FAQs

What sort of families do you help?

We work with all kinds of families. The main thing is that you have an issue you want to work on. You may be a two or one parent family, a family with step-parents, parents in a same sex relationship, or carers not directly related to the child.

I don't want my family to be "in therapy." Isn't there a danger that you exaggerate the normal ups-and-downs of parenting and family life?

All parents and carers go through difficult patches with their children and usually get through them, perhaps with support from family or friends. But sometimes children and parents get stuck in negative patterns and need a bit of professional help to get out of the rut. Or there may be a particular problem which would benefit from another perspective. We see asking for help as normal and a sign of strength.

I understand that sometimes you video record a parent and child together. How does this help?

We often do make short (ten minute) video tapes of parent and child playing together. This has two advantages. We can gain a very detailed picture of your parenting style, its strengths and what might be useful to change. But even better, we can show you exactly what we mean by looking back at the tape with you and you can see for yourself how you and your child relate to each other.

What happens to the tape recordings after the work is finished?

That's up to you. You can keep the tape for your own use or we will erase the recording and re-use the tape.

Does my child need to be there for all the sessions?

Generally we like to see you with your child for the first session so that we can gain a fuller picture of your situation. Second and subsquent meetings we may meet with you alone or with your child depending on what we agree with you will work best.

Is there a usual range of sessions needed?

It depends on a number of things, including the complexity of the problems and how long they have been an issue. For some parents a "one off" consultation may be enough. Many parents can make useful and lasting changes after three to six sessions.

I and my partner work full-time. Are you flexible about when you see families?

Yes we are. We do tailor the times to suit each family so we will work with you in the evening or weekends if that is when is convenient.

Are you a couple?

No. We have worked together for many years but we are not the "Richard and Judy" of parenting support!

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