Reflective parenting offers a space for either a parent or parental couple to think about their child without being judged and in which unhelpful responses to their child can be understood. Reflective parenting supports the development of a healthy connection, between parent and child.

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During these sessions, therapist and parents think together about a child’s behaviour to gain an understanding of the internal reasons for the behaviour, then they explore together how to respond helpfully to their child.

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The sessions are available to ALL parents who would like to develop their skills that will enhance their relationship with their child, as well as help them feel more successful in their parenting. Reflective parenting supports positive changes in child’s behaviour and contributes to child’s healthy emotional wellbeing and development.

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Reflective Parenting sessions are NOT therapy sessions. They are set up for the purpose of helping parents understand and respond helpfully to their children.

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However, the parents might be asked about their own childhood and relationships with their parents to help them explore and understand their own parenting styles.

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Often fortnightly sessions are sufficient and give parents time to put into practice areas discussed in the sessions before coming back to reflect further. However, if deemed necessary, therapist can agree with parents to attend sessions on a weekly basis. These can reduce to fortnightly when appropriate.

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Typically, reflective parenting is a short-term work which often leads to positive outcomes (approx. 6 sessions), however, depending on each family’s needs, the work can be extended accordingly.