Parenting Support
Parenting through emotional challenges can feel isolating and overwhelming. I offer attachment-based parenting support to help parents understand their child's needs, strengthen their connection, and build confidence in guiding them toward emotional safety and growth—whether you're navigating everyday challenges or supporting trauma recovery. I utilize Circle of Security®, Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (PDEP), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), family play therapy and other approaches in the process.
Who I Help
I support parents of children ages 3+ who want to better understand and support their child through:
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Big emotions and developmental changes
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Anxiety, behaviour struggles, or withdrawal
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Stressful or overwhelming experiences
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Attachment and connection challenges
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Sibling conflict and family stress
Circle of Security®
Circle of Security® is an evidence-based parenting program that maps the parent-child attachment relationship as a "circle" of needs. I support parents in understanding how to:
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Provide a secure base for exploration (top of circle)
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Offer a safe haven during distress (bottom of circle)
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Read attachment cues to balance autonomy and comfort
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Reflect on their own attachment history to enhance responsiveness
This structured framework helps parents meet their child's emotional needs with confidence and consistency.
Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting
Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (PDEP), developed by Dr. Joan Durrant at the University of Manitoba is an evidence-based program delivered in 30+ countries to promote healthy child development.
PDEP's 4 core principles (research-validated):
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Long-term goals – North Star in parenting
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Warmth – Safety and Security
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Structure – Information, Guidance, and Support
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Understanding development and temperament – identifying needs
Key evidence-based practices:
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Interactive problem-solving – Collaborative conflict resolution
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Emotion coaching – Help children name and manage feelings
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Positive guidance – providing warmth and structure
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Parent self-regulation – Model calmness and self-care
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)
DDP, developed by Dr. Dan Hughes, helps parents and children with complex trauma and attachment difficulties through PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy):
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Playfulness – Light-hearted connection
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Acceptance – Unconditional positive regard
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Curiosity – "What's happening inside you?"
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Empathy – "I see you're hurting."
What parents learn: How to create safety for children who have experienced relational trauma, helping them heal through attuned, non-directive conversations.
Family Play Therapy
I use play as both assessment and intervention to understand each family's unique dynamics and tailor treatment:
Through play, I observe:
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Parent-child attachment patterns
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Family communication styles
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Child's emotional expression
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Family strengths and challenges
Specific approaches include:
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Filial Therapy – Parents learn child-centred play sessions for home use
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Theraplay® – Structured playful activities to build attachment and joy
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Family Play Therapy – Whole family sessions using toys, games, and art
Play reveals what words alone cannot.
