Parent-Child Relationships

Counseling for Parent-Child Relationships

Parents and children inevitably experience conflict from time to time. In most cases, that’s both healthy and normal. However, relationship dynamics can change if conflict occurs too often or if it’s left unresolved. At Wellington Counseling Group, our family therapists work closely to help develop and strengthen parent-child relationships.

Understanding the Parent-Child Relationship

The relationship between a parent and child is complex and constantly evolving. From birth and through infancy, a child bonds with their parents. As they grow older and begin to develop their own, unique personality, the dynamics of the relationship begin to change. There’s often a lot of developmental transition that occurs throughout this period. New marriages, parental divorces, getting a new sibling, starting school, a parent’s changing jobs, and the like can all play a role in shaping and maintaining familial relationships.

This can be beautiful, challenging, and trying all at the same time. Each relationship is unique. Some developmental and emotional hurdles are easier to overcome than others. In many cases, the outside perspective of a counselor or therapist can be beneficial.

Counseling for Parent-Child Relationship Development

Whether you have a strong relationship with your child or you are experiencing some discontent, counseling can be a valuable resource that allows both parent and child to confidently strengthen the bond. When a family reaches out to us to help improve parent-child relationships, we often see a few common themes. Most often, we work with families who are challenged by:

• Verbal conflict, including yelling and screaming
• Frequent arguments
• High levels of stress in the home
• Lack of respect
• Trouble following rules
• Feeling unsupported
• Separation anxiety or dependence
• Lack of interest in age-expected activities that assume some level of autonomy from parents
• Lack of consistency in interaction/discipline
• Feeling misunderstood
• Feeling disconnected
• Trouble communicating
• Isolation
• Conflict in sibling relationships 

This list is by no means exhaustive. Each relationship is unique, which means the challenges and triumphs experienced between a parent and a child are equally as unique. This is why a therapist who works with families can be so valuable. They can guide the conversation to help you address what is and isn’t supporting a healthy relationship between you and your child.

What Counseling for Parent-Child Relationship Looks Like at WCG

Wellington Counseling Group is comprised of a diverse group of psychologists, mental health professionals, and family relationship experts. This particular makeup helps us cater to our patients and start finding solutions for whatever challenges they may be experiencing.

We’ll start our sessions with an initial consultation including both parent and child, often in varying combinations. This will help your therapist gather insight into the dynamics of the relationship. Follow-up sessions may include individual and group meetings to uncover issues that are triggering undesired behaviors or feelings for the parent or child.

We can then establish goals and work through challenges to strengthen the relationship and overcome any negative feelings that are being harbored.