Q. Are all one-on-one session conducted face to face?

A. They do not have to be although I would prefer to conduct the first session face to face as this builds rapport and trust. Consultations can also occur over the phone or via email, or a combination of all.

Q. Do I have to sign any contracts?

A. No, but if you choose a package, I do ask you to sign an agreement based on what you wish to achieve within the time frame that you set. This helps you commit to your goals. Once you are committed, you are part of the way to achieving them. The agreement will include what I have agreed to do during the process so we are a partnership, both committed to helping you reach your goals.

Q. Can I come to sessions on a casual basis?

A. Yes, sometimes we can make lasting life changes in a single session. However, it usually takes a longer commitment to change patterns that we have reinforced over a period of a life time. By investing in a package, you are not only saving money but you are making a commitment to yourself and that, in itself, is a huge step!

Q. What can I expect in a one-on-one session?

A. The first session will be fairly structured. I will explain things like confidentiality and the professional Code of Conduct. We will then discuss what you wish to achieve and build an agreement based on this to keep us both on track. Other sessions may vary from week to week as different issues arise from daily life. I have a range of techniques in my ‘tool kit’ to choose from and I will use those that I feel will best suit your needs.

Q. Will you tell me what to do?

A. I believe that you already experience success in areas of your life and I help you build on that success, giving you confidence. Since it is your life, I will use questioning and other techniques to draw from you what you already know – your unique talents, abilities and knowledge. This process is remarkably easy, if you know how to do it! You will be amazed how your confidence will begin to soar as you build on success to success!

Q. My child and I always seem to be fighting. I don’t even feel that I know this stranger any more. Do you cover this in your workshops?

A. Yes! Parents often find themselves in a power struggle with their teenager and they try to use the parenting that they received as a child as a guide for what to do, or not do, with their own children. This does not seem to work.  The negative cycle increases and your teenager may shut down from you emotionally for a time. The modern teenager has a different set of realities to deal with in everyday life. Quite different from those of their parents and, as adults, many of us are still carrying around the wounds of our own childhood!

This workshop deals with the causes of misbehaviour, lack of communication and anger and how to deal with these issues without being controlling, or feeling like your home is a war zone.

Q. I find it impossible to talk with my teenager. All he will do is grunt for an answer. Does your workshop address this issue?

A. There is a way to communicate with children and teenagers that most people do not know about, not even teachers! The workshop most definitely addresses this very frustrating situation. You should notice a difference after the very first session.

Q. My teenager stays in his room as much as he can. We can’t talk to him anymore! Is there anything that we can do?

A. This is a complicated question that is not easy to answer. I have suggestions that you might like to try but you may experience some resistance at first. Teenagers need their privacy and own space. There may be other parents at the workshop who also have useful suggestions. This common problem is most definitely a topic that we will address.

Q. I am frightened that my teenager is drinking too much. Can you help me with this?

A. Drug and alcohol abuse is usually a cry for help. The parenting workshop helps parents put systems in place that allow your child/teenager to feel more ‘safe’ and in control, when everything around them seems ‘out of control’. If you can create this safe place and reconnect with your teenager then this is a beginning. It may be all that you have to do to get back on track but you may also need to seek additional assistance from a qualified professional in this area.

Q. My child is being bullied before and after, and sometimes during, school. Will your workshop help me with this?

A. This can be quite a problem for some children and it is a common one, despite the school’s best attempts to prevent it. I have worked in the school system for many years and have helped children with self esteem issues resulting from bullying. There are strategies that you can use as a parent as well. This workshop will address the issue and help with strategies. However, it is essential that you work in cooperation with the school on this issue as much as you can.

Q. My child will not do any homework and I don’t want them to get into trouble. Nothing that I do works. Can this workshop help me?

A. Lack of motivation can be the result of many issues - diet, tiredness, emotional problems such as self esteem, peer pressure, burn out and feeling overwhelmed, to mention a few possible sources. This workshop addresses diet and ways that you can use to communicate with your child to get to the source of the problem. Lack of motivation is not normal for a healthy child/teenager and it should be addressed. Its cumulative effects last a life time. Once you identify what the problem is, you are better able to decide what your next strategy should be.