development, helping you tailor your parenting style to meet their unique needs.
The timeline for progress in therapy varies depending on individual circumstances. However, by actively engaging in the process and implementing new strategies, you can start to see improvements in your parenting stress and family dynamics.
Self-care is crucial for maintaining your well-being and being present for your children. Prioritize small moments for yourself, such as engaging in hobbies, connecting with friends, or practicing relaxation techniques.

Get In Touch

If you are looking for a therapist in Littleton, Colorado, I offer a free 15 minute consultation to help you decide if therapy together is a good step. I look forward to connecting with you soon.

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