Parent consultation is a therapeutic approach in which the work is carried out indirectly, through the parents themselves. In other words, it is the parents who meet with me. This approach is especially common when working with very young children, with the understanding that parents play a central and significant role in their child’s emotional development and regulation.

When working with older children or adolescents, it is often helpful to combine individual therapy with parent consultation, in order to reflect together on the challenges of parenting and to support children and young people at different stages of development.

Parent work may also include exploring the parents’ own past experiences and relational patterns, and how these may influence their parenting style, emotional responses, and relationships with their child.

In addition, themes may include fostering healthy emotional development in the child, managing emotional and behavioural needs, and supporting the child or adolescent’s growth, independence, and overall development.