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Supporting you as you support your child through their mental health journey
Watching your child struggle with their mental health can be one of the most challenging experiences a parent faces. You want to help, but you might feel unsure about what to say or do. You're trying your best, but sometimes it feels like nothing you do makes a difference.
These feelings are completely normal. Parenting a child with mental health difficulties requires additional skills, patience, and support that many of us weren't taught. In my Colchester practice, I work extensively with parents and carers to help them feel more confident and equipped to support their children's emotional wellbeing.
Learn about your child's specific mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma responses, or behavioral difficulties. Understanding the 'why' behind behaviors can help you respond with compassion rather than frustration.
Develop skills for talking with your child about difficult topics, validating their emotions, and creating safe spaces for them to express themselves. Learn how to listen effectively and when to offer advice versus when to simply be present.
Supporting a struggling child is emotionally demanding. Learn strategies for managing your own stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness while maintaining your emotional availability for your family.
Understand how to structure your home environment to support your child's emotional regulation, including routines, boundaries, and family dynamics that promote healing and stability.
Navigate relationships with teachers, mental health professionals, and other support services. Learn how to advocate effectively for your child while building collaborative relationships.
Mental health difficulties in one child affect the whole family. Learn strategies for supporting siblings, maintaining family relationships, and ensuring everyone's needs are considered.
Many parents worry about saying the wrong thing. We'll work together to develop your confidence in responding to your child's emotional needs with empathy and appropriate support.
This is incredibly common, especially with teenagers. We'll explore ways to create opportunities for connection and communication that feel natural and non-threatening to your child.
When children are struggling, family dynamics can become tense. We'll work on finding the balance between being supportive and maintaining healthy boundaries and expectations.
This is one of the most difficult judgments parents face. We'll explore how to read your child's needs and respond appropriately to different situations and emotional states.
It's normal to feel guilty, anxious, frustrated, or helpless when your child is struggling. These feelings don't make you a bad parent - they make you human. We'll work on managing these emotions so you can be present for your family.
Understanding when your child might benefit from therapy or other professional support can be challenging. We'll discuss warning signs and help you make informed decisions about additional support.
Supporting a child with mental health difficulties is emotionally and physically demanding. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and taking care of yourself isn't selfish - it's essential for your family's wellbeing.
You cannot solve all of your child's problems, and that's okay. Understanding what is and isn't within your control can help reduce feelings of guilt and overwhelm.
Whether through therapy, support groups, or trusted friends and family, having your own emotional support is crucial. You need people who can listen to your concerns without judgment.
While being a parent is important, you're also an individual with your own needs, interests, and relationships. Maintaining aspects of your identity outside of parenting helps you stay emotionally balanced.
My approach to parent support is collaborative and non-judgmental. I understand that parenting doesn't come with a manual, and every family's situation is unique. Together, we'll:
Consider parent support if you're experiencing:
If you feel constantly stressed, anxious, or exhausted by your child's needs, support can help you develop coping strategies and find balance.
If conversations with your child often end in arguments, silence, or frustration, we can work on improving communication patterns.
If you're unsure about how to respond to your child's behaviors or whether to seek professional help, guidance can provide clarity.
If your child's difficulties are affecting family relationships, work, or other aspects of your life, support can help restore balance.
Parenting a child with mental health difficulties can feel isolating, but you don't have to do it alone. With the right support and guidance, you can feel more confident and effective in helping your child thrive.
All consultations are confidential and take place in my comfortable practice in Colchester, Essex.