Description:
OPD Points: 5
Parental counselling is a vital aspect of therapeutic work with children and families, yet many psychologists feel underprepared to engage parents confidently and constructively. In this clear and practical presentation, educational psychologist Sheryl Cohen shares a comprehensive framework for effective parental counselling that balances theory with real-world clinical application.
This session introduces the foundational assumptions of parent counselling, presents a structured theoretical model to guide your work, and explores practical strategies for applying the model in diverse clinical settings. Sheryl also addresses common challenges, such as navigating difficult parent dynamics and managing hostile attachments. The session concludes with clinical guidance on making informed decisions about when to engage in parent work versus when direct work with children (e.g., play therapy) may be more appropriate.
This course is ideal for psychologists working in child, adolescent, or family settings who want to enhance their confidence and effectiveness in engaging parents as partners in therapeutic change.
Key Learning Objectives / Outcomes:
By the end of this CPD session, participants will be able to:
Understand the foundational assumptions underpinning parent counselling.
Apply a structured theoretical framework to guide parent counselling sessions.
Recognise and respond to common challenges in working with parents, including difficult or hostile dynamics.
Make informed clinical decisions about when to engage in parent work versus direct intervention with children.
Strengthen therapeutic alliances with parents to enhance outcomes in child and family therapy.
Assessment:
Presenter / Provider:
Sheryl Cohen
Presenter Qualifications:
Sheryl is an educational psychologist and mother of 4. She specializes in working with parents, adolescents and children. She aims to walk parents through the journey of raising children effectively.
