Clinical Psychologist  
Şafak Duraçe

Every individual is born as someone's child, but parenthood is a unique identity that is acquired over time and carried for a lifetime. Nobody starts life as a parent. Each person is unique and special in their own way, and even though you may have shared experiences with your child, you will still face individual, environmental, and societal differences. Parenthood can bring many joys, happy moments, and great love, but it can also present various challenges such as unknowns and obstacles. Being ready to become a parent, giving life to a child, and raising them is a different, often difficult journey that involves many responsibilities.

All of these experiences are natural and expected, and sometimes they can be unexpected.

 

Understanding your child's growth and development can sometimes be achieved through outside sources. Seeking professional support during difficult moments or preparing for upcoming situations can be helpful to you and your child.

 

Parental counseling can assist you in understanding your parenting style, the effects of your parenting on your child, and can help you better understand your child's needs. Additionally, with parental counseling, you can more easily track your child's physical, cognitive, and emotional changes during their growth and development. Professional support can help you be more prepared for the journey ahead, even if it doesn't cover everything.

As I work with parents, I customize my approach to each individual or couple's needs and circumstances. Some of the topics I cover in my counseling sessions include:

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• Preparing to become a parent

• Understanding your child's emotional development

• Child-teen sexuality

• Divorce

• Living abroad

• Moving

• Separation

• Death and grief

• Better understanding your child

• Parent-child/teen communication

• Sibling rivalry