Parenting Support in Oak Park IL Courtney Bledsoe LCSW

Parenting therapy in Oak Park & across Illinois

The goal isn’t to be a perfect parent—it’s to be a present one. Specializing in challenging behavior, anxiety, stress, and more.

You expected parenting to involve some of the chaos, sure, but not this level of stress.

You didn’t anticipate feeling like you would constantly be walking on eggshells, bracing for the next meltdown, power struggle, or eye roll. You didn't expect to end most days counting the hours (or minutes) until bedtime—and then laying there wide awake, replaying the day with guilt, regret, and anxiety about doing it all over again tomorrow. 

Maybe your child is struggling with big feelings, meltdowns, or conflict with siblings. Maybe they argue about everything. They’re bright and capable, but also sensitive, overwhelmed, or reactive. And even though you know being a parent is a full-time job, you’re so tired of yelling, tired of giving in, tired of how easily things spiral—just tired, period.

Yes, you love your child—more than anything, but this is also really hard. And the parenting advice out there? It's either not working, not realistic, and definitely not meant for your kid. You need something different.

You're not a bad parent. You're a tired parent with a lot on your plate.

MY APPROACH

I’m not here to hand you a parenting manual or judge what’s happening in your home.

As a therapist, I get in the weeds with you—to really understand what’s going on, what you’ve already tried, and what actually feels doable for your family. We start with a free 20-minute consultation so you can get to know me a bit better and ask any questions. Then, in our first few sessions, we slow down and zoom in. 

  • What’s working? 

  • What’s driving you up the wall? 

  • What kind of parent do you want to be?

  • And what’s getting in the way?

Once we get a sense of the big picture, we’ll start to notice patterns—those moments where things tend to spiral or where your child’s behavior leaves you feeling helpless and lost. I’ll help you make sense of what might be going on under the surface, and we’ll come up with a few practical tools you can try out right away. I believe in collaboration—we’ll troubleshoot together and adjust as we go.

Sometimes a few sessions are all it takes to feel more grounded and clear. Other times, we work together a bit longer—especially if your child has more intense needs or your family is navigating a tough season. Either way, I’m here to walk with you, help you feel less alone, and make things feel a whole lot more manageable.

What you can take away from parenting therapy…

  • A stronger sense of “I’ve got this” (because you do)

  • The ability to stay calm when your child is struggling

  • Clarity on when outside support might help—and how to find it

  • Permission to care for yourself, not just everyone else

  • A clearer sense of what your child needs and how to meet them there

  • Communication strategies that help your child feel seen—not shut down

  • Less yelling, more connection

  • Simple, real-world tools to handle tantrums, meltdowns, and power struggles

A fresh perspective, tools you can use today, and the confidence to face whatever comes next.

Parenting Support in Oak Park IL Courtney Bledsoe LCSW

Frequently asked questions about Parenting therapy

FAQs

  • I work with families dealing with all sorts of struggles—aggression, sibling fights, power struggles, homework battles, big emotions, anxiety, OCD, and more. If you have questions or want to know more about how I can help, reach out HERE.

  • That’s totally normal. Parenting advice is everywhere, but it’s often too generic or unrealistic for your unique child and situation. I’m more focused on what actually works for your family, with tools you can use right away.

  • Yes! One of the biggest parts of parenting therapy is helping you build confidence and calm so you can respond in ways that actually help your child, instead of reacting out of frustration or guilt.

  • Absolutely, big changes can feel really overwhelming—for both you and your child. And those changes can take all kinds of forms: starting school, moving to a new home, welcoming a sibling, shifting friend groups, changing routines, losing a loved one, or even a parent starting a new job. It’s totally normal to feel worried. This is a supportive space where we work together to help your child (and you) navigate these changes with more calm and confidence, so your whole family feels more settled and connected through whatever change comes.