Working with Parents and Parents-to-be
As a parent myself I am particularly interested in working with parents and parents-to -be. I recognise that, while becoming a parent can be a joyful experience, it can also be a huge challenge, especially for people who grew up in dysfunctional families.
Childhood and developmental trauma affects the way we operate in the world, on many different levels, and this can be thrown into the spotlight when we have children of our own. The strategies we have developed to help us cope may hamper us from creating the life we want and can impact our relationships with our children.
In my work as a psychotherapist, I help clients to understand the impact that such early trauma has on our brains and our bodies. I help them to see how certain responses can become normalised and how this affects their ability to parent. Most importantly, I show them how they can adapt these responses so their experience of parenthood is more positive and rewarding.
Being a parent is a tough job and there can be many different reasons why people seek extra support from a therapist. It might be because family dynamics have become very strained and difficult. Or because of challenges your children or teenagers are facing. Or you might seek support because of difficulties around adoption or fostering, or something else altogether.
I work one-to-one with parents or with whole families. In family therapy, my approach is to ensure that everyone within the family feels heard and understood. Individuals have an opportunity to express what is going on for them. And we agree a plan to try and tackle the issues and agree a more positive way forward.
If you are a parent, parent-to-be or family experiencing difficulties, I offer a free 30-minute consultation so we can discuss the problems you’re facing and get to know each other a little in a safe, non-judgmental space. It’s essential that you feel comfortable opening up to me so this is something I offer to all potential clients. There is absolutely no obligation to continue if you don’t want to and I won’t ask you to explain your decision.
