I am passionate about supporting parents, especially those with children that have suffered from adversity in their lives. Parenting is the most important, and one of the most difficult jobs in the world. Our understanding of child development has grown so rapidly in recent years that saying the key to world peace and sustainability lies in the way we collectively relate to our children is not an overstatement.

 

In 2013 I set up a service for parents affected by Domestic Abuse for a local, Cornwall wide charity and ran it for nearly 4 years. I therefor have extensive experience of working with families whose children have witnessed or suffered abuse, neglect, trauma and loss. Sadly this can often mean they suffer from  developmental trauma and the latest research indicates that these children in particular need a more empathic, therapeutic parenting  approach to help them heal and build trust in forming close relationships. Traditional ‘reward-punishment’ behavioural strategies do not tend to work as well with these children.

 

In 2016 I started training in a therapy called Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP). It was developed by an American psychologist called Dan Hughes and I became certified in this approach in 2023. DDP is for adults who have relationship difficulties with their children and my work with Parents/Carers alone, with their child together (dyadic) or in Therapeutic Group Work Programmes is informed by this therapy. A broader term for the dyadic work, is Attachment Focused Family Therapy (AFFT) and it is suitable for birth, foster and adoptive parents/carers.