Counselling for Parents
Supporting Parents Through the Hard Parts
A Non Judgmental Space, Were The Realities Of Parenting Are Recognised.
Parenting is demanding. And when you're parenting a child with additional needs, navigating systems that don't understand, fighting for support that should be there, or carrying trauma from your own experiences — it can feel impossible.
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You don't need another professional telling you what you should be doing differently. You need space to breathe, someone who understands the reality of what you're managing, and guidance that actually helps.
What Parents Often Bring
Parent -Carer Burnout
Exhaustion from advocating, managing appointments, coordinating support, and being "on" 24/7
System Frustration
Dealing with professionals who don't listen, services that fall short, EHCP battles, or feeling gaslit by the very people meant to help
Grief & Loss
Grieving the parenting journey you imagined, processing difficult diagnoses, or navigating bereavement
Guilt & Self-Doubt
Questioning if you're doing enough, feeling like you're failing, or losing yourself in the process
Relationship Strain
Tension with partners, family members who don't understand, co-parenting conflicts
Secondary Trauma
Carrying the weight of your child's experiences, especially for parents of children who've experienced trauma, medical trauma, or are refugees/displaced
Resentment
Feeling angry about how hard this is, resentful of other parents whose lives look easier, or guilty about feeling resentful toward your child
Shame
Feeling judged by other parents, professionals, or family — or judging yourself for struggling
Low Mood
Feeling sad or like nothing is enjoyable
Self-Esteem
Feeling not good enough or struggling with confidence
Neurodivergence
Understanding themselves and navigating differences
Counselling With Zara
About Zara
Zara is a therapist and final year doctoral candidate in counselling psychology. She previously coordinated a bereavement service for children and has extensive experience supporting young people facing complex challenges.
Zara believes that children and young people thrive when they feel genuinely seen, heard, and accepted. Her approach is grounded in Person-Centred and Experiential therapy - the relationship is what matters most, not rigid techniques. She works in a way that's relatable and down to earth, meeting young people where they are.
Zara often works with emotions in the moment - through play, creativity, or just being together - helping children process feelings in ways that feel natural to them. Depending on what's helpful, she brings in other approaches:
• Narrative Therapy - helping young people make sense of their experiences and stories
• ACT and CFT - building self-compassion and emotional skills
• CBT elements - practical strategies when they're useful
Therapy is tailored to each child or young person. Zara believes therapeutic relationships can happen anywhere - sitting together, throwing a ball, building Lego, using art, or walking side by side. The connection matters more than the setting.
