Parenting support
Parenting support helps parents and carers understand recurring conflict, difficult behaviour and moments when their own reactions make an interaction harder. We look at what your child or teenager may be communicating, how you respond under pressure and what you can try differently at home. My work draws on attachment, DDP and Theraplay training and can include boundaries, connection and disagreements between parents. You can seek support without your child attending counselling. Online appointments are also available.
When you keep reacting in ways you regret
You may start a conversation intending to stay calm and find yourself raising your voice within minutes. Or you may avoid a subject because you already know how the argument usually ends.
We can look closely at a recent example. What happened before it escalated? What did you think your child meant? What became difficult for you to hear? Those details help us understand the interaction and consider what you could do differently.
Understanding your child and yourself
My work draws on attachment, DDP and Theraplay training. I’m interested in what your child’s response might mean, as well as the effect it has on you.
Your own experiences of being parented can influence what you find easy or difficult now. We can explore that where useful, while keeping our attention on the relationship you want with your child today.
Practical changes for home
We might discuss how you introduce a difficult subject, respond to withdrawal or return to a disagreement after everyone has calmed down. We can also consider how you communicate a boundary and what happens when it is challenged.
I want any ideas we discuss to fit your family. You can bring back what happened when you tried something, including the parts that did not work as expected. That gives us a more useful conversation than assuming one suggestion will solve everything.
When parents disagree
Sometimes the difficulty is partly between the adults. You may respond differently to the same behaviour or feel that one person carries most of the responsibility.
We can discuss how this affects parenting and whether joint work would be helpful. If the wider couple relationship needs attention, we can consider couples therapy as a separate option.
Questions about parenting support
Does my child need to attend?
No. We can work with you as a parent. If meeting together would be helpful later, we can discuss it.
Is this only for parents of younger children?
No. I also support parents of teenagers, including when independence, communication or conflict has become difficult to manage.
What if I do not know what the problem is?
You can start with an interaction that worries you or a change you have noticed. We can think it through together.
Can one parent attend alone?
You can contact me yourself and we can discuss the arrangement. You don’t need another adult’s commitment before asking about support for your own parenting.
Talk about the part you are finding hardest
You can use the free chat to explain what home life is like and what you would like to change.
Welcoming people across Sussex
Parents in Brighton, Lewes, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Hassocks and Chichester are welcome at my Brighton practice. If attending is difficult, we can speak online in a quiet, private setting. Related local support includes teen counselling for Burgess Hill, teen support for Haywards Heath and adoption support for East Sussex families. We can consider support for you as a parent even if your child is not attending therapy.
