FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Parent coaching is an educational service that translates clinical pediatric phlebotomy and behavioral principles into practical preparation strategies families can use at home before blood draws and medical visits.

Is this therapy?
No. Parent coaching is educational support focused on medical preparation and coping strategies. It is not psychotherapy and does not replace medical, psychological, or behavioral health treatment.

Do you need to meet my child?
Not necessarily. Most sessions focus on teaching caregivers strategies they can use immediately. If helpful, your child may join part of a session so I can observe and offer targeted guidance.

What if my child has an appointment coming up very soon?
Even one session can help. If you have an upcoming blood draw or lab visit, book a discovery call as soon as possible. I can provide focused preparation strategies and resources tailored to your timeline.

My child doesn’t have a diagnosis — can coaching still help?
Absolutely. A diagnosis is not required. If medical appointments are stressful for your child, these strategies can help reduce fear and improve cooperation.

What ages do you work with?
Most families I work with have children ages 2–12. Strategies can be adapted for teens and young adults. If you’re unsure, we can talk through what might be appropriate.

How quickly will we see results?
Some families notice immediate changes after one session. Others see gradual improvement over several sessions. Families completing a short series often report increased predictability, reduced anxiety, and improved cooperation by the final session.

Have a question I didn't answer?  Email franchesca@pokepalskids.com

I’m Franchesca Kelly, a clinical trainer and ASCP-certified pediatric phlebotomist with a background in behavioral health.

I’ve spent years supporting anxious and neurodivergent children during pediatric blood collection and lab visits — and I also understand the experience of being the parent watching their child struggle.

My work bridges pediatric phlebotomy and behavioral science and has been published in Contemporary Pediatrics and ASCP Critical Values. Through Poke Pals, I help families use comfort-first, evidence-informed strategies to reduce fear and increase readiness for blood draws and medical procedures.

I develop and teach practical, nervous-system–aware approaches used by caregivers and clinical teams alike.

MY APPROACH: A practical, evidence-informed framework that helps children feel safer and more prepared for blood draws by:

• Supporting regulation and predictability
• Explaining procedures at the child’s level
• Actively involving children in the process when appropriate

If medical appointments leave your child anxious, resistant, or overwhelmed, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.

Parent coaching offers practical, preparation-focused strategies to help children approach blood draws with greater calm and confidence.

SCHEDULE A FREE PARENT DISCOVERY CALL

Clinicians and organizations seeking staff education should visit the “For Organizations” page.