How to keep going. Supportive strategies for parents.

Are you the parent or carer of a child or young person currently experiencing a difficult time? In my Clinical Psychology practice I am continuously amazed by the enormous amount of care, compassion and strengths parents have when supporting a child who is struggling. This may be because they are dealing with difficult emotions, physical health challenges, struggling with school or friendships or perhaps due to a change in family and personal circumstances. Whatever the cause, I know how much parents give and do to ensure their child’s wellbeing. When I ask parents what they are doing to look after themselves, I often hear how difficult they find it to recognise and address their own needs. However, as a Psychologist I also believe that the single most supportive step a parent can take in looking after their child is to consider how they are feeling in themselves and who else may be able to offer support. I would therefore like to suggest some simple and practical steps parents can take to find support and ensure their own wellbeing, whilst continuing to be there for their child or young person.

In this free one hour talk I will address the following areas:

- Common issues faced by parents supporting a young person who is struggling.

- Why does it feel so difficult for parents to consider their own needs?

- What may be the cost to parents who can not find support for themselves?

- Why is looking after yourself actually also meeting your child’s needs?

- Practical and realistic steps parents can take to look after themselves.

There will also be a chance to ask questions and get a professional view on your queries.

About Dr Sirja van Zyl

Sirja (pronounced like the country Syria) is a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years experience of working with children and young people. She has a special interest in the assessment of autism and ADHD. Sirja has worked in NHS mental health services as well as private hospitals and regularly teaches on the doctorate for Clinical Psychologists training programme. She has previously held the position of Pathway Lead in an NHS neurodevelopmental service and is now the joint director of Kent Psychologist and the Clinical Lead for the Autism and ADHD assessment team within the service. She is passionate about creating a positive future for children and young people and regularly provides training to health care professionals, schools and parents.

Sirja currently offers autism and ADHD assessments through her private practice in Kent, but hopes that this talk will be of help to all parents, regardless of their child’s circumstances.