Parent Work is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the parent and their relation to the child. Different from individual adult psychotherapy, this type of therapy provides the parent with the opportunity to explore various themes and determine the effects each has on his or her parenting. By being able to recognize particular “stories,” a parent will develop the skills to make the necessary changes to effectually rewrite the story of their parenting. This form of thereapy was developed by Kelly Novick and Jack Novick.

Parent Work for Frustrated Parents

Parents who engage in Parent Work are often in a situation of frustration and despair with their child. They are using the limited tools that they possess and are unable to achieve the desired results. This can be due to the lack of skills that they learned from their own parenting models, or it can be a result of their role in their own family unit. Many parents who parented brothers and sisters will oftentimes find themselves at a loss as to how to effectively parent their own child. The therapist and the client examine all aspects of a parent’s life in order to determine what resources are being relied on and which ones are counterproductive. This enables a client to objectively view their techniques and behaviors and opens the door for change and growth.

Difficulties Choosing Coursework in Parent Work

This type of therapy can be arduous and challenging because oftentimes, the therapist must work diligently to determine what type of coursework will provide the best results. It is not always evident what method will achieve maximum results. Often the therapist will have to alter the technique or incorporate new elements and strategies in order to achieve the desired outcome.

Effect of Parent Work on Whole Families

Parent Work is essential to the family as a whole. If a child is undergoing therapy, the recovery of the child will be directly impacted by the amount of Parent Work being done. This form of therapy is equally as relative to a child’s success as is sibling and family therapy.

Resources Related to Parent Work:

Facts and Fiction: An Exploration of Parent Work With Two Maternally Deprived Mothers