Parent Training and Guidance
Parenting is such a special journey that is full of joyful moments and unique challenges. With so much advice from books, websites, and well-meaning friends and family, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what truly fits your family’s unique needs and values. Sometimes, having support tailored just for you can make all the difference.
Dr. Sonya Bhatia is a child and adolescent psychologist who offers Parent Training and Guidance sessions designed to help parents in their important role. These sessions provide a caring, nonjudgmental space to process parenting experiences, explore questions, and address concerns, always with your child’s development and your family’s values in mind.
Parent Training and Guidance sessions can be beneficial for parents who have questions about their child’s development or want to learn how to best support their child, even if there is no major concern. The sessions are also a valuable resource for families dealing with challenging behaviors at home, especially when child therapy might not be the best fit at this time. For parents facing issues such as tantrums, defiance, noncompliance, or adjustment difficulties, Dr. Bhatia offers evidence-based parent behavior management strategies (Parent Behavior Management Training). By focusing on positive reinforcement, clear expectations, and consistent approaches, families often see meaningful improvements in their child’s behavior within weeks.
Parents frequently share that these sessions help them process and cope with the challenges of parenthood while feeling genuinely understood. Along with practical strategies to try at home, Parent Training and Guidance sessions can help parents make intentional parenting decisions that align with their family values, address problem behaviors, strengthen family connections, and restore a sense of balance and calm. Dr. Bhatia’s compassionate and personalized approach supports parents every step of the way.
How Can Meeting with a Child Psychologist Help?
Parent guidance and parent training sessions can help:
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Parents feel more empowered to make values-based parenting decisions
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Parents feel more supported and less alone on their parenting journey
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Parents identify and set rules, routines, expectations, and boundaries that work for them and their family
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Parents understand how to respond to challenges such as adjustment difficulties, tantrums, noncompliance, aggression, whining, sibling conflicts, difficult transitions, bedtime struggles, homework and school related issues, and screen time
How Do Parent Training and Guidance Sessions Work?
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Individualized Sessions: One-on-one therapy tailored to the your specific needs.
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Evidence-Based Strategies: Interventions are drawn from developmental psychology, parent behavior management using Applied Behavior Analysis principles (ABA), parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), cognitive-behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavioral (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), mindfulness, and interpersonal approaches. Dr. Bhatia tailors her approach to meet your unique needs.
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Flexible Scheduling: Available in-person in Naples, FL, or online via secure telehealth nationwide
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Session Frequency: This is determined on a case-by-case basis and with the parent. Many parents schedule more frequently at the beginning and space out sessions when they feel ready to do so.
Benefits of Parent Guidance and Parent Training
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Greater confidence in parenting and navigating everyday transitions
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Effective, practical strategies for managing child behaviors, wants, and needs
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Improved emotion regulation and coping skills for parents and family members
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Enhanced communication and stronger relationships within the family
How Much Do Sessions Cost?
Dr. Bhatia charges $250 for the first session and $220 for follow up sessions.
How Do I get Started?
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Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Sonya Bhatia to get started. If you are unable to scheudle a consultation call, please complete the contact form below.
Therapy Accessibility: In person and Online
In person sessions are available in Naples, Florida and accessible from the surrounding areas (e.g., Marco Island, Estero, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Ava Maria).
Virtual sessions are available for those that cannot come to the office in person. All you need is a private space, a computer/tablet or phone, and a good internet connection.
Dr. Bhatia is licensed in Florida and Nebraska. As a member of PSYPACT, she can also provide telehealth in 42+ other US states. Check out THIS MAP to see if you are eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is parent guidance and training?
Parent guidance and training sessions are professional consultations with a child psychologist that help parents navigate the challenges of raising children. These sessions provide practical strategies, emotional support, and expert advice tailored to your family’s unique needs.
Who can benefit from parent guidance and training sessions?
Any parent or caregiver seeking guidance or support can benefit, whether you have concerns about your child’s behavior, want to better understand their development, or simply need guidance for everyday parenting challenges. Parent training is helpful for families dealing with issues such as tantrums, defiance, sibling conflicts, sleep difficulties, and more.
Do I need to bring my child to the sessions?
No, parent training and guidance sessions are for parents or caregivers only. This creates a safe, confidential space to discuss concerns, learn new strategies, and receive support without the child present.
Do both parents need to attend?
No. Both parents can attend but do not need to. Often, one parent attends and shares the information with the other.
What issues can parent guidance sessions help with?
Parent guidance and training sessions can address a wide range of concerns, including typical development, how to create developmentally appropriate routines and expectations, parenting boundaries, tantrums, emotional outbursts, aggression, noncompliance, impulsivity, difficulty with transitions, bedtime struggles, homework battles, excessive screen time, and more.
Are these sessions only for parents with major concerns?
No, many parents seek guidance for everyday questions about child development, parenting strategies, or how to best support their child, even if there are no significant behavioral problems.
What methods are used in parent training?
Dr. Sonya Bhatia uses evidence-based approaches such as Parent Behavior Management Training, which focus on positive reinforcement, clear expectations, and consistent routines. Strategies are always tailored to fit your family’s values and needs.
How quickly will I see results?
Many parents report finding sessions helpful right away. As parents become more empowered in their parenting and have evidence-based strategies in their toolkit, they often report meaningful improvements in their child’s behavior and family dynamics within a few weeks of implementing new strategies learned during sessions.
How do I schedule a parent guidance session?
You can get started by scheduling a free consultation call with Dr. Sonya Bhatia to learn more and to schedule a session. Subsequent sessions can be scheduled directly with Dr. Bhatia in session or via the patient portal booking feature. Flexible appointment times are available to meet your family’s needs.
Is parent guidance confidential?
Yes, all sessions are confidential. Dr. Bhatia provides a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where parents can openly discuss their concerns and goals.
Can parent training help with school-related issues?
Yes, parent guidance sessions can provide strategies for managing homework battles, supporting academic success, and improving communication with teachers and school staff.