31st May - ReachOut Parents Coaching! All your questions answered.

[TBS-Coach1]

@taokat is right. Most of our sessions take 60 minutes, but our first session takes a little longer because we are getting to know about the family situation - it's best to keep 90 minutes aside for this one.

[Ngaio-RO]

That's a great question @GrhRo Do you mean in a service way? As in, can they connect you with more services?

[taokat]

@Ngaio-RO my truthful answer is ABSOLUTELY!! We had police here 3 times a week, my house used to damaged and trashed, I've been chased with knives, Poilice applied for an AVO against my daughter.

We are living in a very different home now! No police, she is being schooled, she apologises if she has become upset and treated me badly.

Due to her refusal to engage effectively with her mental health team, changes are because of coaching!

[GrhRo]

exactly

[GrhRo]

@taokat are you saying the mental health service was ineffective?

[Ngaio-RO]

Wow @taokat That is just amazing.  Man, what a huge change. It's mind blowing.

Seriously, when I think about you guys getting through that to what you have now...

[TBS-Coach1]

We know that 1 in 4 teenagers experience a mental health difficulty and 70% do not access support. If they do, most will turn to their parents first.

This does not mean that parents have to have all the answers though … answers can be worked out together. What is important is that we have a strong enough relationship with our teen that they feel they can turn to us as parents in times of need.

As coaches we focus on supporting you to find a way forward.

[Ngaio-RO]

So @TBS-Coach1 This is my last question...

We've established that you guys do great work with parents and teens who are dealing with big stuff but what about the other end?

We hear from parents who think coaching isn't for them because they DON'T have big stuff happening. Maybe it's exam stress or some hiccups along the road but basically, they feel like their issues are too small for coaching. is that true?

[GrhRo]

that seems like a very high stat @TBS-Coach1

I would have thought adolescents would turn to their friends or siblings first

[taokat]

@Ngaio-RO when I think back to times we have had, it seems pretty unbelievable! And I find it mindblowing as well! But I don't share for pity, I really just want others to see that you can get through these horrible, horrible times. And I have my own mental health issues, so I know that if we can do it, others can too!

And @GrhRo, sadly the mental health team hasn't been of much help. Not through lack of trying, but through lack of participation on my daughter's behalf. Even so, we are where we are today