Counsellor in Cheltenham

Therapeutic Parenting

Children who have experienced trauma or loss in their early years often see the world through a lens shaped by fear, uncertainty, and unmet needs. Traditional parenting approaches may not always meet them where they are. Therapeutic parenting is a nurturing, highly attuned way of responding that helps children feel safe, understood, and valued.

It’s not just about managing behaviour—it’s about understanding the why behind it. By combining empathy with clear boundaries, therapeutic parenting helps children begin to trust, regulate their emotions, and build the secure attachments they may have missed early in life.

For the past 18 years, I have specialised in supporting parents of children who are looked after or adopted. Over this time, I have developed considerable knowledge and a wide range of experience in therapeutic parenting, attachment-based approaches, and the impact of developmental trauma.

Drawing on evidence-based strategies, I can help you respond to your child in ways that promote healing rather than re-trigger their pain. In our sessions, I will work with you on how to put positive, relational interactions into practice—strengthening your connection and deepening attachment.

My goal is to walk alongside you, offering guidance, tools, and encouragement so you can parent with confidence, compassion, and hope.

What to expect

During our sessions we’ll explore together how developmental trauma and disrupted attachment can shape a child’s emotional, psychological and neurological development. Many children who have experienced early adversity may struggle with:

  • A sensitive nervous system
  • Difficulties with sensory integration and self-regulation
  • Compromised higher brain functions
  • Distorted relational patterns and difficulties trusting others

By understanding these challenges, you will gain insight into why certain behaviours occur and how best to respond in ways that are both supportive and therapeutic.

How I Work

We will look at evidence-based approaches including:

  • PACE (Dan Hughes) – using a Playful, Accepting, Curious and Empathic attitude in order to build safety and connection.
  • The 4 R’s (Louise Bomber) – Regulate, Relate, Reason and Repair.
  • The 1–4 Sequence (Heather Forbes) – helping children move from dysregulation towards calm.
  • The Neuro-sequential Model (Bruce Perry) – understanding how trauma impacts brain development.

Together, we will also explore empathic behaviour management techniques (Amber Elliot) so that you feel equipped with practical tools to use at home.

Alongside supporting your child, we will focus on your wellbeing as a parent or carer. This includes recognising the signs of ‘Blocked Care’ (Dan Hughes & Jon Baylin), learning strategies for self-regulation, managing stress, and finding ways to look after yourself so you can remain emotionally available for your child.

When your everyday life feels like a constant battle, it is such a relief to have someone to talk too about this that understands’ – LC

Catherine has been brilliant, we feel understood when we talk to her about some of the challenges we have and feel that she has offered us solutions and suggestions that are appropriate for our family. – AK