What is it like to work with Isabelle?
Because we already knew Isabelle in different roles in our community, I wondered if it would be hard to work with her and let her see our vulnerable side, “warts and all.” Every parent wants to feel like a good parent who is doing their best. It can be scary to let someone know what you are struggling to deal with – it was for us.
I instantly felt at ease with Isabelle. She is so positive, empathetic and encouraging. Isabelle also has an amazing ability to zoom in on what you are already doing well as a parent that you can build upon. For ex: We already ask our daughter a lot of questions, which makes it feel it is okay for her to express how she feels. She helped us build on asking questions in tougher, more emotional situations to keep our daughter feeling loved unconditionally, while letting her express whatever she felt. THEN we had created the environment in which we could use other techniques to help positively influence or reinforce our daughter’s behaviors.
What can I expect from our sessions? Does Isabelle give suggestions that work in the “real world?”
Isabelle listens without judgment and offers tailored recommendations, instead of a “one-size-fits all T-shirt” approach. On the flip side, Isabelle does not give you so many recommendations you feel too overwhelmed to try. Instead, she will clarify with you what the one or two main issues are that you want to work on improving. She will offer some resources and suggestions, as well as ask for your ideas. Together, you agree to try one or two things that you believe will work best. Isabelle will ask you to let her know how it goes, so you can celebrate your successes and fine-tune anything you still want to improve. This also helped us stay motivated and hold ourselves accountable to try new things. You will be surprised at how good it feels to take both baby steps and bigger strides!
Why does Parent Coaching with Isabelle Work?
Because Isabelle works with you, the parents, and not the child, your child/children get to experience first-hand any new techniques you say or do. This keeps the relationship between you, the parent and and your child growing together – and maintains your closeness. For me, this meant I could try having a conversation in the car with my daughter or while eating dinner and seeing how she would respond to a new technique tried in a “normal” routine setting. It gave me tears of joy to see my daughter respond so positively to little changes I made – and how she was able to talk through and let go of issues that had been bothering her for a long time.
Working with a Parent Coach like Isabelle without your child present also prevents your child from feeling that they are “broken” or need to be fixed. We have one friend whose son has impulse control and emotional issues. Because his teachers had to report his behavior to his parents on multiple occasions, he often felt like “I am just a bad kid.” His parents had to reinforce that he is a good person, and they will keep working with him to help find ways to deal with his emotions. His parents want to learn techniques without him there, so he doesn’t reinforce the feeling that he is “bad” and needs to be fixed. Parent Coaching can give any parent tools and techniques that they can try without a third person there making it feel “clinical.” Rather, you feel empowered to try things when the situation makes sense for your family.
Can I contact any references?
Yes. Isabelle – Feel free to give potential clients my name and cell phone number. I will be happy to talk with them about what it is like to do Parent Coaching with you.
Vicki Ryan
