Helping Professionals Interview Series: Samantha Ferrara, MSW, LCSW, Parent Coach

We are so excited to share what we’ve learned about parent coaching in St. Louis from one our therapists here at Compassionate Counseling St. Louis, Samantha Ferrara, MSW, LCSW, who doubles as a child therapist and parent coach.

Being a parent is really hard - especially those times when you feel like you have no idea what to do, or how to handle a situation.

Samantha Ferrara, MSW, LCSW, Parent Coach and TF-CBT Therapist

It’s tough to handle outbursts and emotional overwhelm - but it’s next to impossible when you don’t have all the tools you need, or when your toolbox is inadequate to the problem at hand.

Parent coaching can be the perfect solution in having the tools you need to feel confident and effective in your parenting strategies.

Here’s what Samantha said about parent coaching in St. Louis with her:

What can parents expect to leave with after working with you?

“Parents can expect to leave coaching with skills to practice with their children who struggle to manage emotions, whether this be anger, anxiety, depression, etc. Parents should feel confident in using these skills through practice and role play during sessions, in order to apply concepts to a multitude of behavior reactions. Parents may also find increased emotional intelligence themselves, as we explore what feelings and thoughts arise for them when their children display challenges or uncomfortable emotions.”

What happens during a first appointment with you?

During a first appointment, Samantha says that parents can expect to have a comfortable space to share their perspective on behaviors from the child, noting specific goals they are attempting to target. Additionally, Samantha offers an assessment related to environment and triggers, as well as, discussion on what has worked and what we are willing to try.

“Parents may find themselves overcome with emotions during the first session, which we welcome! This gives us a chance to explore our own internal dialogue and feedback to be better present with our children.”

Could you talk a little about your approach and how it plays into your work with parents?

Samantha says, “When I work with children, I utilize a hands-on, strengths based, CBT approach. This model translates great with parents as we assess what is going well, and what we can do to increase the positive behaviors and minimize challenging behaviors. With the use of skill practice and role play, parents can practice skills in real time, discussing potential barriers to implementing these practices. We may also practice skills that your children may be utilizing in therapy. This will increase your ability to model and practice grounding and coping skills with your children too! We will also stay attuned to our own emotions and thinking to better understand how we react to our children's responses, whether this be a big behavioral response, refusal, avoidance, etc.”

Share one fun fact about you that most people don’t know.

While studying to become a social worker at Florida State University, I was part of their collegiate circus program, 1 of 2 programs in the entire United States. Here, I was able to utilize a creative outlet to cope with the stress of school work and assist with "molding" my self-identity. You could say I literally ran away with the circus. 

How can people learn more and contact you?

Appointments with Samantha can be scheduled through our intake coordinator here - through there, you can schedule a free phone consultation. Additionally, if your child is seeing a different therapist at Compassionate Counseling, you can speak to them about referring you to parent coaching. 

Read more about parent coaching at Compassionate Counseling St. Louis.

If you’re unsure if you’re a good fit for parent coaching or have any lingering questions, we’re happy to help! During your phone consultation our intake coordinator will go over details, discuss best fit, and even give you referrals for other services if needed.

Curious to learn more about anxiety therapy for kids, teens, and college students in St. Louis? Wondering if you need to connect with a therapist in St. Louis? Compassionate Counseling St. Louis specializes in anxiety therapy for teens, kids, and college students, along with partnering with parents through parent coaching - basically therapy for parents here in St. Louis. We’re located in Clayton and work with clients throughout the St. Louis region. To schedule a free phone consultation, please use our contact page.