‘Parent coaching’ refers to meetings between a parent and therapist where the therapist is considered the ‘coach’ in supporting the parent in assisting their child in achieving their goals. These meetings are often held online with or without the presence of the child. Often parent goals are established which could include:
Support with implementing language skills and use of AAC in the home environment.
Support with implementing home programs such as toilet training or sensory diets (‘sensory programs’).
Support with addressing emotional or behavioural needs of the child. This can include the therapist supporting the parent in problem solving daily challenges and trialing strategies.
Our therapists often use an ‘occupational performance coaching’ intervention style where goals are directly related to occupational performance and daily living skills. In a nutshell Occupational Performance Coaching is undertaken through a coaching conversation with a close relationship on high-trust relationships and the parent considered an active partner in the therapeutic process.
What is ‘Family Capacity Building’?
As well as meeting the needs of the parents of children with disabilities or additional needs the concept of ‘family capacity building’ aims to upskill the parent to have the confidence to problem solve and manage situations independently. This is a crucial part of family centred care and is an evidence-based approach in supporting children’s goals and developments long-term. Our therapists are passionate about supporting families to motivate, encourage and upskill the families they work with. This concept is known as ‘self-determination theory’.
What is ‘self-determination theory’?
This refers to encouraging the parent or caregiver to be an active part of the problem-solving, decision-making, action-taking process when supporting their child in achieving their goals. Evidence shows that if the caregiver is unable to engage in the therapeutic process or lacks the confidence to address daily challenges the functional development of the child may be limited. At Bambini Health we are passionate about supporting families to feel confident and motivated to be an active part of the therapy process so that they may experience autonomy when making decisions regarding therapeutic methods.
“Give a person a fish and they will eat for a day; teach them how to fish and they will eat for a lifetime”.
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