Parental Counseling & Training in Greenville and Travelers Rest, SC
Parents are the architects of a child’s emotional and behavioral foundation, wielding a profound influence on their growth and development. The intricate dance of parent-child relationships can be both rewarding and challenging, especially when emotional and behavioral difficulties surface. In such moments, tensions may escalate within the family, highlighting the need for effective approaches that strengthen the attachment between parents and children. Katie Haitz is not only highly trained in helping families navigate emotional and behavioral challenges, but she also finds great joy in it. There is nothing like watching a family grow in connection and harmony once again.
Attachment Theory:
At the heart of a child’s well-being lies the attachment formed with their parents, from start of life and onward. This emotional bond acts as a secure base from which children explore the world and navigate their emotions. A strong attachment fosters a sense of security, trust, and confidence in the child, providing a solid foundation for healthy emotional development. Sometimes emotional/behavioral difficulties, changes in family dynamics, or parental stressors (to name a few) can impact this attachment. With Katie’s help, clients can learn to weather the storms of life while staying beautifully connected to their child.
In order to encourage attachment, some practical, research-based skills that Katie uses within the parent-child dynamic are as follows: PACE Skills for parents, Collaborative Problem Solving, and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy
Understanding PACE Skills:
Parenting, it turns out, is not just about providing physical care but also about nurturing a child’s emotional world. PACE, which stands for Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy, is a framework developed by Dr. Daniel Hughes. This approach encourages parents to engage with their children in a playful and curious manner, accepting their emotions without judgment and responding with genuine empathy. By incorporating PACE skills into daily interactions, parents can create an atmosphere of emotional attunement and understanding, strengthening the parent-child bond.
Collaborative Problem Solving:
Challenges are an inevitable part of parenting, but approaching them collaboratively can transform difficulties into opportunities for connection and skill-building. Collaborative Problem Solving, as advocated by Dr. Ross Greene and Dr. Stuart Ablon, encourages parents to work together with their children to find mutually satisfactory solutions. This method prioritizes open communication, understanding the child’s perspective, and jointly exploring creative solutions. This is more than just a conversation; it is a methodical, strategic, research-based approach to teach children the skills that they may be lacking, bring out their strengths, and enhance parent-child connection.
Emotionally Focused Family Therapy:
Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) is a therapeutic approach that aims to improve family relationships by focusing on emotions and attachment bonds. Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, EFFT views problematic behaviors within families as stemming from underlying emotional distress and insecure attachment patterns. Katie helps family members identify and express their emotions effectively, fostering a sense of safety and trust within the family unit. Through this process, EFFT seeks to restructure negative interaction patterns, promote empathy and understanding, and strengthen attachment bonds among family members.
