Parent Talk

Karen Skinulis,
Registered Psychotherapist

There is no job as important or challenging as raising a child and that’s why I’ve made parenting the primary focus of my practice. I know how stressful it is to have concerns about your child or teen and how hard it is to find informed help you can trust. I offer an empathetic approach that addresses the core of your parenting concerns, whether it’s a child’s behaviour, anxiety/depression, communication, or self-esteem.

I will help you understand your child’s psychological goals and give you the tools and strategies you need to respond to your child’s behaviour in a positive way. When relationships are strong and you have a clear vision of your parenting goals you will be able to increase cooperation in your family and solve problems effectively.

Is parent counselling right for me?
A paediatrician recently told me that for the first time she is seeing more patients for psychological and emotional problems than physical ones. This suggests that children, teens and families are experiencing more stress than ever before. The following is a guideline to help you decide whether it’s time to take action about a problem:

You are often angry and frustrated
You yell frequently
A behaviour problem is not improving despite your best efforts
Your child’s self-esteem is low
Family atmosphere is competitive/hostile/disparaging/disrespectful
Sibling fighting is ongoing and mean-spirited
Daily routines and rules are a struggle
You feel overwhelmed, stressed and discouraged as a parent
You and your partner often disagree about how to handle parenting
Communication is often reduced to threats, bribes and yelling
Your family is not able to solve problems effectively together
A child/teen’s behaviour is aggressive and hostile
Your child/teen is anxious or depressed

SHOULD SCREAMING KIDS BE BANNED
FROM RESTAURANTS?

Check out Karen’s interview with Global TV’s Minna Rhee and find out one simple thing you can do if your child ever starts screaming while you're in a restaurant.

THE REAL RESULTS OF REWARDS

Have faith that your kids can behave without dangling a carrot.
by Karen Skinulis

Click here to read the full article as featured on City Life Magazine.

THE RIGHT DEGREE OF GOOD PARENTING

We all want to be good parents, but did you know that it's impossible to be too good?

Click here to read the full article as featured on March 2014, City Life Magazine.