Tricia, an experienced pediatric occupational therapist, worked tirelessly with children in a sensory-based gym, focusing on emotional regulation, sensory integration, and social skills. 

However, she soon realized that the progress made during therapy sessions was limited when parents lacked the tools and understanding to support their child’s growth outside of those sessions. “If it’s not happening at home and if they’re not modeling it themselves, what we do in an hour session isn’t really going to make that much difference.” 

Tricia observed parents yearning for more guidance and struggling to bridge the gap between therapy and home. This observation ignited her passion for finding a solution to empower parents and facilitate meaningful change in their children’s lives. “Parents are really looking for answers that I can’t give them in five minutes... I don’t know who is there to give them that education and that breakdown and the bigger picture.” 

Driven by her dedication to helping parents, Tricia embarked on a quest to explore available resources. Through diligent internet searches, she discovered the world of parent coaching. It was a revelation—a pathway that aligned perfectly with her aspirations. Parent coaching offers the means to provide parents with the knowledge, support, and resources necessary to create lasting change and foster their child’s growth effectively.

Tricia’s inspiration stemmed from witnessing parents’ profound impact on their children’s development. She realized that merely teaching children vital skills within therapy sessions was insufficient if parents were unable to grasp the broader significance of their role in their child’s life. 

Tricia recognized the need for parents to understand how to model and reinforce these skills outside of therapy. This realization fueled her determination to become a parenting coach and offer parents the comprehensive support they craved.

Transforming Lives: The Impact of Tricia’s Parenting Coaching on Parents and Children

As Tricia dove into her parenting coaching journey, she acquired invaluable skills that she could impart to her patients’ parents. One of these skills was the ability to look beyond the surface behaviors and uncover the underlying needs and challenges both children and parents face. 

“I’ve learned to look beneath parent’s behaviors too... to be like, okay, like what are their unmet needs that are happening when they’re telling me this story about their child or what they’re struggling with this week.” Armed with compassionate understanding, Tricia empowers parents to create a cohesive and supportive environment for their child’s growth. 

By sharing her expertise, Tricia enabled parents to make informed choices. Instead of simply offering spot advice during limited therapy session updates, she equipped parents with a broader understanding of their child’s needs. Tricia encouraged parents to view their child’s development as a shared responsibility and emphasized the importance of modeling desired behaviors themselves. This holistic approach enabled parents to consistently practice and reinforce therapeutic skills, both within and outside the therapy setting.

Join the Movement: Why Other Health Providers Should Embrace Parenting Coaching

Tricia believes integrating parenting coaching into traditional health professions, such as occupational therapy, can significantly benefit practitioners and their clients. As occupational therapists already approach their clients as whole individuals, considering various aspects of their lives, they are uniquely suited to incorporate parent coaching into their practice. 

Tricia encourages other healthcare providers to embrace this skill set, as it enhances their ability to support and empower both children and parents, leading to more comprehensive and effective outcomes. “I needed Jai for my own confidence to work with adults... and I wanted to really get a program that I could then share and not have to spend a lot of effort on the designing of a program.”

Personal Growth and Community Support: The Unexpected Benefits of Tricia’s Coaching Journey

While Tricia initially sought to empower parents, she was pleasantly surprised to discover that her journey as a parenting coach also brought about personal growth and transformation. Engaging with a community of like-minded individuals through her coaching program and building relationships within her cohort revealed the significance of mutual support, knowledge-sharing, and non-judgmental camaraderie. 

Tricia found solace in the power of community, fostering personal nourishment and expanding her horizons in unexpected ways. “Now I get the importance of the community and the community aspect of support, non-judgment, nourishment, knowledge and handholding in the most supportive way.”

Tricia’s commitment to enhancing her skills and expanding her impact led her to pursue certification as a parenting coach. Although state regulations bind her occupational therapy practice, Tricia recognized that parent coaching could extend her reach beyond geographical limitations. 

Through her coaching, she empowers parents to become change agents, fostering their child’s development and emotional well-being. Tricia’s dedication inspires all healthcare providers, encouraging them to embrace new skill sets and explore innovative avenues to make a lasting impact on the lives of their clients.

Healthcare Professional Spotlights