The Support That Sticks: Trauma-Informed Parenting Coaching That Creates Lasting Change
When David was referred to Chosen, his family was navigating the complex challenges of raising a teen shaped by a challenging past. Though David was an experienced parent—having already raised four successful adult children and welcomed two grandchildren—this time felt different. Overwhelmed, frustrated, and confused, he knew he needed more than quick advice. He needed tools he could trust, guidance grounded in understanding, and support that would last.
That’s where Chosen’s parent-directed services came in—offering trauma-informed coaching that gave his family more than short-term relief; it provided a foundation for lasting change.
Meeting Families Where They Are
Chosen developed a plan tailored to David’s family’s unique needs. He met weekly with a trauma-informed care manager who provided practical strategies, emotional encouragement, and insight rooted in brain-based, relational care. He also had access to on-demand support during tough moments—so he never had to face challenges alone.
One powerful resource their Care Manager shared during coaching was a section from Brainstorm by Dr. Dan Siegel, which explores how the adolescent brain develops and how caregivers can build meaningful, healing connections with teens. Together, David and his care manager unpacked ideas like emotional overload, connection over correction, and how to look beneath behaviors to better understand what’s going on inside.
But these weren’t just helpful ideas—they became tools David began to live out.
He steadily embraced a new, connective parenting approach, seeking out more moments of simply spending time with his son, Eli, and finding new ways to engage. He grew curious about Eli’s needs and learned how his own tone, voice, and body language could either escalate or calm a tense situation. Over time, he even mastered the art of repairing when his own reactions got the better of him—showing Eli that relationships can handle challenges and family is forever.
A Shift in Perspective That Lasts
At one of their final sessions, David shared a powerful moment: just before their meeting, Eli had experienced a major meltdown that resulted in property damage. As David recounted the incident, he recognized how the situation had escalated and what his son’s behavior was trying to communicate. Even in the heat of the moment, when he had every reason to lose his cool, he didn’t.
A moment that once might have shattered their felt safety became a teachable moment. Reflecting on that day, their Care Manager shared: “I knew David was rewriting the script of his relationship with his son. And I could see in David, hope.”
In that moment, it was clear: the learning didn’t stop when the sessions ended. In many ways, it was just the beginning. Weeks after his sessions with Chosen concluded, David reached out to his Care Manger to share that he was reading Brainstorm on his own. He shared: “I’m fortunate that this information feels like review. I’m really thankful you taught me this stuff back then and we are already putting it into practice!”
Chosen gave him more than temporary support. It offered a starting point—a new perspective that would guide his parenting journey for years to come.
Get the Parenting Help You’ve Been Looking For
At Chosen, we know parenting children through adoption, foster care, or kinship care can feel overwhelming. That’s why we don’t just focus on managing behaviors in the moment—we help caregivers gain confidence, build deeper connection, and understand their children through a trauma-informed lens.
The strategies, insights, and healing perspective become part of a strong foundation—one families can return to long after coaching ends.
If you’re looking for real, lasting change—not just in behavior, but in connection—Chosen is the perfect place to start.
We’re ready to walk alongside you and help your family thrive.
Chosen Walks Alongside the Caregivers
Every year, Chosen helps hundreds of adoptive families build bonds of trust. And we’re looking for partners to help heal their heartbreak. Your gift gives families the assurance they need to provide attachment and permanency for kids who desperately need it.
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