Single parenthood is a challenging yet rampant issue in modern society. The effect of having to raise a child without a reliable partner on one’s psyche is tremendous. A family counselor must be knowledgeable about alleviating this pressure. The article “Addressing single parents’ needs in professional counseling” by Whisenhunt et al. provides an in-depth overview of troublesome points that counselors need to address when dealing with single parents.
I believe that this article is essential for a family counselor who works with single-parent families. The researchers advise helping people to focus on optimistic views on the future and improve child-parent bonds (Whisenhunt et al., 2019). Without a second adult to support a child, their development can be better influenced toward the desired outcome. At the same time, the burden of being alone can be too heavy for a person who does not consider their child as a source of strength, making it essential to establish a closer relationship.
Patience and cautious optimism are necessary for overcoming such situations, and I will promote said virtues during my meetings with single parents. The approach that the article promotes is called cognitive reframing, which focuses on assisting single parents in perceiving the benefits they and their children gain from being less dependent on others (Whisenhunt et al., 2019). The paper made me reimagine the approach to counseling when dealing with single parents, as I will prioritize helping them see how their strengths can shape the future of their children. In conclusion, after reading the article, I understood the need to reinforce the positive aspects of being a single parent while adequately addressing the adverse impact such a state has on one’s psyche.
Reference
Whisenhunt, J. L., Chang, C. Y., Parrish, M. S., & Carter, J. R. (2019). Addressing single parents’ needs in professional counseling: A qualitative examination of single parenthood.The Family Journal, 27(2), 188-198. Web.