Parental guidance is a relatively recent method which is aimed at parents considering them as co-therapists in resolving difficulties with their children.

When to consult? 

• The parent (s) need advice on how to improve communication with the child or adolescent.
• The parent (s) need help improving their habits and routine with the child or adolescent.
• The child does not follow any rules imposed by the parents (bedtime, family lunch time, etc.)
• The parent (s) cannot be heard by the child or adolescent.
• The parent (s) need guidance to explain an event to the child or adolescent (explain the divorce, death or illness of a loved one, change of school or residence, etc.)
• The parent or parents are in the grip of deeper difficulties which require psycho-educational support to help them in their relationship with their children and support for parenting.

Duration and frequency of follow-up: 45 minutes to one hour, once a week or every two weeks as needed.

Method: In parental guidance, words take precedence; however, mediations, such as role playing, or expressing emotions through drawing can help the parent (s) approach the problem in a less painful way.

Course of the sessions: During the first session the parents and their child are received together then each of them is seen separately. The following sessions take place only with the parent (s). Every 4 or 5 sessions, their child will be invited to the sessions.

During parental guidance sessions, the professional will try to identify and find, with the parents, serene, effective and lasting solutions to the parental role they occupy and to the difficulties they wish to overcome.

In the event that the child or adolescent manifests suffering that requires individual support, they will be taken care of by a professional from the team.