Between parenting and psychotherapy – in search of contiguity

Abstract

Aim. Parenting and psychotherapy are commonly considered to be entirely divergent phenomena. By comparing the two processes in the search for points of contiguity, this narrative literature review aims to present a different approach. Contemporary views on psychotherapy and parenting were analyzed in terms of definitions, relations, treatment, the role in maintaining health and triggering psychopathology. Method. A literature review based on a Medline keyword search between 2000-2020. Conclusions: Available literature review suggests at least three points of contiguity between parenting and psychotherapy: (1) dominant parenting style and its role in the development of future psychopathology, (2) psychotherapy as a process of reversing the adverse effect of parental failures and (3) psychotherapy as a method of supporting parental competence.