The Jump Starts approach is based on the foundation that everyone can learn how to have a happy and secure baby, toddler, young children; and be a loving family, and couple. Whether you grew up in a warm loving family or your childhood left some things to be desired, you have the opportunity now to have new experiences that will enrich your life.
We provide counseling for individuals and couples, and parents with young children in various stage of their parenting journey. If you are feeling insecure about being or becoming a Mom or Dad, or struggling with your relationship after having children – disagreeing or distancing from each other: Get a jump start!
The process starts with a 1-2 session assessment focused on learning about your concerns in becoming a parent; during pregnancy, postpartum, returning to work, or parenting toddlers and young children. Our goal is to create a profile identifying your strengths and potential areas for growth, and skill development to better manage the stresses of parenting.
The next step is personalized, and focused on goals you define for our work together. This phase is short-term, ranging from 1-10 sessions. One of many benefits couples receive is a deeper understanding of their hot issues – the underlying themes fueling and triggering intense emotions that escalate conflicts. Communication skills are learned that lead to earlier recognition of falling into traps. They develop their skills in asking questions that lead to a deeper understanding of an issue’s significance for their partner – replacing reacting with responding.
Couples develop their capacity for empathy, accepting that thoughts and feelings may not be rational although still deserving of respect. These skills go a long way in strengthening a couple’s relationship, and feeling “we are in this together.” Empathy is also a valuable tool used in parenting babies, toddlers, and young children who are less emotional when they feel understood. .
The postpartum period is a time of vulnerability for Moms and Dads, where intense thoughts and feelings are activated when energy resources are low. Jump Starts Counseling understands the unique needs of couples during this phase of life.