Program

The Program provides counseling and education designed to promote awareness

and change by offering Parenting Skills (PS) that will help caregivers become more effective and better role models as they raise their childen.  

The program covers general background issues that include:

-         Family History – how upbringing effects current attitudes and behavior

-         Aggression in the Home – recognizing repetitive patterns and timeframes.

-         Trigger Situations – becoming aware of high-risk problems and situations.

-         Exit Strategies – developing 2-3 ‘hard’ plans for avoiding potential conflict.

-         Conflict Resolution – Maximize skills for communication and compromise.

-         Consequences – reviewing the costs / penalties of poor family relationships.

-         Relationship Issues – exploring current family and social relationships.

-         Thinking Errors – redirecting erroneous thoughts and perceptions.

-         Health Impact –  side affects of anger and emotional stress on physical health

-         Alcohol Impairment – understanding the impact of alcohol / drugs 

-         Impulse Control – strategies to increase frustration tolerance

-         Relaxations Exercises - to reduce stress and tension

-         Role Plays – learning options and practicing new behavior

Regarding Positive Parenting Skills the program specializes in addressing:

• (PS) Parenting Favoritism - How family addresses 'fairness' and 'sharing'.
• (PS) History - Review of the client's own 'parenting role models' as a child.
• (PS) Talk So Kids Will Listen - Learning the art of 2-way communication.
• (PS) Discipline and Limit Setting - Methods to project positive parental authority.
• (PS) Setting Healthy Boundaries - Identifying and promoting respectful behavior.
• (PS) Creating Healthy Relationships - Developing relationships to last a lifetime.

It should be understood that anger and other negative emotions are natural human reactions. Therefore the goal of Positive Parenting Skills is not to "totally get rid of negative emotions", but rather to help the client channel this energy in a way that is appropriate. Our program is designed to build on a person's strengths with the goal of helping the client learn to express himself in a constructive and purposeful manner. In this way, parents can develop the skills that promote healthy personal and family relationships.

If you are (or someone you know is) stuck in a pattern of 'negative emotions', this program is designed to help you 'change direction'. By learning skills to communicate effectively, along with strategies to increase impulse control, our clients become better able to express their thoughts and feelings in a more productive manner. By doing so, our clients become better parents in a way that redefines the future.

For further information call Dr. Kaplan: 917-345-5750