In recent years, a fascinating shift has taken place within the field of traditional medical providers. Pediatricians, physical, occupational, and neuro-linguistic therapists, and psychiatrists are increasingly becoming Parenting Coaches here at The Jai Institute for Parenting.
Dr. Priscilla LaCroix's journey from being a pediatrician to a parenting coach is inspiring and symbolic of a growing movement among healthcare professionals. Another remarkable individual in this transformative space is Dr. Ceara Deano, a neonatologist who has found immense value in becoming a parenting coach.
As an occupational therapist specializing in sensory regulation, Tricia Biel-Goebel works closely with children to develop their social, emotional, sensory, and interoception skills. “However,” she shares, “ the limited time I have with parents during sessions often leaves a gap between the skills children learn in therapy and the skills parents are able to model at home. Recognizing this gap, I felt compelled to take the step of becoming a parenting coach.”
In this article, we will explore the insights and experiences of traditional healthcare providers in our community, shedding light on the profound impact parenting coaching can have on both parents and children.
Embracing a Holistic Approach: Shifting Focus from Illness to Overall Well-being
Pediatricians have traditionally focused on diagnosing and treating childhood illnesses and ensuring physical well-being. However, the role of a pediatrician extends beyond prescribing medication or providing vaccines. By embracing a holistic approach to child development, pediatricians recognize that optimal health involves more than just physical wellness. They understand that children's emotional, cognitive, and social development are equally important factors that contribute to overall well-being.
As a seasoned pediatrician, Dr. Priscilla LaCroix observed a common sentiment among parents – the feeling of merely surviving parenthood rather than truly thriving. “Most parent support resources available are often limited to generic information that does not highlight the individual parent journey.” Dr. LaCroix saw the importance of providing tailored support that encompasses the emotional and psychological aspects of parenting, going beyond basic strategies to truly empower parents.
“I see so many parents of newborns overwhelmed with anxiety about getting parenting ‘right’... Kids want a parent who is able to be present with them and to access their emotions and heart,” says Dr. Ceara Deano. However, she believes that what truly matters is not following a prescribed way of parenting:
“I would love to see parents feeling more confident, more able to access their inner knowing and intuition, and more focused on their relationship with their child, rather than approaching it like a checklist of tasks they need to perform.”
Integrating Coaching into Practice: Enhancing Therapeutic Outcomes
Pediatricians possess a wealth of knowledge regarding child development and behavior. They have spent years studying the intricacies of childhood and are equipped with evidence-based strategies to address various parenting challenges. By becoming parenting coaches, pediatricians can utilize their extensive expertise to guide parents in navigating child-rearing complexities.
Dr. LaCroix embarked on her journey by pursuing the Jai Certification program, which offers a structured and transformative experience. The program’s emphasis on compassionate communication, active listening, empathy training, attachment theory, and mindsight skills equipped her with invaluable tools applicable to her professional and personal life. The certification process allowed Dr. LaCroix to deepen her connection with parenting expertise and build a solid foundation to support families effectively.
“Resources that help parents look at their child’s challenges from a parent-centric lens are rare. I found parent coaching to be unique and saw the value in supporting families in a meaningful way that has a lasting impact beyond the clinic room,” she shares.
Tricia Biel-Goebel agrees. In her work as an Occupational Therapist, Tricia soon realized that working with children for only one hour a week makes it crucial for parents to reinforce the skills learned in therapy for true impact.
“However, the brief 5 minutes I have at the end of each session is not enough to provide parents with a comprehensive understanding of why modeling behavior is essential. I noticed the need to bridge the gap between the skills children acquire in therapy and the skills parents can implement at home for consistent progress.”
Healthcare Professional Spotlights
Read Elham, Priscilla, and Tricia's stories:
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Dr. Elham Raker
READ MORERevolutionizing Pediatric Care: How Becoming a Parenting Coach Transformed My Practice
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Dr. Priscilla LaCroix
READ MOREFrom Refugee, to Pediatrician… to Parent Coach: An Inspiring Journey
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Tricia Biel-Goebel
READ MOREAddressing the Need: A Pediatric Occupational Therapist Steps Up to Provide Support for Her Patients’ Parents
Building Strong Parent-Doctor Relationships: Enhancing Communication and Trust
Transitioning from being a traditional pediatrician to also being a parenting coach establishes a deeper connection between doctors and parents. This shift in approach fosters a stronger bond of trust and open communication, allowing pediatricians to better understand a child’s environment, family dynamics, and specific challenges. With this insight, they can provide personalized guidance tailored to the unique needs of each family.
While still in training, Dr. LaCroix has already integrated coaching communication skills into her work as a pediatrician. The newfound ability to navigate challenging conversations, understand underlying emotions and needs, and foster deeper connections has enhanced her effectiveness as a healthcare professional. Dr. LaCroix aspires to establish herself as an independent parenting coach, separate from her clinical role, to offer families personalized support beyond the confines of a hospital organization. Her dream is to create a hybrid career combining pediatrics and parent coaching.
Tricia Biel-Goebel shares, “I have already started incorporating the knowledge and skills gained from the Jai Institute into my therapy sessions. The coaching approach is now integral to my occupational therapy treatment model, particularly with teenagers. I have seen great success using the Jai 5-step coaching process, placing emphasis on attachment, emotional understanding, and co-creating solutions.”
“I have incorporated many things I have learned at the Jai Institute into my sessions... I have greater empathy, listen actively, and more easily identify what is going on under the surface of a behavior,” she says.
Transformation in Parenting and Personal Self-Discovery
Dr. LaCroix's decision to become a parenting coach was not only driven by her professional insights but also by her personal experiences as a parent. “The intergenerational patterns of my own childhood were holding me back from building a nurturing and connected relationship with my daughter.”
Despite her extensive medical knowledge, she found herself struggling to be the kind of parent she aspired to be.
Becoming a parenting coach allowed her to grow as a parent first, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges families face.
Dr. Deano's interest in parent coaching, particularly with Jai, stemmed from a desire to cultivate a closer and more harmonious relationship with her own children. “I was attracted to parent coaching, and Jai in particular, because I wanted to have a closer, less conflicted relationship with my kids than my mom and I had growing up.”
Reflecting on her upbringing, she recognized the need for a less conflicted dynamic and the desire for one characterized by kindness and respect. She longed to have the tools to contribute to a kinder, more respectful world by supporting parents in treating their children with compassion and understanding.
Dr. Deano's transformational journey through the
Jai parent coach training program has profoundly impacted her life and parenting approach. It facilitated a deeper understanding of herself and her children, improved her relationships, and helped her shift from being stuck in her head to embracing her heart space.
A Path to a Brighter Financial Future and Greater Career Satisfaction
Tricia hasn’t yet graduated from Jai, but she shares, “I have seamlessly integrated the principles and techniques I learned at the Jai Institute into my occupational therapy practice. My sessions have evolved to place greater emphasis on attachment, empathy, active listening, and understanding the underlying causes of behavior. By incorporating coaching elements, I have witnessed enhanced therapeutic outcomes. I plan to build my coaching business, initially targeting outpatient pediatric therapy facilities, and gradually expand from there.”
A Jai parent coach graduate, Dr. Deano currently divides her time between working part-time in the hospital and dedicating the remaining hours to her parent coaching practice. Gradually, her coaching work is replacing her hospital commitments, aligning with her goal of transitioning away from her physician role. She focuses on working with sensitive families to help them build peaceful homes.
“Each year, my coaching income is growing, and I am able to cut back on my nights/weekends in the hospital... to replace my physician income with parent coaching.”
Revolutionizing Healthcare through Parenting Coaching
Traditional healthcare providers embarking on the journey of becoming parenting coaches are revolutionizing the way we look at treating children into a family systems approach. By embracing the transformative path offered by The Jai Institute for Parenting, these professionals can break free from the constraints of short appointments and provide comprehensive support to families.
This shift empowers professionals to guide parents through parenting challenges, fostering better relationships and positive child development outcomes, offering families a more holistic and empowering approach to healthcare. Dr. Deano passionately encourages healthcare professionals considering becoming parenting coaches to embark on this remarkable journey, emphasizing the immense personal and professional growth it offers.
“Jai training transformed my parenting and my life. It helped me understand myself and my kids better, improve all my relationships, and learn better how to be in my heart space, instead of stuck in my head,” she shares. “If you want to be more connected to your own heart, to your kid's heart, and help other families have a heart-based connection with their kids, this is such amazing, powerful work! You won't regret it!”
Dr. LaCroix agrees, “For anyone in the pediatric care field, becoming a parent coach can help you grow as an individual, parent, and pediatric professional. It can also lead to new career opportunities.”
Tricia Biel-Goebel concurs, “To my fellow occupational therapists considering becoming parenting coaches, I highly recommend taking this transformative step. The knowledge gained at The Jai Institute builds upon our existing expertise and goes deeper into essential areas for effective parent-child dynamics. The evidence-based practices and emphasis on social-emotional intelligence have changed how I viewed my occupational therapist role and expanded my passion for teaching these skills to adults. By empowering families with social-emotional intelligence, we contribute to positive change in society from its very core.”
***Disclaimer: Medical and Information Disclaimer for Dr. Priscilla LaCroix
The information, including but not limited to text, video, and material ideas expressed are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed are not endorsed and do not reflect the opinion of my employer(s). No material on this site in collaboration with Dr. Priscilla LaCroix is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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