What Is Parent Training and How Can It Help?
Let’s be honest—"parent training" sounds a little… harsh.
Like you’re being sent to obedience school for humans.
But in reality? Parent training is one of the most effective, compassionate ways to support both your child’s well-being and your own sanity.
At Sunburst Psychology, we offer parent training and consultation for families across Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, and surrounding Eastside communities—especially those raising kids with big feelings, behavioral challenges, neurodivergent traits, or emotional dysregulation.
And no, it’s not about “fixing” you.
It’s about giving you the right tools, the right support, and finally, the space to say:
“Why didn’t anyone teach me this sooner?”
What Is Parent Training?
Parent training is structured support designed to help caregivers:
Understand their child’s emotional and behavioral patterns
Respond to challenging moments with clarity (instead of panic or power struggles)
Strengthen the parent-child relationship
Create consistent strategies that actually work
It’s practical. It’s evidence-based. And it works especially well for kids with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and sensory or emotional regulation challenges.
How It Works at Sunburst Psychology
We work with parents individually or alongside their child’s therapist using research-backed models like:
RUBI (for supporting autistic children’s behavior)
Incredible Years
Broccoli Boot Camp and the MEAL Plan (for feeding challenges)
Yes, those last two sound like they were named by a nutritionist in crisis. But they’re powerful, structured frameworks that offer real relief for families navigating mealtime meltdowns or selective eating.
Who Is Parent Training For?
Parent training is ideal for you if:
You’re tired of yelling, threatening, or giving in
Your child seems immune to consequences
You feel like nothing you do works for more than two days
You’re raising a child with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing challenges
You want to feel more connected—and less reactive
Real-Life Ways It Helps
1. You Learn What’s Behind the Behavior
We help you decode your child’s outbursts, resistance, or shutdowns so you can respond to the cause, not just the chaos.
2. You Get a Game Plan
Clear, personalized strategies you can actually follow—without needing to become a child psychologist.
3. You Stop Feeling Like You’re Failing
You’re not.
You just need tools that work for your child—and a space to breathe, vent, and grow without judgment.
4. Your Child Feels It Too
When parents feel more confident and calm, kids do better. Simple as that.
Parent Training in Bellevue
You don’t need to figure this all out alone.
Whether you’re raising a strong-willed toddler, an anxious middle schooler, or a neurodivergent teen, Sunburst Psychology offers parent training and consultation services that meet you where you are—and help you parent with more clarity, confidence, and connection.
You already love your child.
We’ll help you build the skills that help them thrive.
