Our society values and expects socially appropriate behavior. Parents of children who display repeated problem behavior often feel nervous, tense, or otherwise uncomfortable in public settings. They find themselves anxiously hoping that their child will be able to display appropriate, self-restrained behavior in stores, restaurants, and the homes of others. Yet, they fear that inappropriate behavior might pop out at any moment, causing embarrassment as passersby place judgment on them and their child.
For parents and guardians who find themselves in these circumstances, it is both frustrating and emotionally exhausting. They’re doing their sincere best to direct their much-loved youngster to correct actions, but their strategies are inconsistently effective at best. Most people haven’t received advanced training in child psychology and behavior change practices. They are unaware of the many positive options available to them, and often find themselves resorting to more of what already isn’t working.
Your Support has Arrived.
Where does one locate effective practices for improving behavior that are positive, practical, and easily implemented? Where does one find a safe, supportive environment in which to share one’s feelings and concerns? Magazines offer five vaguely worded “tips” devoid of specifics. Three-minute TV news segments finish with 20 seconds of vaguely worded advice without the “how to do it” directions. Parents find themselves wanting more details, more guidance in how to individualize those strategies so that they work with their child, and follow-up analyses of what went wrong and right in situations… analyses that help to inform and improve parental practices.
Behavior-change coaching is an ideal approach that allows parents and guardians, in the privacy of their own homes, to share personal details and honest feelings, one-on-one, with a non-judgmental, supportive mentor. Only the knowledgeable and concerned coach knows what the parent is experiencing. Together, parent and coach create a plan of action specific to the needs of a particular child.
How is Coaching Done?
Today’s technology allows you to speak directly with our professional staff (or if you wish, one of our associates whose lifestyle and gender more closely match yours). Via phone, web cam, and/or e-mail, behavior coaching offers “lifestyle integration” and “distance learning”… non-judgmental support and sage advice at a time and place that is most comfortable and productive for you. Distance coaching adapts to your personal schedule by offering flexibility of location and time. Sessions can be conducted at any convenient time of day or night in the privacy and comfort of your home or office. You choose the technology channel: web cam conferencing for a “face-to-face” exchange; telephoning and e-mailing for anonymity. Whatever manner of contact you select, we assist you in developing and fine-tuning an effective and caring approach that is personalized for your child.
Telephone and real-time online coaching (via text or web cam chat) is ideal for those individuals who lead hectic lifestyles, are geographically isolated, or must remain at home.
Also available is an asynchronous e-mail version of coaching. It offers comfort for those individuals who have difficulty opening up and talking about their concerns in the moment. With the delayed response e-mail option, they can set their own pace as they take the needed take time to compose their thoughts, reflect upon their responses (and those of their coach), and respond when they are ready to do so. Many individuals find that this method of communication allows them to be more reflective, honest, and expressive compared to face-to-face, telephone, or electronic chat conversations. With the e-mail option, the coach’s response typically arrives within 12-24 hours, yet the parent can take the time necessary for more measured and thoughtful responses. E-mailing is an excellent way to review session topics, insights, and assignments.
What Can I Expect During a Coaching Session?
“Coaching” is gaining popularity as increasing numbers of people recognize the benefits of a guided mentoring relationship in attaining personal goals. Just as someone aligns with a tennis coach to improve their game, a financial coach to better handle the family money, a weight-loss coach to develop proper diet and exercise patterns, a childbirth coach to prepare for the big event, or a La Leche coach to assist with breastfeeding, behavior-change coaches are sought out for their expertise in an area that few people are fully trained, deeply knowledgeable, and highly skilled.
Coaching sessions involve a two-way sharing process that is non-judgmental, supportive, and information-packed. Coaching focuses on the present as we help you move into a brighter future. It zeros in on the behavior, what is causing it, and how to promote more acceptable alternatives to the actions that are presently displayed… all done in the effort to help your child make better behavior choices…and help you become increasing more capable in positive direction of his/her behavior.
Coaching helps you to evaluate the short-term effectiveness and long-term psychological/behavioral impact of the methods that are presently used to guide your child. You become more cognizant of how what is said and done has a direct or indirect effect upon your child’s actions and self image. Behavior coaching is comprised of a “performance review” and a “training session” between you and the coach… a process that leads to more effective and positive parenting.
The Goals of Behavior Coaching
The objectives of long-distance behavior coaching are fivefold:
• Acknowledging and addressing the frustrations and challenges associated with raising a child who has behavioral challenges.
• Becoming more aware of the profound effect that words and actions – positive or negative – have on your child’s behavior, personal esteem, and self image.
• Pinpointing your child’s strengths and weaknesses in order to create a strength-based intervention plan that teaches new, more appropriate behaviors.
• Acquiring new ideas that are fine-tuned to the specific needs of your child.
• Reflecting upon progress, and making any necessary adjustments to the behavior intervention plan and practices.
How Much and How Often?
For call-as-needed conversations, a 30-minute session is $80. For ongoing scheduled weekly sessions, the monthly (4 conversations) payment is $300.
