Abe’s decision to pursue parent coach certification was two-fold. Firstly, as a dedicated father of a nine-year-old and a three-year-old at the time, he began to witness his own struggles with dysregulation and recognized the need to better understand the connection between his personal history and his parenting journey. 

Secondly, Abe had always worked with parents of young adult children facing addiction and mental health challenges, and he desired to expand his expertise to include working with parents of younger children as a tool for preventing addiction later in life. “Addiction is the outcome of insecure attachment,” he shares. 

For Abe, the connection between parenting and addiction became undeniable. Drawing from his deep understanding of attachment theory and childhood trauma, he saw that addiction often stems from unresolved early experiences. In his view, the relationship between childhood trauma and addiction is even stronger than that between diabetes and obesity. Recognizing parents’ critical role in shaping their children’s lives, Abe was determined to empower parents with the tools to create strong connections and prevent future trauma.

Integrating the knowledge gained from his parent coach certification at Jai into his therapy practice has been seamless for Abe. The principles of attachment theory, neuroscience, and trauma-informed care inform his approach when working with individuals or couples. Even when not explicitly coaching parents, Abe finds that parenting challenges often arise during sessions. The insights gained from the certification have become integral to his therapeutic lens, enriching his work with clients.

With his extensive training in sensory motor therapy and a keen interest in polyvagal theory, Abe found that the Jai program beautifully complemented his existing knowledge. He shares how much he appreciates the synthesis of complex content and having the ability to present it in a powerful and accessible way. 

The combination of attachment theory, neuroscience, brain development, and trauma-focused approaches has become the foundation of his practice.

The Ripple Effect of Empowered Parenting

Abe's commitment to empowering parents goes beyond his professional endeavors; it extends into his personal life. Reflecting on the impact of his newfound knowledge, he acknowledges that it has not only transformed his therapeutic practice but has also greatly enhanced his relationship with his son. Understanding the importance of remaining firm yet flexible, holding space for children’s emotions, and validating their experiences have allowed him to cultivate a deeper connection with his children.

One of the key lessons Abe loves to share with parents is the importance of maintaining boundaries while remaining empathetic and validating. He recognizes that many parents initially perceive this approach as overly permissive or “fufu.” However, he emphasizes that setting limits and holding space for a child’s emotions are not mutually exclusive. By explaining this concept to parents, he witnesses their transformation as they embrace the power of firm yet compassionate parenting.

Abe Antine’s journey from addiction treatment to parent coaching is an inspiring testament to the power of empathy, understanding, and healing in the realm of parenting. 

Through his own experiences, he has realized that nurturing a strong parent-child bond is the key to preventing future trauma and addiction. As he continues his meaningful work, Abe is devoted to empowering parents and guiding them toward building healthier, more connected relationships with their children. With his warm and compassionate approach, Abe Antine is a shining example of how healing begins at home.

Therapist Spotlights