What is special about father / son counseling?
Supporting Freedom: Teen boys want freedom more than anything. They need freedom to try on and discard various identities. Fathers who provide safe expanded boundaries give teens what they need.
Fathers are challenged: Fathers often feel the recalcitrance and rebellion of teens as a challenge. It is very easy to feel the distance is an insult, but it is not about the fathers.
Healing Core Wounds: The challenges offered by a teen son will open a man’s own wounds around his father. Fathers have an opportunity to heal their own father wounds while being a better father.
Role Modeling Healthy Masculinity: Simply talking to sons is often not very effective. The best teaching strategy is modeling: vulnerability, safe mistake-making, play, and openness. This can be difficult for fathers to practice if it was never modeled for them.
What to expect in a session
Shared Conversations: Prompts are used stimulate critical dialogue, led by the father. E.g. “Tell your son a story of a big mistake you made.”
Safe Container: Both father and son are protected in the safe container of the counseling room. Both learn that it is safe to open up to the other.
Guided Activities: Practical exercises designed to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen bonds are frequently suggested for work outside the counseling room.
Tailored Approach: Sessions are typically 1.5 hours offered on an every other week basis. Shorter or longer are both available. One-on-one sessions may be incorporated.
Full Disclosure: This work is easily as difficult for the fathers as the sons. This work should not be seen as an opportunity to “Fix your son.”
Practical Details
In-Person Sessions
Available in Franklin, TN and via secure telehealth portal
Flexible Scheduling
Designed to work with your availability to ensure the sessions fit your family’s needs.
Confidential & Supportive
Your family’s journey is treated with the utmost care and professionalism.
Topics Explored May Include
Relationship challenges will emerge and be used as opportunities for growth.
Emotional expression and vulnerability
Healthy conflict resolution
Establishing and respecting boundaries
Teaching communication skills for both father and son.
Learning to make room for the other’s needs
Take the First Step
Rediscover the connection that makes fatherhood and sonship meaningful. Together, we can build a foundation of trust, respect, and shared understanding that will last a lifetime. Contact Brothers Counseling today to schedule your first session and begin this transformative journey.