Parent Consultation
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 consultation 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 with your child’s development and your family’s values in mind.
These 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 shares evidence-based parent behavior management strategies to empower parents with the skills they need to support their chlidren.
How Can Meeting with a Child Psychologist Help?
Parent consultation 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 Consultation Sessions Work?
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Individualized Sessions: One-on-one meetings 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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Meeting 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 meetings when they feel ready to do so.
What are the benefits of Parent Consultation Meetings?
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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?
Parents can schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Sonya Bhatia to get started. If you are unable to schedule 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.
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 consultation?
Parent consultation meetings are professional consultations with a child psychologist that help parents navigate the challenges of raising children. These meetings provide practical strategies, emotional support, and developmentally appropriate advice tailored to your chlid and 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 consultation can also be helpful for families dealing with behavioral issues such as tantrums, defiance, sibling conflicts, sleep difficulties, and more.
Do I need to bring my child to the sessions?
Parent consultation meetings 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?
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 consultation meetings can address a wide range of concerns, including typical development, how to create developmentally appropriate routines and expectations, parenting boundaries, and parent management strategies for behavioral concerns including 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.
Is Parent Consultation Effective?
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 meetings of implementing new strategies learned during sessions.
How do I schedule a parent consultation meeting?
You can get started by scheduling a free consultation call with Dr. Sonya Bhatia to learn more and to schedule a meeting. Subsequent meetings 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 meetings are confidential.
Can parent training help with school-related issues?
Yes, parent consultation meetings can provide strategies for managing homework battles, supporting academic success, and improving communication with teachers and school staff.