Your Anxiety is High Dealing With a Demanding Parent.

It can be hard dealing with our child client’s controlling parent. But it's important to build a co-working relationship with the parent, to better support their child. Holding our boundaries is tough when we're pushed, by an angry parent, who wants details of their child’s sessions.

I totally understand this dynamic! Parents have a right, to understand the progress their child is making towards their goals and to be informed of any safety issues. But it’s our duty to protect our client’s confidentiality. We provide safety so they'll share their issues, without fearing that we’ll disclose details to their parents. It can feel uncomfortable to hold boundaries, when you're anxious and pressured.

I used to struggle, with how to approach demanding parents. I felt judged and criticized, when blamed for not “fixing their child” right away. I learned by providing  parents with education, tools and resources, that they could better support their child. This is why I help struggling therapists, to feel more confident going into tough conversations.

Here’s 3 tips on how to address demanding parents:

1. Set up time either before of after session, to address your client’s parents questions or concerns.

2. Use good active listening skills, validate their concerns and answer their questions without giving away your client’s confidentiality.

3. Set clear boundaries with the parent. Let them know how they can reach you, your business days/hours and what you can share with them regarding their child’s sessions.

Remember you’re in control of the sessions, not your client’s parent. If we allow them to “bully” us into doing what they want us to do, that defeats our role as therapists, and the work we do! Also it can do more harm to the therapy process, and our therapeutic relationship to our clients. Let’s protect ourselves from the start and maintain our client’s confidentiality!