The APSGO board would like to introduce some of our coaches to those of you who read our newsletter & blog. We think this is long overdue. APSGO wouldn’t be what it is today without them.
Our coaches have worked tirelessly with parents, often after receiving that very same help from their predecessor’s. They committed to staying because they believe in the APSGO philosophy and that having a respectful, successful and happy relationship our children is possible, they themselves are living proof. Randy will be the first of many. We hope you like hearing his story.
Without further ado, we would like to introduce you to Randy, a coach with our Guelph group. Randy, please introduce yourself.
Randy: I attended my first APSGO meeting in June 2008. The eldest of my three sons was 15 at the time. He was skipping school and abusing drugs and alcohol. APSGO was recommended to us by a biofeedback therapist we were talking our son to see.
From my very first meeting, I was made to feel that I was in the right place and this was a group of people that not only understood what I was going through but who I sensed could help me.
There was no one piece of advise that provided an aha moment. Each morsel was like gold to my ears and 15 years in I still find new insights that I can apply and share.
The coaching that I received transformed my relationship with my child and gave me a new perspective on the emotional pain that he was experiencing. The impact on my life was so remarkable I wanted others to help others experience this form of parenting epiphany. Within four months of joining APSGO, I became a coaching assistant and then went through coaches training with Helen Jones.
I felt pretty confident right from the start as I taught that every APSGO situation could be boiled down to a relationship problem. If I encounter a particularly difficult situation, a resistant or overwhelmed parent, I find that a basic plan that focuses on an action to build a more positive relationship never fails. Coaching is about asking the right questions that allow the parent to effectively self-evaluate their situation and make meaningful changes.
It is gratifying to know that I am helping others, even to the point of saving families from ruination. Every week, I witness that transformative impact of APSGO.
My son and I have a positive relationship. We are 2 very different people with different interests and perspectives, but we have a mutual respect for each other. What we do have in common is a sense of humour. We laugh a lot at each other and ourselves.
Helping parents in this way helps me to be a better parent and a better human being.
APSGO is the best self-improvement program in the world.
One response
Randy so happy that things are working out for you and your family. Coaching under Helen Jones would be amazing. I would like to know, though, did your son stop the drugs? I know you mention your relationship being good and it has been many years but as a Mother going through trauma just wondering.