Counselling and Psychoeducation for Parents and Parents-to-be

Our society often depicts parenthood as natural, joyful, and fulfilling. The reality is that parents are juggling more responsibilities and expectations than ever, and many feel the pressure to be “perfect”. Parenthood is rife with uncertainty, challenges, and self-sacrifice. It is common that parents (and parents-to-be) experience:

You may feel disappointed, frustrated, exhausted, or stuck; you may notice your mind is spinning with questions such as “Am I doing enough?”, “Is there something wrong with me/my child/my partner?”, “Why am I not enjoying it as much as I thought I would?”, or “Could I be ruining my child(ren)’s future?”…You are not alone. 

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Burnout

• Pent up anger or resentment

• Relationship difficulties

• Loss of identity

• Self-doubt and self-criticism

• Shame & guilt

• Social isolation

The journey of becoming a parent and raising children challenges us in many ways and has a huge impact on our identity, physical and mental health. We provide a safe, non-judgemental space where your unique experience is truly seen, heard and understood. Our counsellors each work uniquely using trauma and attachment centred counselling techniques to support you in learning to navigating the ups and downs of parenthood, and your identity as a parent, moving from a place of despair to empowerment.

Together, we may:

• Explore the experience, beliefs and values that shape your way of parenting and relationship with your child(ren)

• Identify unmet needs that are undercurrents of the emotional distress and destructive family patterns

• Develop practical knowledge, strategies and skills to form a healthier relationship with yourself and your childr(ren).

Counselling can help in the following areas:

• New parenthood

• Perinatal mental health

• Changes in relationship and family dynamics

• Parenting challenges at various stages (e.g., Parent-child/teen conflict)

• Cultural differences in parenting

• Parenting neurodivergent children and children with special needs

• Establishing/negotiating boundaries

• Psychoeducation on children’s social emotional needs at different developmental stages and positive communication

• Re-surfacing of parent’s own childhood trauma (physical, sexual, emotional)

• Self-compassion and self-care

• Family planning, e.g. decisions to/not to have children

• Issues around fertility

• Pregnancy (including abortion, miscarriage, etc.)

• Birthing experience

• Trans-parents challenges

If you would like guidance in selecting a counsellor, please head to our Connect with a Counsellor form, or to learn more about how each of our counsellors work with parenting and the experience of being a parent, connect with us to book a free consultation call.