For most people who are parenting there are challenges, however raising a child with a disability brings additional challenges.  Accessing a counselling service can be extremely useful for all family members.

There are many reasons that you may seek counselling, some parents of children with a disability have shared the grief and loss, others may be angry about the lack of services and waiting times. Parent often experience anxiety or depression about what this means for their child, themselves, their family and the future.

Parents take on a major role in their child’s treatment. This can be overwhelming. Balancing all that needs to done is the key to taking care of yourself.  Counsellors can assist you with strategies and suggestions that will be useful in:

– assessing what therapies are needed;

– coordinating, monitoring and case-managing treatments;

– finding services, liaising with professionals and advocating for support;

– assisting your child with communication and behaviour at home and in public.

Counselling can come in many forms, including couples counselling, family counselling or individual counselling.  A counsellor can offer families a neutral source of support.   It can be useful to talk to someone who doesn’t have any kind of emotional attachment or agenda.

Caring for a family member with a disability can wear out even the strongest caregiver. Taking care of yourself is important. Counselling can help you set reasonable expectations to lower stress and make you a more effective caregiver.

Seeking counselling is a really positive way to help families stay on top of the issues that arise as they are learning to support the child or children with a disability.

Research indicates that parents of children with disability are particularly vulnerable to stress. Counselling can help parents to become aware of what is happening and how it is impacting the rest of the family, as well as looking deeply at their own feelings and needs.

According to the Ackerman Institute for the Family,* some of the benefits of counselling can include:

– increased understanding of the child with special needs;

– more sensitive and effective parenting strategies;

– increased marital satisfaction and co-parenting;

– improved sibling relationships and attention to the needs of the typically developing child;

– increased family support, coping, problem solving and communication skills;

– appropriate family routines and activities;

– opportunity to discuss family struggles and the emotional reactions to having a child with a disability;

– increased confidence to navigate early intervention/special education and medical systems.

*https://www.ackerman.org