CoECTNews
Editor'sNote
MeettheTeam!
TAILSfromDogTherapy
SchoolsOut-It'sthattimeagain!
Wellbeing-FromFeelingRubbishtoFeelingGood!
AsktheExperts
FalseAllegations-WhytheyHappenandWhattodo
What'sonWhere?–EventsandConnections
ListeningCircleViewpoint
Trauma-InformedQualifications
WheredoIstart?-ThebasicsofTherapeuticParenting
AnnualConference'MakingtheChange-TraumaInformedTeaching'
Afteraperiodofnearlyfouryears,theOfstedinspection ofTrueFosteringtookplacelastweek.Aswithmany fosteringagencies,thethreeyearlycyclewasexceeded duetoCovid.Inspectionsareverythoroughandlasta wholeweek,withtheinspectortalkingtofosterparents, childrenandstaff.Inaddition,ourinspectorattendeda trainingevent,observedFosteringPanelandspoketothe Agency’sseniormanagersTheinspectorwashighly impressedbytheinnovativepracticeandgavetheAgency positivefeedbackonthefinaldayWearenowawaitinga reportonceithasbeenthroughtheQAprocessandthe judgementhasbeenofficiallysignedoff.Therewillbe moreonthisinthenextissuewhenwewillbeableto sharethefindingsandthejudgement.
TRUEFosteringarealsodelightedtohavedevelopeda new‘pod’offosterfamiliesinEastAnglia.Inadditiontoa newTherapeuticSocialWorker,theareawillhaveitsown ProfessionalTherapeuticDevelopmentGroup (TherapeuticSupportGroup)andadedicatedChild SupportWorkerwillberecruitedInaddition,tohelp managethegrowthacrosstheagency,another administratorwillberecruitedtohelpwiththesmooth runningoftheagency.
TheCoECTschoolsteamareexcitedto announcethattheirnewbook'TheA-Z ofTraumaInformedTeaching'isnow availabletopreorderonAmazonand throughothergoodbookstores.
Thebookissetoutinasimilarstyleof SarahNaish’s'A-ZofTherapeutic Parenting',andispackedfullof strategiestosupportchildreninthe educationalenvironment
Thebookcanbepre-orderedon Amazonusingthislink tinyurlcom/y6zy6krz
TheTrainersatInspire TrainingGrouphavebeen busyprovidingvirtual trainingforAustraliathis month.
Wehavealsobeenbusyschedulingtrainingfor thenextacademicyearforschoolsand universities.Youcanfindournewbespoke trainingtocomplimentUniversity UndergraduateCoursesinourbrochurewhich canbefoundhere.
Getbreakingnewinfoonourbrandnew inspirationalcoursesforKinship/Connected CarerswithEnzaSmithMBE(HeadofKinship CarersUK)andSarahNaishBookearlytoavoid disappointment.ContactInspire@coect.co.uk
CongratulationstoThe HavenParenting& WellbeingCentreLtd forwinningthe CoachingAwardforthe SouthWestinthe LUXLifeMagazine Health,Beautyand WellnessAwards2023!
OurrecentlypurchasedcaravanatHavenHolidayVillage,Burnham-on-Seawillbeletoutthisweekendtoourfirst fosterparents.Thecaravanwaspurchasedsothatfosterfamiliescanhavefreeholidaysinachildfriendlysetting thattheycanreturntoagainandagainforconsistencyforthefosterchildrenTheAgencyislookingforwardto seeingtheholidayphotos!
SaferFosteringisexperiencinggrowthacrossWales.AnewTherapeuticSocialWorkerisbeingsoughtintheSouth Eastofthecountrytohelpsupportourfosterfamilies.
WelcomeEveryone,
Theacademicyearisnearlyover,thiscanbringmixedemotionsforchildrenand theirfamiliesasweapproachtheendoftermforschool.Acrossthecompanies whicharepartofCoECT,wehavesupportedfamiliestonavigatethistimeofyear, thetransitions,thegoodbyes,andtheend-of-termeventslikesportsdays,exams, andend-of-yearleaverscelebrations.Wewishallthechildrenandyoungpeople transitioningontopasturesnew,goodluckintheirfutureadventures
NextmonthbringsthelaunchofthenewA-ZofTrauma-informedTeachingbook whichtheCoECTschoolsteamhavebeenworkingon.Thebooklauncheson21st Augustandwearelookingforwardtosharingourperspectives,strategiesand solutionsrelatingtoTraumaInformedTeachingattheAnnualCoECTConferencein October.YouareinvitedtoourvirtuallauncheventforthebookonMonday14 August,moredetailscanbefoundonpage16ofthisissue.
Inthisissue,weexplorethebenefitsoftherapydogswithRachaelandhertherapy dogBuddy.Asthesummerholidaysapproachwetakealookathowtomanagethe summerholidays,withstrategiestousebefore,duringandafter.Emmatakesus throughthebasicsoftherapeuticparenting,andAmytellsherwell-beingjourney. Also,ourAsktheExpertssectionfocusesonlyingandstealinginthisissueofthe magazine
BackinJanuary,atthestartoftheyear,Sarah,myselfandtheteambehindtheTIPs magazinecouldhaveneverimaginedhowpopularitwouldbe.Itisgoodtoknow thatweareabletoreachsomanyparentsandprofessionalsthroughourelectronic andprintedcopiesofthemagazine
Thankyoueveryone,forspreadingtheword,andsharingtheTIPsmagazine,we hopeithashelpedmanyparents,familiesandsupportingprofessionalssofar.
TheCentreofExcellenceinChildTraumaismadeupofateamofexpertswhohave essentialreal-lifeexperienceWeareAdopters,FosterParentsandBioparentsof neurodiversechildren,andalsoworkasprofessionalsinthefield.
ExecutiveEditor-SarahNaish SarahisaTherapeuticParent,an Adopteroffivesiblings,former FosterParent,retiredSocial Worker,Bestsellinginternational Author,KeynoteSpeakerand founderofthreeIndependent TherapeuticFosteringAgencies
ExecutiveEditor-SairPenna Sair(Sarah)isaTherapeutic Parent,Trainer,and TherapeuticParentingCoach DirectorofNATP,and IndependentPanelChairfor twoTherapeuticFostering Agencies
Contributor-EmmaEdwards EmmaisaTherapeuticParent, Adopter,DirectorofNATPand TheHavenParentingand WellbeingCentre
Contributor-SarahDillon SarahisaTherapeuticParent,an AttachmentTherapist,Keynote speaker,formerchildincare, Author(TherapeuticParenting) HeadofTherapeuticServices (Fostering).
Contributor-AlisonDouglas AlisonisaTherapeuticParent, Adopter,SocialWorkerand OperationsManagerintwo FosteringAgencies.Alisonis alsoSafeguardingLeadat NATP.
Contributor-JaneMitchell JaneisaTherapeuticParent, AdopterandKeynote Speaker,AuthorandHeadof FamilyStabilityintwo TherapeuticFostering Agencies
Contributor-AmyJohnson AmyisaTherapeuticParent, formersocialworkerand passionateself-careadvocate, sherunsahealthandwellness businessandisco-directorofa socialenterpriseabout emotionalwell-being.
I'vebeenworkingasaPlay& CreativeArttherapistfor about14years,anddespite having a well-stocked playroomandtherapysuiteI startedtakingBuddymydog
withmeasanextraadditionafew yearsago–theresultsIfoundwere quiteastoundingandhisintuitionleft mefeelingsomewhatwowed.How doeshealwaysseemtoknowwhatthe childrenneed?
ManyofthechildrenIseeareoften waryandresistanttothetherapy processandgiventheirhistoriesof developmentaltraumathisistobe expected."Whoisthislady?","Why shouldItrusther?","Howisshegoingto helpme?","Idon’tneedtherapy!"are someofthequestionsandstatements thechildrenhavebeenabletoshare.
Buddy’srolevariesdependingonthe youngpersonpresent,butheis definitelypartoftheconversation providingapositivepresenceinthe roomwithunconditionalloveand withoutjudgement.Heenthusiastically greetseachandeveryoneasthey arriveandforsomechildren,thisistheir firstexperienceofsuchawarm,eager, excitedandI’msopleasedtoseeyou helloIrememberonechildwouldask eachweek,‘WhyisBuddybehaving
likethat?’andIwouldsay‘Because he’spleasedtoseeyou’'Doyouthink helikesmeRachael?'theywouldreply. Iwouldalwaysconfirmthis,yes,he likesyou,canyoutellhelikesyouby thegreetinghegivesyou?Eachweek wehadthesameconversationand eachweekIwasasked,doesBuddy likeme?
EachweekIgavethesameanswer andconfirmedthatyesBuddylikes you25sessionslaterwhenthischild arrivedandreceivedthesame enthusiasticgreeting,heturnedtome withahugesmileonhisfaceandsaid,’ helikesmeRachaeldoesn’the?’The differencethisweekafterthesame repeatedexperiencewasthatthechild didn’tneedmetotellhimthatyes Buddylikeshim,hewasableto recognisethisandmoresofeelitfor himself–thiswasaveryspecialand poignantmomentnotonlyforthechild butforBuddyandItoo.
Anotherspecialmomentwaswhen achildwithcomplexeatingneeds begantoexplorewiththesnacks anddrinksfreelyavailableinthe roomandsubsequentlyintohis homeenvironmenttoo.Duringhis initialsessions,thischildwould arrivewithouthavingeaten breakfastandhavingthrownback hissnacksandlunchtohiscarers
Thischildwouldfrequentlygo withoutfoodordrinkforthewhole dayBuddyalwaysseemedtoknow itwasthedaywesawthischildand everyweekwouldrefusetoeathis breakfasttoo
'CanwetakeBuddyforawalk?'the childwouldaskwhenhearrived Soon,Iwouldreply,'heneedsto havehisbreakfastfirst,sohe’s fuelledupandreadyfortheday.' Buddywouldthenhappilyand quicklymunchthrougheverything onofferandbereadytogo
"Dogsdefinitely haveaplaceinthe therapyroom–Icall Buddymycotherapist!"Photo:BuddyTheTherapyDog ©RachaelGotham
Thischildsoonbegantotakecharge ofpreparingandmakingsureBuddy hadeatenandalwaysofferedhima drinkonourreturnfromourwalkAs wewalked,weoftenchattedandnot havingdirecteyecontactandBuddy tofocusonmadeforamuchmore comfortableandlessintensesetting forthischildwhofoundthetherapy roomtooformalanenvironment. Buddyevokedlotsoftopicsof conversationandindirectlysupported thechildtobegintosharesomeofhis ownpastexperiences
I’venoticedahugedifferenceinallof thechildren’sengagementwithinthe presenceofBuddy,theirdefences noticeablylessen,andtheyclearly enjoyhavinghimpresentintheir sessionsI’mnotatalloffendedwhen theytellmethattheycometosee himTheyalwayscheckthathe’s goingtobetherethefollowingweek whichisanotherwayofthem indirectlylettingmeknowthatthey’ll bebacknextweektoo.
Buddyhasmostdefinitelyenhancedthechildren’ssenseofsafety andprovidedawealthofopportunitiesforinsightandhealing,heis likealovableteddybearbothinlooksandtemperamentandhas beenafantasticadditiontothetherapyroom
Mollyisan11yearoldShihTzuandshespendsherweek daysbeingpartoftheofficeteamastheofficialCoECT officedog.
AdayinlifeofMollynormallyconsistsofwalkingintowork withherownerShethenspendstimeenthusiastically greetingeveryonefirstthinginthemorning,mainlytoseeif anyonehasanynewtreatsforher.ChickenandHamis definitelythewinner!
Shelikestohavelotsofcuddleswitheveryoneintheoffice andthistakesupmostofherdaytoensureshespends timewitheveryoneandtheyarehappyMollyispartofthe teaminmanywaysandhasevenjoinedinwiththeTeam's YogaSessions.
Afterabusytimesupportingherco-workersMollylikesto sleeponherownofficechairandspendsalotoftime snoringafterhercrazyzoomies!
WrittenBySarahNaish (ExcerptfromTheA-ZofTherapeuticParenting)
It’sreallyimportantthat wecompletelychange ourideaaboutwhat ‘holiday’actuallymeans Inthepast‘holiday’may
havemeant,rest,relaxationanda breakfromroutineWhenweare caringforchildrenwhohavesuffered traumatherecanbenorealbreakin routine,andoftenthebehavioursand challengeswefacedathomeare magnifiedwhenonholidayIdonot saythistoworryyou,asyoumaybe luckyandhavesomereallyexcellent holidays,butitisimportanttostay realisticandthinkpracticallyabout whatyourchildcancopewith,rather thanwhatwewouldliketodoStep awayfromanynotionthatyourchild willbegratefultoyouforproviding suchalovelyholiday.Inreality,they mayonlyappreciatetheholidayin retrospectandonvideo!
ISSUE4
Minimiseyourchild’sexposureto endoftermstresssuchas leaversceremoniesetc (see Schoolissues)
Planningiskey!Ifyouare approaching long school holidays,investinawipeoff planner.Thiscanbemonthlyor weeklyPlacetheplannerina visibleareaUsedifferentcolours foreachchildTheplannerdoes nothavetobefullofcomplex, expensivearrangements The importantthinghereistoensure eachchildhassomethingwritten downforeveryday,morningand afternoon.
Whetheryouarestayingathome orgoingaway,establisha
‘holidayroutine’.Naturallythere willbelesstimepressurethan schooldays,butyourchildren willbeabletorelaxmuchmore iftheycancontinuetopredict theirenvironment,and boundariesremaininplace
Ifyouareplanningongoing away, do not share informationaboutthistoo earlyThelongeryourchild hastothinkabouttheholiday, thelongertheyhavetofeel anxious,ortoescalatetheir behaviourtoremindyouthat they‘arenotworthy’ofsuch rewards
Downplaythewhole‘goingon holiday’anticipationIusedto aappearabitdisappointed thatIhadtogoonholiday!
6
©Dayis from Getty Images via www.canva.comIfyouareflying,ifpossiblevisitthe airportforadayoutpriorThisdoes notneedtobeconnectedtothe holidayverballyatthetime.
Self-cateringmaybethebest option,whereyoucankeeptoa familiarroutineandchildrencan havetheirownspace,(andyoucan haveyours)!
Youmayfindyouhaveaneasier timeifyoureturntothesame holidaydestinationforthefirstfew years.Thisbuildsresilienceinyour childrenastheylearntorelaxina differentenvironment.
Whentravelling,ensurethatone adultistheperson‘incharge’This personwillhavetheticketsandbe theonelookingconfidentaboutall arrangementsIfyoushowdoubtor hesitancyit’slikelythatyourchild willjumpintothevoidandfeel compelledtobetheone‘incharge. Yourchildwillbewatchingyou closelywhenyouareinanykindof transitionalstate
Rememberthataholidaymaynot feellikeaholidaytoyouPlana brain-break(respite),andrecovery timeforyourselfbothduringthe schoolholidaysandafterwards. Whenyouaregoingaway,ifyou haveanotheradultwithyou,planin advancetimealoneforeach person
Ifyouplantousenighttimedriving inthehopethatthechildwillsleep, beawarethatyourchildmaybe hypervigilant/overexcitedandbe unabletosleep.Thiscancontribute toaverytensestarttoaholiday.
Iftravellingbycar,rememberto ensurethateachchildhastheirown specificplacewhichisnotchanged Packabagwithone‘present’per hourwhichcanbegiventothe childrenThesedonothavetobe expensive,butcanbesmallnovelty items.
Useelectronicequipmentsparingly inthedaysbeforealongjourney
Thiswaythechildmayhavegames andappstheywanttocatchup with
Duringschoolholidaysbearin mindthatourchildrenoftensuffer fromsensoryoverload,soavoid havingtoomanyexciting activitiesclosetogether Explore‘DayCamps’andseeif youcanenrolyourchild,evenifit isonlyforafewhalfdaysduring theholidayIftheycanmanage thisitmayhelpthemstayin contactwithpeopletheyknow fromschool.
Lowkeyactivitiessuchaspicnics inatentinthegarden,paddling poolsetccanbereassuringand easierforeveryonetomanage Ifyouhaveplannedadayout,do notbetemptedtosharethis aheadoftimewiththechildren Somethingmayoccurwhich makesitimpossibletogoandthis leadstoalackoftrust.Planin yourheadthatyouwillbegoing onthetripoutonacertainday, thensharethatinformationwith thechildrenonthemorningof thatday
Ensureyouhavemadereciprocal arrangementswithother therapeuticparentsThismeans thatyourchildrenwillbeableto haveperiodsawayfromthe homeinanenvironmentwhere
Useempathiccommentaryto expresswhatyoufeelyourchildis feeling.Wherethereisan escalationinangryorotherwise challengingbehaviour,don’tbe afraidtorelatethebehaviour backtobeingonholiday‘Itmust bereallyhardtofeelsocross aboutnotseeingyourfriendsat schoolIknowinthepastyousaid goodbyetopeopleanddidn’tsee themagain.Itcouldbethatyou areworriedyouwon’tseeyour teacheragaineither?’
Whenplanningrecoverytimefor yourselfduringtheschool holidays,donotsharethereal purposeofyourtimewiththe childrenThemoreboringand uninterestingyoucanmakeit sound,thelesslikelyitisthatthe childrenwillinsiston accompanyingyou,ortryingto preventyouleaving.
Astheschoolholidayscometoan endthereislikelytobean escalationofanxietyaround returningtoschoolItisagood ideatorefrainfrommentioning howlongitisuntilthereturnto school,unlessitisverynear
DoareviewoftheholidaysWrite downwhatworkedwellandwhat youneedtoavoidIt’samazing howquicklyweforget.Usethisas thebasisforyourplanningand preparationforthenextholiday Dependingontheageand emotionalageofyourchildren, exploreyouthgroupssuchas Cubs,Guides,ArmyCadetsetcIf yourchildcanmanagestructured timeaway,thenbyjoiningoneof thesegroupstheyarelikelytobe includedinaweekendcamp.
ArmyCadetsgoawayforatwoweekcamp,andIhaveoften foundthatchildrenwithatrauma backgrounddoverywellinthis structuredenvironment
Holidayscanbestressfulforparentsandchildren
Thisinformativeshortsetofthreevideosgivesparentsand carersstrategiesto;
Manageend-of-termstresseswhenroutineschange Helptomanagelongschoolholidays
Havemoresuccessful,lessstressfulfamilyholidaysaway
Clickheretofindoutmore:https://tinyurl.com/2s3kw9mw
WrittenByAmyJohnson.
Icomefromaprofessionalbackgroundin socialworkbuthadneverheardof compassionfatigue,andwehadbeen fosteringforthreeyearsbeforeIwentto aworkmeetingaboutcommissioning sometherapiesforfamiliesin2014,
andtherewasatalkoncompassionfatigueItwasan absolutelightbulbmomentformeatthetime.Itjust madeabsolutesensethatmyhusbandandIwere experiencingsymptomsHowever,itwasanothertwo yearsin2016beforeIdidanythingaboutitandthenI rangupalocalhealingcentre,andtheysignposted metoEmotionalFreedomTechnique(EFTtapping) Thiswasveryhelpfulatthetime;however,Iam embarrassednowtosaythatIonlywentforone sessionandthoughtIwasfine.Wehadbeen absorbingourson’straumaforfiveyearsbythenand inhindsight,onesessionwasnotenough.However,it didgivemeagoodstartingpoint(andmyhusband andsonalsowentforasessionatthetime)andit openedmymindtotrydifferentthings
Irealisedtheoccasionalspadayacoupleoftimesa year,baths,andregularexercisewhilstithelpedme tofeelabitbetter,wasn’tenoughtoprevent compassionfatigueIgotbackintoweeklyyoga, running,andmonthlymassageandItried acupunctureforafewmonths.Thiswasalsothetime IfoundtheNATPcommunityonFacebookFeeling isolated,thiscommunityconnectionmeant everythingIwasnolongerfeelingquitesoaloneon thisjourney
Attheendof2018,thingscontinuedtogetharderforlotsof differentreasonsanditwasatthebeginningof2019whenI realised,IwasonthebrinkoftotallyburningoutMyhusband saidhecouldn'tcarryonlikethisanymoreWehadsomuch goingoninadditiontomanagingthechallengingbehaviourof ourfostersonsatthetime,andthingswerereallystartingto feeloutofcontrol.Untilthispoint,“doing,doing,doing”was largelymycopingstrategyIwasneverpoorly,Ijustkepton goingHowever,IhadrealisedthatIwasfeelingdowneveryday too.
Lookingback,Ifoundmyselfatacrossroads.Irealisedif nothingchanged,thelikelihoodwouldbeIwouldenduppoorly aftershoulderingeveryoneelse’sburdensinadditiontomy ownIalsohadthestarkrealisationthatnotonlyamInot invincible(andcompassionfatiguecouldhappentoanyone)I couldenduplosingbothmyhusbandandfamilybecauseI realisedthatverysoon,butIwouldalsonolongerbecoping
Whathelpsme
AsIwasemotionallyeatingandfeelingtotallyrubbishinmyself, IreachedoutaboutanutritionalprogramwhenIwasata crossroads I'veneverfollowedanykindoffoodprogram,diet, oranythinglikethatinmylifebutitsoundedinterestingand likesomethingthatwouldhelpmefeelbetteraboutmyself,soI diditforamonth
Withinoneweekofdoingthisprogram,Ifelttotallydifferent It wasquiteextraordinary.Thebrainfoghadgone,theenergyhad returnedandyetIwaseatinggoodcleanwholefoods(and supplementsfromwholefoods).Mygutwashavingatotalreset andmybodywasfloodedwithvitamins,minerals,andnutrients Ifeltamazing!It’shardtowritewhataturnaroundthiswas becausetosayitwassolife-changingsoundssodramatic,butit was!NotonlydidIhaveenergy,butIalsohadsomuchclarity andIfeltsomuchstrongerinmyself.Sincethen,Ihave completedadiplomalevel4innutritionandwentonand changedmycareersothatmostimportantlymyfamilycome first.Ouradoptionwasfinalisedwithoursonin2021,andwe finishedfosteringrealisingwehadenoughtomanagewithour sonandourownlives.
Thebiggestimpactofmybeingonthisjourneyoverthe past45yearsagohasbeenonmylovedonesAsIbecame healthier,happier,andmoreresilient,myfamilyis happier.WhenIamstressed,thisheightensthestressin thehouseholdIt’ssosimplebutsopowerfulOverthelast 4.5years,Ihavebeenembracinganewworldoflooking aftermyselfIamamuchbettermumandamuchbetter personbecauseofit
Thereissomethingabouthavingasenseofcontrolover ourwell-beingandwhatwecandotobethebestversion ofourselvesMyhusbandandIhaveattendedHavening sessionswithSairatNATP(in2019)andIhavedonealot ofpersonaldevelopmentHalElroddescribesinhisbook calledTheMiracleMorningthatbyincorporatingsome self-carepracticesyoustartthedaystrong.Iamnowpart ofamorningcommunitywhichisfreetojoinWebeginby doing5minsofmeditation,gratitudejournaling,positive affirmations,fiveminutesofexerciseandafewtipsfroma successcoachIt’sscientificallyproventhatdoingcertain self-careactivitiesinthemorningwillincreasethe chancesofourdaygoingpositivelyJoiningthisfree communityalonehasbeenlife-changingformany (dramaticagainbuttrue!)
Ourhomeisfarfromperfect(who’sis!)andwhenthings escalate,IfeelfarmoreinformedabouthowIcanprotect myenergyandmanagemyemotions.Eatingwellandno longereatingemotionallyordrinkingalcoholtoselfsoothewhenstressed,meansIhavemuchbetter
nutritionalhabitsandgreatguthealthwhichdirectly impactshowIfeel.95%ofserotoninisproducedinthe gutsoourguthealthdirectlyimpactsouremotionaland mentalhealth
Self-careactionplanninghasbeenfundamentalinmy journey.BeforetheholidaysIalwaysplanself-caretime.I enjoyrunning,cycling,swimming,cold-water dipping/swimmingaswellastimewithfriends,timein nature,musicetc.Iamagreatbelieverinfindingoutwhat worksforyoubutstartingwith5minutesadayisagreat startiftimeisanissue.
Atdifferenttimes,I'vecompletedself-careactionplansto improvedifferenthabitsthatIwanttoincreaseby workingonconsistencyAshumansattimes,wewantto makechangesandattimeswehavethemotivationtodo so,butwhenwelosemotivation,wedon'tnecessarilyhave theself-disciplinetocontinue,soIknowmyself,by writingoutaplan,signingitandstickingitonthefridgeit reallyhelpsInowhelpotherschangetheirhabits
IkeeptryingnewthingsnowbecauseIalsobelievethat differentthingscanhelpusatdifferenttimesinourlives. Learningtotuneintoourownfeelingsandbeingarmed withtoolsandstrategiestohelpbuildouremotional resilienceandpreventcompassionfatigueIbelieveinthe longrunwillempowerustobethebestversionsof ourselvesandenableustobethebestparentstoour childrenItisalsoimportantforustomodeltothenext generationhowtoself-care!
FormoredetailsonhowAmyishelpingothersintheirwellbeingjourneygotohttps://wwwfeelgood-wellbeingcouk/
Friday29thSeptember10am-4pm
Gloucestershire
ADayRetreat,focusedon relaxation,reflection,and rejuvenation.Thedaysupports interventionandinterruptionof compassionfatigue
IntimateRetreatfor6-8people
TherapeuticCoaching Techniques
2courselunch
UseofSpafacilitiesinthe afternoon
SIGNUPTODAY!
Letourteamofexpertswithfirst-handexperience, guideyouthroughsomeofthosetrickyTIP moments!
Mytwofosterchildrenage12and14keepstealingfood.Theydon’tnecessarilyreally wantitasIoftenfinditintheirroomsgoingmouldy!Theyalwayshavefoodtheycan helpthemselvesto,buttheyonlyseemtowanttheunhealthystuff.Help!
AC,Horsham
Thechildrenarestoringfood Althoughitfeelslikestealingtoyou, themotivationisdrivenbyafearof hungerIprefertocallthistaking ratherthanstealing Theremayhavebeenatimewhen thechildrenweredeprivedoffoodor therewasalackoffoodavailable Furthermore,manychildrenfrom traumausefoodasasubstitute parent.Junkfoodreleasesasurgeof dopamine,whichgivesthechildren atemporaryfeelingofeuphoria. Unfortunately,thishighisshortlived. Wealsoneedtorememberthatthe vastmajorityofchildrenwhohave experiencedearlylifeneglecthave veryhighlevelsofcortisolintheir bloodstream
Thisdrivesthemtocravesugarand othercarbohydrates.Ioftenlikenthisto someoneaddictedtococaine. Researchtellsusthatsugaris7to8 timesmoreaddictivethancocaine. Itisimportantnottoshamethe childrenHelpthemtounderstand wherethisbehaviouroriginatesUsing ‘namingtheneed’canbevery valuable,particularlywithregardsto feararoundfoodWemightsay somethinglike“Ithinkyouhavebeen worriedabouttherenotbeingenough food,whichiswhyyouhavebeen hidingfoodinyourbedroomPerhaps theremayhavebeenatimewhenyou werelittlewhentherewasn’tenough foodI’msosorrythathappenedtoyou Inthisfamily,therewillalwaysbe enoughfoodPerhapstheremayhave
beenatimewhenyouwerelittle whentherewasn’tenoughfoodI’m sosorrythathappenedtoyouIn thisfamily,therewillalwaysbe enoughfood“thenrecommend usingasnackboxfilledupevery morningIncludeasmallamountof junkamongsthealthiersnacks Remindthechildthatoncethe snackshavebeeneaten,theboxwill befilledagainthenextmorningThis canhelpthechildtobeginto managethesugaraddiction alongsidethereassuranceoffood availability.Ifthechildeats everythingatonce,wecanreassure themthereisanunlimitedamount offruitoranotherhealthysnack theycanchoosefrom.
My9-year-oldadoptedsonjustliesbare-facedallthetime.Heliterallylooksmestraightinthe eyesandtellsmefabulousstoriesaboutwhathappenedatschoolorcompletelydeniesdoing somethinghedid.HowcanImakehimadmitthetruth?
AWHull
Icallthis‘MadLying’Sometimesit appearsmad,asifthechildis unawareofwhatishappening. Sometimestheyaresoconvincing, itcanmakeusquestionourselves. Rememberheisnotdoingitto annoyyou.Thisisanearly survival-basedmechanism,soit's instinctive.
Firstly,askyourselfwhatyouare tryingtoachievebyforcinghimto ‘admitthetruth’?Doyouthink therewillbesomemagical responsibility-takingarisingfrom this?Icanassureyoutherewon't It'sactuallyquiteawasteof
everyone’stimeandcreatesstresson yourrelationship,deepeningyourson’s senseofshame
Withlyingwemustrememberthat sometimesourchildrencannotadmitthe truthastheirfearofwhatmighthappen istoooverwhelmingWecan'tappealto therationalprocessingpartoftheirbrain becausetheyarelockedintosurvival behavioursatthetimeweareconfronting themIusedtojustletthechildknowthat Iknewwhathadhappened,thenifthey continuedtodenyit,Iwouldjustsay, "That'sinterestingWell,Iamsureyoucan sortitout.YouknowwhereIamifyou needme."Thisallowsthechildtimefor theirbrainto‘unfreeze’andhelpsthemto regulate.Thereisnopointtryingtohave anintense,point-scoringargument aboutwhoisrightandwhoislyingwhen thechild’sthinkingbrainis‘offline’.
TherapeuticParentstendtomeetlying headon,notbycorrectingorarguing,but bysimplystatingwhatthetruthisand sayingwewillapologiselaterifthat
provestobewrongThereis definitelynomileageininsistingthe childtellsyouthetruthastheyare oftenunclearwhatthetruthisor meansTheyarealsoscaredofyour reactionProperlyscared-asin terrified,soonceyouhavesaidyou knowthetruthandhavedecided theconsequenceis'X'theyareable tobelessfearfulandsometimes evenadmitthelie!
Rememberthatmanyofour childrensimplycannottellthe differencebetweenwhathappened andwhatishappeningso sometimestheyareunawarethat theyarelying,becausetothem, theyaretellingthetruth.
Myno.1strategy?Stopaskingthem questions.Everytimeyouaskachild aquestionyouinvitealie.So, change“Haveyouemptiedyour schoolbag?”into“I’venoticedyour schoolbagneedsemptying,bringit heresoetc”
Areyoulookingtobecome partofacommunity?
Canyouspare2hourspermonthto meetupwithlike-mindedothersfora relaxedchatoveradrinkandsnack?
Areyouaparentofaneurodivergentchild, orachildwhohasexperiencedadverse childhoodexperiencesinearlylife?
Wearelookingforpeoplewhohaveaninterestin coordinatingpeersupportgroupsforotherparentsand theirfamilies.
WENEEDHELPWITH: Coordinatingournationwide peersupportgroups,called ListeningCircles
AtCOECTwehaveextensive experienceofallegations andareverywellawareof theextremestressthatthese place on parents and familieswhosereputations
andcareersmaybeplacedatrisk andwhocomeunderintensescrutiny Inthisarticlewewillfirsttalkaboutthe differentwaysthatallegationscan happenandthenspecificallyexplain howitcanhappenthatachildcan makeafalseallegation.
Whenwearefacinganallegation,we caneasilyfeeloverwhelmedanddon’t knowwheretostartYoumaybe experiencinganallegationinseveral differentways,andeachcircumstance isdifferent:
Somethingnegativehashappened andthechildhasmadeatrue allegation
Asmalleventhappenedwhichhas beenblownoutofproportionand misinterpreted
Thechildhasmadeanallegation aboutsomethingthathappened buthasmis-rememberedwhenit happened/whoithappenedwith andconfusedthecircumstances.
Theallegationisnotatalltrueand youhavenoideawhythechildis sayingwhattheyaresayingInany ofthesesituations,itisnormalto feelfrightenedaboutwhatis happeningtoourselvesandour familywhilstalsoexperiencingfear forwhatwillhappentothechildat thecentreoftheallegation Itis naturalthatourfearforourselves
isconfusedwithresentmentand betrayaltowardsthechildand hostilitytowardsprofessionalswhose jobistoinvestigatewhathas happened.Thesafeguardingprocess cancauseasituationwherethe parentexperiencesalackofsupport, careorunderstandinginhandling theseallegationsAtCoECTweare committedtomakingachangeand raisingawarenessofalltheissues aroundallegations.
Wheretheallegationisfounded,and thechildhasclearlyremembered andarticulatedwhathashappened, youmaybefeelingremorseful,guilty andangrywithyourselforothers Whateverhashappened,youare entitledtoindependentsupportfrom peoplewhocanhelpyouthroughthe processandofferreassurance. Blameservesnopurposehere. Clearly,therearetimesthatan allegation, whether current or historical,isadisclosurewhich requires extremely careful and sensitivehandling–thisisoutside thescopeofthisarticle
Sometimesallegationsareactually memoriesofpastexperiencesreemergingunderstress.Wewillnow explorethisfurther
Childrenthathavesufferedfrom Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)–(traumasuchasneglect andabuse)canhavemuddled memoriesthatmeanthatthey experience past events as happeninginthehereandnow,soa falseallegationmaybeinfacta disclosureofahistoricalevent Alternatively,afalseallegationmay bemadefromangeroran unconsciousneedtorejectthe foster/adoptiveparentsorasa threat to control the parent. Whicheveroftheseitis,havingan allegationmadeagainstyouisan extremelystressfulevent
Experienceshowsusthatearly disruptionofattunementandlackof anattachmentfigureorabuseofa childhasadirecteffectonthe developmentofthearchitectureof thechild’sbrainSpecificallyin relationtotheformationofideas aboutself,othersandtheworldwe seechildrendevelopoverriding schemas(InternalWorkingModel)in whichtheyviewthemselvesas unlovable, worthless, disposable, adultsasuntrustworthyandterrifying
andtheworldasahostileplace.Childrenthathave experiencedrelentlessandrepeatedtraumasuch asviolence,neglect,andphysicalorsexualabuse arelikelytoformthesecorebeliefsabout themselvesWearenowfindingthatscienceand researchendorsethis:
“Childrenexposedtoongoingstressandtrauma suchasthatassociatedwithexposureto communityviolencemaydevelopschemasofthe worldasahostileplaceandexperiencechanged attitudesaboutpeople,lifeandthefuture”
Youmaybestrugglingtowonderwhythechildhas madeanallegationagainstyou,especiallyifyou arecertainitisnottrueThiscanbeextremely upsettingandfeelsverypersonal,howevermanyof ourchildrenhaveexperiencedextremetrauma whichimpactsthechild’sfearsfortheirown survivalThesememoriesarestoreddifferentlyin thebrain,buttraumaticmemorycanbequickly reactivatedbysensorytriggersthatbringthe memorybackThesechildrenliveinthe“now”with norealsenseofpastpresentorfuture,andthey literallyexperiencethememoryasifitishappening inthehereandnow
reportingtoyourSSWthatthishasoccurredwill helpbygivingcontextandinsomecasesa chronologyofsimilarevents
However Iftheallegationistrue,andyouknowittobeso,itis alsoessentialthatyoufullydisclosewhathas happenedandwhyyouthinkithappened Sometimesparentsattempttoconcealthetruth, andthiswillusuallyendnegativelyIfyouhadabad day,andaone-offoverreactionoccurred,itis sometimesthecasethatlookingatwhatextra supportortrainingisavailable,canhelpthechildto feelsupportedandprofessionalstofeelthatthe situationissalvageableYoumustnotaccusea childoflyingiftheyaretellingthetruth.
Protectingyourselffromallegations:
Inordertoprotectyourselffromallegationsinany formitisessentialthatyoukeepdetailedand currentlogssothatyoucanclearlyevidencewhat happened.Thisincludesreportingifachildhas threatenedyouwithafalseallegationforinstance “ifyoudon’tletmedo'X',IwilltellmySWthatyouhit me”Inthiscaseaclearlogbackedupby
"Traumaimpactsonmemoryand oftentraumatisedchildrencan confusewhathasHAPPENED withwhatisHAPPENING.The childisnotlying,buttheymay haveadifferentversionoftheir truth."
SarahDillon,AttachmentTherapist
July-October2023
Thursday27thJuly–VirtualListeningCirclehostedby SarahWright-https://tinyurl.com/nhcp46u3
Monday7thAugust-VirtualListeningCirclefor Australia-https://tinyurlcom/53r4xvz2
Friday11thAugust-VirtualListeningCircleforAdoptive andFosterParents-https://tinyurlcom/mr39rp7y
Monday4thSeptember-VirtualListeningCirclefor Australia-https://tinyurlcom/bdfwt39t
Monday31stJuly-GloucestershireFamilyCircle https://tinyurl.com/49rwvzcz
SexualisedBehaviour-28July,12:00–13:00BST
Thursday20thJuly–NorthamptonshireListening Circle-https://tinyurlcom/3znavrut
Friday1stSeptember–SomersetListeningCirclehttps://tinyurlcom/2c6mr5xp
Wednesday6thSeptember-BristolListeningCirclehttps://tinyurl.com/mr4ysyua
Tuesday12thSeptember–CambridgeshireListening Circle-https://tinyurl.com/bdd7cszr
Monday11thSeptember–NATPVolunteerInformation Session-https://tinyurl.com/bddz68vm
Itcanbeveryfrightening,evenhorrifying,tocomeacrossaveryyoungchildwhois,or,appearstobe,sexually knowledgeableandactive;butifwecanputasideourownhorrorandrevulsionandseewhatthebehaviouris reallytellingus,wecanatleaststartoffwiththerightmindset
Shame–1August,10:00–11:00BST
JoinLauraforaone-hourlivewebinaronShameShameisapowerfulandpervasiveemotionforchildrenThis webinarwillexplorethereasonsbehindshame,howitmanifestsinchildren,andstrategiesforsupporting childrentoovercomethisdebilitatingemotion.ThewebinarwillalsofeatureaQ&Asession,wherewewill answeryourquestionsandprovideinsightsintohowtohelpyourchild
SiblingRivalry-10August,10:00-11:00BST
Obsessionsoftenhappenbecauseourchildrenstruggletobestilland'comfortableintheirownskin’When theyarestill,thetrauma,anxietyandemptinessseembiggerandmakethemfeeluncomfortable,drivento actionandtofindadistractionJoinusforthislivewebinarwithmanyusefulstrategiessurrounding obsessions
July-September2023
HealingChildrenthroughTherapeuticParentingWebinar
Wednesday2August2023 10am-3pmBST
£10.25perpersonLiveAccess
Tobookgotohttps://tinyurl.com/5n8xzc4d
JoinSarahNaish(adopteroffive,TherapeuticParentingExpert) andSarahDillon(LeadingAttachmentTherapist,ChildTraumaExpert)foraliveonlineconference
Whydosomechildrenneedtherapeuticparenting? Howisitdifferentfrom‘standard’parenting?
HowcanwepracticallyputtherapeuticparentingstrategiesinplaceandmakeaREALdifference?
Inspirational,moving,andmotivational
TheA-ZofTrauma-InformedTeaching–
Monday14August202312:00-12:30pmBST
Tobookgotohttps://tinyurl.com/646scfdh
HeardirectlyfromtheauthorsofTheA-ZofTrauma-Informed Teaching,SarahNaish,AnneOakley,HannahO'Brien,SairPennaand DanielThrower,whoarejoinedbyfellowCoECTTrainerandAttachment TherapistSarahDillon.
JoinourAuthorsandTrainerson14August2023at12noon,foraspecial one-offeventtocelebratetheupcomingreleaseofournewbook,TheAZofTrauma-InformedTeaching-anessentialguidetounderstanding andsupportingourchildreninatrauma-informedenvironment
Thebook,aimedatparents,teachers,andsupportingprofessionals, discussestheimpactoftraumaonourchildrenandgivessuggestions andstrategiesonhowtocreateasupportiveandresponsiveschool cultureandhowthiscanbesupportedathome
ThisissuewehearfromNATPListening CircleCo-ordinatorJulie
WrittenByJulieOsland
Sara,theNATPListeningCircleVolunteerSupport recentlyaskedmetowriteanarticleonbeinga ListeningCircleCoordinator(LCC)Itallstartedaround 4yearsagowhenIadoptedtwolittlegirls,wowwhata rollercoasterthishasbeen!
Asmyeldestlittlegirlhascomplexneedsandmy youngesthasadditionalneeds(onlydiscoveredafter placement–notthatwouldhavestoppedusoncewe hadmetandseenthegirls)Therewasno“honeymoon period”thateveryonetalksaboutandthreemonthsin, shewasthreateningtostabmeWeimmediately lookedforhelpfromthelocalauthorityandwere grantedPlayTherapythroughtheAdoptionSupport Fund(ASF)
Fastforwardtoayearafterplacement,ourlittlegirlwas referredtoChildandAdolescentMentalHealth (CAMHS),promptlyseenwithintwoweeks(whichis unheardof)AtthispointIjustwantedsomeonetohelp me,helpmychild–IjoinedtheNationalAssociationof TherapeuticParenting(NATP),whatadifferencethis made!Icouldfindvideosandpodcaststolearnfrom, thereareresourcestoforwardtopeopletohelpthem understandourchildrenandwhattheymightbegoing through,andTHEmostbeneficialparthastobe speakingtolike-mindedpeople,whojustgetit
IdecidedtovolunteerandbecomeaLLC,Ichoseto holdsessionsviazoomtohelppeoplewhoareunable toleavethehouseordonothavethesupportCircles arefriendlyandinformalandifIamhonest,Igetoutas muchfromthelisteningcirclesandthepeoplethatjoin. Listeningtopeoplewhoaregoingthroughthesame issueswithschool,friendships,fighting,youfeelless alone(andslightlylesscrazy)TwoyearswithNATPasa LCCandIstillfinditasusefulasIdidinthebeginning, separately,IevenwentontocompletetheAdvance DiplomainTherapeuticParenting
IfyouwouldliketojoinmeviaZoomonthenext ListeningCircle,feelfreetobookon!
VirtualListeningCircleforAdoptiveandFosterParents
Friday11August,10am-11amBST
AsafespaceforAdoptive&FosterParentstochatand offload(LCCforIsleofMan)
https://tinyurlcom/mr39rp7y
Pleasenote,ListeningCirclesarenotexclusivelyfor AdoptiveandFosterParents–pleaseseethewebsite formoreListeningCircles.
ThroughInspireTrainingwehaveasuiteofqualificationstosupportparentsand supportingprofessionalswhoworkwithchildrenwhohaveexperiencedadverse childhoodexperiencesandneurodivergentchildren
ThisisaLevel2onlinecustomisedqualificationaccreditedbynationally recognisedawardingbodyCACHENCFEundertheirCACHEaccreditation. Cantakeupbetween3-6monthstocomplete.
Perfectforindividualswhowanttolearnandimplementtherapeutic parenting.
ThisisaLevel3onlineInspireTrainingGroupqualificationforthoselearners lookingforadetailedintroductiontotherapeuticparenting.
ThishasaprogressionroutetotheDiplomainTherapeuticParenting accreditedwithNCFECACHE
ThisisaLevel3onlinecustomisedqualificationaccreditedbythe nationallyrecognisedawardingbodyCACHENCFEundertheirNCFE accreditation.Itcoversbasicandadvancedstrategiesoftherapeutic parentingandtakesayeartocomplete.
ThishasaprogressionroutetotheAwardinTherapeuticParentCoaching accreditedwithNCFECACHE.
TwonewadditionstoourqualificationsistheLevel3onlinecustomised qualificationaccreditedbynationallyrecognisedawardingbodyCACHE NCFEundertheirCACHEaccreditationThisenablesthelearnertogainthe knowledgeandcoachingtechniquesinordertobecomeatherapeutic parentingcoach
Pleasenote:Apre-requisitefortheAwardistheLevel3Therapeutic ParentingProgramme.
Formoreinformationonourqualificationsgoto wwwinspiretraininggroupcom/qualifications
TherapeuticParentingisthe termusedtodescribea highlynurturingand structuredparentingstyle.Itis basedonbuildingstrongand securerelationshipswithyourchildby usinginsightfulandempathicresponses totheirbehavioursandemotions
Thisinturnhelpsthechildtoregulate anddevelopanunderstandingoftheir behavioursandfeelings,andwhenused withstrongboundariesandconsistent routineshelpsthechilddevelopnew neuralpathwaysintheirbrainallowing themtofeelsafe,linkcauseandeffect andreducetheirfeelingsoffearand shame
TherapeuticParentingdoesnotmean thatyoumustbeatherapistorpractise therapywithyourchild,likesomepeople thinkItisaparentingstylethathelpsto buildasecureattachmentwiththechild, minimisetheeffectsofchildhood traumaandhelpthemmakesenseof theworld
TherapeuticParentingdiffersfrom ‘TraditionalParenting’inthatitdoesnot usetimeout,anyformofcorporal punishment(smackingandhitting), shamethechild,userewardcharts,or expectthechildtoself-regulateorfeel empathyandremorse
Oneofthemostpopularmethodsof TherapeuticParentingwhichyoumay haveheardoforuseisDanHughes; PACEmodelPacestandsforPlayfulness, Acceptance,CuriosityandEmpathy
Itallowstheparenttoremain emotionallyengagedandavailableto thechild,allowingco-regulationof thechild’semotionalstateand managementoffeelingswhilst curiosityandwonderinghelpsthe childdevelopasenseoftheir experience(Reflectivefunctioning)
Playfulness–Playfulnesscanhelp childrenfeelconnected.Alightheartedrelaxedplayfulattitudecan helpthechildexperiencefunandlove Usingaplayfulresponsewhenachild isstartingtodysregulatecanhelpit fromescalating.Achild’sbraincannot experiencefearandjoy simultaneously,sobyinstigatinga joyfulresponse,thefearunderpinning thedysregulationisreduced Playfulnessinthiscontextisnot ‘playing’withthechilditisa spontaneous,unexpectedsilly,playful intervention
Acceptance–Meansunderstanding whychildrenbehaveinacertainway Theadultacceptsthebehaviourand feelingsthatunderliethechoices (Acceptanceconveysunderstanding ratherthancondoningthebehaviour Therefore,thechildfeelsunderstood andmorewillingtothinkthrough consequenceswithanadult)
Curiosity–Wonderingaloudhelps identifythemeaningbehindthe behaviourandthechild’sneed.It meansyouarenotconfrontational andhelpsfigureoutwhatisgoingon (Talktothedogoratoyetcifthe childdoesnotlike/wantyoutospeak withthemdirectly)
Empathy–Theuseofempathic listeningandcommentaryhelpsto identifyunderlyingunmetneedsIt establishesaconnectiontothe childandreflectsbacktothem whattheyareexperiencing/feeling
Routine–Strongroutinesgiveour childrenconfidenceinwhatis goingtohappenApredictable routinehelpsreducesanxiety,helps thechildfeelsafeandunderstand whatisexpectedofthemandhelps tobuildtrustinusasadultsInturn thislessensthechild’sstress responseandhelpskeepthe ‘fight/flight’responseundercontrol andensuresasafepredictable environmentAvisualtimetableisa goodwayofhelpingachildknow whatishappening.
Boundaries–Boundariesneedto befirmYoucannotallowachildto dosomethingtoday,whichwasnot allowedyesterdayorwillnotbe allowedtomorrowClear boundariesreduceanxiety,andthe childknowswhatisexpected thereforefeelssafeChangesto boundariesneedtobedoneslowly andcarefully
Bethe‘UnassailableSafeBase.’–Beingopenandhonest,saying whatwemean,doingwhatwesay andbeingconsistenthelpsthe childunderstandthatwearesafe andcanbetrustedandreliedon
Sayingsorrywhenyougetthings wrong–Itisimportanttorepair mistakesandapologiseifweshoutor saysomethingupsetting(afterallwe areonlyhumanandcanhavebad daystoo!)Thisteachesthechildthat itisoktomakemistakesorshow emotionsandmodelsthattheydon’t havetobeperfectallthetime
Nurture–Usingtime-ininsteadof time-outallowsyoutostay connectedwiththechildeventhough theymayhavedonesomething wrong.Ithelpsthemfeelaccepted andnotshamedUseconsistent reassurancethatdespitetheir behaviourtheywillstillbeaccepted (Usingphraseslike‘youhaveagood heart’)
Praise–Manyofourchildrenstruggle withbeingpraised,eveniftheyhave donesomethingverywellUse specific,lowleveltargetedpraise
Naturalconsequences–These happennaturallyafterapoorchoice orbrokenboundary,theyarenot decidedorimposedbyapersonFor example,ifachildrefusestogoto bedandisuplate,theywillbetired thenextday.Naturalconsequences helpthechildtolinkcauseandeffect
HowTherapeuticParentinghelpsthe childovercometheirdifficultiesTherapeuticparentingallowsthe adulttoactconsciouslyandnotreact emotionally.Theyareableto accuratelyinterpretthechild’s actionsandwhattheyare communicating.Theyrecognisethat behavioursareamaladaptedformof communicationandnotapersonal attack,eventhoughitcanoftenfeel likeitis
Clickonthelinkbelowforourbeginnerscourseonthe basicsoftherapeuticparenting
https://tinyurl.com/mvethsaa
Duetothistheparentsaren’t constantlytriggered,whichovertime couldresultincompassionfatigueor blockedcareThisenablesthemto beabletoidentifythechild’sunmet needs,thatmaybearesultoftheir earlylifehistory.Whenweareableto helpthemunderstandtheimpacts ontheiremotional/cognitive responsesandgivethemstrategies totrytoovercomethese,thechild startstolearncauseandeffect.
Theylearnfromtheirmistakeswith oursupport,andwehelpthemmake betterchoicesHavingtherapeutic strategieshelpsusfeelcalmerand enablesustomanageboththe children’sandourownemotional regulationmoreeffectivelyAswe learnfrompositiveexperiences,we
getfromusingtherapeutic parentingwefeelmore comfortableandauthentic whenusingthestrategieswhich makesourchildrenfeelsafer. Weteachthemthepositive benefitsofattunementandhow tomaintainrelationshipswith others,buildconfidenceand self-esteemandovertime developempathy
TherapeuticParentingis effectiveforALLchildren,not onlythosewhohavesuffered traumaItsimplyworksmore quicklywithneurodiverseand securelyattachedchildren
