In-Person in Timmins and Virtual Across Ontario

Parenting Challenges

Parenting is one of life’s most meaningful and demanding roles. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure how to respond to your child’s behaviour, or disconnected from your parenting values, you’re not alone. Parenting therapy can offer guidance, support, and practical tools to help you feel more grounded and confident.

At Creating Connection, we offer compassionate, evidence-based therapy for parents across Ontario and in-person in Timmins. Whether you’re seeking emotional support, new strategies, or a structured approach like Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), we’re here to help you and your child build a healthier, more connected relationship.

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Parenting Therapy for Stronger Relationships

Many parents face periods of frustration, self-doubt, or exhaustion. You might be experiencing:

  • Constant power struggles, tantrums, or behavioural concerns
  • Feeling emotionally drained or like you’re “on edge” all the time
  • Conflicts with your partner or co-parent over how to raise your child
  • Uncertainty about what your child really needs from you
  • A desire to connect more deeply with your child but not knowing how

Parenting therapy creates a supportive space to explore your challenges and develop a more intentional, connected path forward.

What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)?

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a proven, structured therapy model for caregivers of young children, typically ages 2 to 7. It involves live coaching sessions where you learn and practice new ways of interacting with your child, all with the goal of reducing challenging behaviours and strengthening connection.

PCIT can help:

  • Reduce outbursts, defiance, and attention-seeking behaviours
  • Improve your child’s emotional regulation
  • Strengthen attachment and trust between you and your child
  • Build your confidence in handling difficult parenting moments

We also draw from other therapeutic approaches, including emotion-focused and trauma-informed practices, based on your family’s unique needs.

Therapist speaking with parents about Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) – parenting therapy in Timmins and online in Ontario
Mother and child engaging in online parenting therapy – PCIT and parent interaction support available across Ontario and in Timmins

What to Expect in Parenting Therapy

Therapy is tailored to your family’s situation. Whether you’re a first-time parent, co-parenting, or navigating life with neurodivergent children, your therapist will meet you with care and curiosity. Sessions may include:

  • Understanding your child’s behaviours and emotional needs
  • Exploring how your own upbringing or stress may be impacting your parenting
  • Learning communication tools and calming strategies
  • Strengthening your child’s sense of safety and trust
  • Creating more connection and calm in your household

There’s no judgment here—just space to reflect, grow, and reconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Book a free consultation via our online booking tool or send us a message. Offering evening and weekend appointments, online across Ontario and in-person in Timmins.

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The Caregivers Role in Child Therapy

Authored by Kelly Lamothe, MSW, RSW

Generally, children are not in therapy because they’ve requested it, rather, their caregiver, medical professional, or school has recommended they attend. Here are essential insights for caregivers to bear in mind during their child’s therapeutic journey.

Navigating the Start of Therapy
Before the first appointment, it can be helpful to prepare the child by explaining to them what they are about to do and what to expect. Offering ample reassurance, framing therapy as a positive and exciting experience, and creating positive associations can significantly enhance the child’s willingness to engage. Positive associations go a long way for helping the child enjoy and be willing to attend therapy. Pair a therapy session with a fun activity afterwards, such as allowing them a special treat or activity.

Creating a Positive Therapeutic Environment
Therapy doesn’t have to come with the same dread as going to get a cavity filled at the dentists. Therapists are committed to making the experience engaging and fun through activities like games, positive reinforcement, and creative expressions like playing with toys or art. Importantly, therapists respect a child’s comfort level and never force them to prolong a session beyond their readiness. The goal is to build positive associations that encourage the child’s enthusiasm to return. Forcing the child to stay longer than they want will not be conducive to learning new skills or building and maintaining trust.

Building Trust Over Time
Establishing trust with the therapist is a gradual process for the child. Similar to adults who may be hesitant to share inner thoughts with a stranger, it is unrealistic to expect immediate trust from a child. The initial few sessions, and sometimes longer, focus on nurturing trust, developing the therapeutic relationship, and gaining a deeper understanding of the child.

Diverse Approaches to Child Therapy
Child therapy doesn’t always appear like the traditional portrayals in the media. Unlike the image of someone on a couch in deep conversation, this is not an accurate representation of child therapy. Most children will not engage in traditional talk therapy to have deep conversations about what is troubling them as adults would. As such, the child therapist is trained to obtain relevant information and provide the child with essential skills through other modalities, such as play.

Home as an Extension of Therapy
While therapists spend limited time with the child during sessions, the caregiver plays a crucial role in reinforcing therapy at home. Just as a child needs reminders for everyday tasks, such as brushing their teeth, caregivers are responsible for prompting and supporting the child in practicing the skills learned during therapy. Like learning any new skill, practice makes progress.

Mutual Engagement in the Therapeutic Process
Caregivers are integral to the therapeutic process. The therapist may offer recommendations based on observed interactions, encouraging caregivers to manage situations and behaviors more effectively. Learning to navigate their own emotions and behaviors equips caregivers to better support their child, sometimes necessitating their own individual therapy.

Collaboration for the Child’s Success
Therapists are allies with the child’s best interests at heart. Open communication is crucial; caregivers should share thoughts and concerns, enabling therapists to tailor the therapy to the child’s unique needs and goals. If a particular approach isn’t yielding results, caregivers are encouraged to communicate with the therapist for alternative strategies. Together, caregivers and therapists form a collaborative team dedicated to the child’s success and well-being.