Single parenthood has a significant prevalence in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2020), over 18 million children live in single-parent families. In addition, in more than 15 million of those cases, a mother fulfills the role of a single parent (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). This data implies that a therapist should be prepared to face the challenges that may arise in working with such families.
The experience of single parenthood can lead to various psychological issues. Qualitative research by Whisenhunt et al. (2019) provides a therapist with a list of the most common concerns expressed by single custodial parents. Most importantly, single parents constantly balance on the edge of emotional burnout since they have to care about everything. As such, failures at caregiving responsibilities remain a widespread concern (Whisenhunt et al., 2019). In addition, single parents expressed a wish to have a companion who would support them in parenting (Whisenhunt et al., 2019). Lastly, some participants of the survey complained about the social stigma of single parenthood.
Given the nature of most common issues associated with single parenthood, a therapist must be ready to provide appropriate counsel. Firstly, showing empathy and emotional support is crucial in developing knowledge of the client’s experience with single parenthood. Secondly, a therapist can use a strength-based approach that highlights the client’s resilience and fortitude (Whisenhunt et al., 2019). Lastly, it is important to exercise patience and understanding of the client’s requests. Overall, single parent needs to know that they can always find necessary support from their therapist.
Regarding strategies for building a therapeutic alliance, a therapist should avoid a judgmental attitude to single-parenting and not impose their values about single parenthood. It would be wise to be encouraging and supportive since “single parents usually lack that from other people” (Whisenhunt et al., 2019, p. 194). In addition, a therapist should be willing to take a holistic approach to treatment that includes perceiving the client beyond a single-parenthood perspective. Overall, patience and empathy remain the key elements in creating productive client-therapist relationships with single parents.
References
U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). Historical living arrangements of children. Web.
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: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 27(2), 188–198. Web.