Parenting Counselling in Bristol

Photo of Cathy Harwood, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Cathy Harwood
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS8
I specialise in bereavement and loss, and work individually with children and young people (age 5-18) and I also support their parent/carers.
When we are bereaved it can feel as if our whole world has shattered and there is no one who understands. Whether or not our loss was expected, when someone dies it can seem as if we have been forced to walk through a door that we didn't even know was there. There is no way back. The outside world moves on fast, not realising what it's like to be left behind in a blizzard of complex feelings. People often try to cheer us up in a way that just makes us feel worse. If we have been bereaved it can be hard to talk to a parent who has their own worries, or there may simply be no words. There is no right or wrong way to grieve.
I specialise in bereavement and loss, and work individually with children and young people (age 5-18) and I also support their parent/carers.
When we are bereaved it can feel as if our whole world has shattered and there is no one who understands. Whether or not our loss was expected, when someone dies it can seem as if we have been forced to walk through a door that we didn't even know was there. There is no way back. The outside world moves on fast, not realising what it's like to be left behind in a blizzard of complex feelings. People often try to cheer us up in a way that just makes us feel worse. If we have been bereaved it can be hard to talk to a parent who has their own worries, or there may simply be no words. There is no right or wrong way to grieve.
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Photo of Helen Downing, MBACP, Counsellor
Helen Downing
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1
Are you a parent or carer looking for support for the child in your care? Maybe you’ve been surprised by your own strong and complex emotions that seem to have been stirred up by parenting? One of the greatest privileges in my work is to support families working through past and present hurts to nurture understanding and deepen relationships. I work collaboratively with parents and carers to figure out what approach is best suited to your family’s needs right now. I also specialise in Jungian-informed sandplay therapy, which is suitable for individual clients of all ages and backgrounds.
Are you a parent or carer looking for support for the child in your care? Maybe you’ve been surprised by your own strong and complex emotions that seem to have been stirred up by parenting? One of the greatest privileges in my work is to support families working through past and present hurts to nurture understanding and deepen relationships. I work collaboratively with parents and carers to figure out what approach is best suited to your family’s needs right now. I also specialise in Jungian-informed sandplay therapy, which is suitable for individual clients of all ages and backgrounds.
0117 456 5018 View 0117 456 5018
Photo of Helen Hazell-English - Mum Therapy - Zoom counselling for mums, MBACP, Counsellor
Mum Therapy - Zoom counselling for mums
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1  (Online Only)
Motherhood is profoundly intense and triggering.You deserve to thrive,not just survive day to day, pouring your energy into other people.Clients come to me for help with things like low mood/depression, anxiety, anger, burnout, not enjoying their children and issues with relationships and self confidence. Often my clients have overcome difficult childhoods or life events and find that 'old stuff' bothers them again because of the stresses and triggers of early motherhood. You can talk to me about anything, not just parenting. I work in an LGBTQ+ and neurodiversity-affirming way.
Motherhood is profoundly intense and triggering.You deserve to thrive,not just survive day to day, pouring your energy into other people.Clients come to me for help with things like low mood/depression, anxiety, anger, burnout, not enjoying their children and issues with relationships and self confidence. Often my clients have overcome difficult childhoods or life events and find that 'old stuff' bothers them again because of the stresses and triggers of early motherhood. You can talk to me about anything, not just parenting. I work in an LGBTQ+ and neurodiversity-affirming way.
020 8138 0153 View 020 8138 0153
Photo of Dr Charlie Cowtan, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Charlie Cowtan
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1
I am a Clinical Psychologist working in the NHS with children, adolescents and families who are experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including; mental health, attachment and parenting. Sometimes therapy involves seeing the person on their own, and other times it can involve the wider family as well. Our sessions will start by getting to know you better, and what your main difficulties are at present, in the context of your life experiences. Helping you to understand why you are having such difficulties will help us to tailor our psychological intervention to your specific needs. I will be with you every step of the way.
I am a Clinical Psychologist working in the NHS with children, adolescents and families who are experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including; mental health, attachment and parenting. Sometimes therapy involves seeing the person on their own, and other times it can involve the wider family as well. Our sessions will start by getting to know you better, and what your main difficulties are at present, in the context of your life experiences. Helping you to understand why you are having such difficulties will help us to tailor our psychological intervention to your specific needs. I will be with you every step of the way.
01633 603406 View 01633 603406
Photo of Adam Wilson, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Adam Wilson
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1
I am experienced working with adults on a broad range of issues. I have a special interest in working with neurodiversity, particularly adult awareness / late diagnosis of ADHD, its emotional impact and affect on past and present behaviour and relationships. I also work with men’s issues, for example expectations/roles/identity, parenting, emotional awareness, expression and safety, and interpersonal and intimate relationships. In my experience, doing this work with another man can be especially meaningful.
I am experienced working with adults on a broad range of issues. I have a special interest in working with neurodiversity, particularly adult awareness / late diagnosis of ADHD, its emotional impact and affect on past and present behaviour and relationships. I also work with men’s issues, for example expectations/roles/identity, parenting, emotional awareness, expression and safety, and interpersonal and intimate relationships. In my experience, doing this work with another man can be especially meaningful.
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Photo of Cara Luff - Cara Luff, South Bristol Therapy, MBACP, Counsellor
Cara Luff, South Bristol Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS4
Are you feeling overwhelmed or confused by your feelings? Do you have things happening you would like to talk through? Do you have unresolved history you feel ready to look at and would like someone to support you in that? Counselling can help you to work through all of these things and help restore a balance to your feelings and life again. I have worked in depth with trauma, attachment issues, parenting difficulties, relationship problems, anxiety, depression, OCD and panic among many other things. I work as an integrative humanistic counsellor, which means I have been trained in a number of different ways of working. ​
Are you feeling overwhelmed or confused by your feelings? Do you have things happening you would like to talk through? Do you have unresolved history you feel ready to look at and would like someone to support you in that? Counselling can help you to work through all of these things and help restore a balance to your feelings and life again. I have worked in depth with trauma, attachment issues, parenting difficulties, relationship problems, anxiety, depression, OCD and panic among many other things. I work as an integrative humanistic counsellor, which means I have been trained in a number of different ways of working. ​
0117 463 0393 View 0117 463 0393
Photo of Mike Graney, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Mike Graney
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1
Waitlist for new clients
My particular interests include Wellbeing, Parenting, Fatherhood, Work, Coping and Thriving, and Personal Development.
I offer online and some face to face consultations to individuals, couples and families for communication difficulties associated with relationships and life-changes, when the usual ways of coping and support are insufficient or when the challenges involved are too much in some way. With over 30 years professional experience as a systemic practitioner, I have worked with people from a range of cultures and backgrounds in the independent, voluntary, private and public sectors. Single consultations, short-term and longer work are all available.
My particular interests include Wellbeing, Parenting, Fatherhood, Work, Coping and Thriving, and Personal Development.
I offer online and some face to face consultations to individuals, couples and families for communication difficulties associated with relationships and life-changes, when the usual ways of coping and support are insufficient or when the challenges involved are too much in some way. With over 30 years professional experience as a systemic practitioner, I have worked with people from a range of cultures and backgrounds in the independent, voluntary, private and public sectors. Single consultations, short-term and longer work are all available.
0117 325 6993 View 0117 325 6993
Photo of Michelle Gale, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Michelle Gale
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS9
I'm experienced in working with adults struggling with a range of issues including childhood trauma, addiction, anxiety, grief, depression, chronic pain, and relationship issues including communication, affairs, separation and parenting challenges.
Hi, I'm Michelle. I offer counselling to individuals and couples. Life can be challenging and there are times we can feel overwhelmed. I offer a safe and compassionate space to explore the challenges you are facing. I'm trained as an integrative therapist, which means I draw from a range of counselling approaches including Psychodynamic, Person-centred and Gestalt. As each person is unique, I aim to listen and develop a way of working together that fits with your needs.
I'm experienced in working with adults struggling with a range of issues including childhood trauma, addiction, anxiety, grief, depression, chronic pain, and relationship issues including communication, affairs, separation and parenting challenges.
Hi, I'm Michelle. I offer counselling to individuals and couples. Life can be challenging and there are times we can feel overwhelmed. I offer a safe and compassionate space to explore the challenges you are facing. I'm trained as an integrative therapist, which means I draw from a range of counselling approaches including Psychodynamic, Person-centred and Gestalt. As each person is unique, I aim to listen and develop a way of working together that fits with your needs.
0117 463 4577 View 0117 463 4577
Photo of Donna Taylor - Horus Wellbeing Contemporary Therapy, MBACP, Counsellor
Horus Wellbeing Contemporary Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS5
Feeling safety in a complex world is no mean feet. Childhood, historic, or current experiences, interacting/reacting with the complexities brought about by the pandemic, can exhaust any capacity for resilience. maybe you're a parent/carer of children transitioning from the intensity of lockdown to the uncertainty of the easing of restrictions? Is this further complicated by returning to education settings for children with Autism, ADHD, FASD, SPD, trauma and attachment? Maybe you are a foster care or adoptive parent wondering how to rebalance the attachment bond after the intensity of lockdown, recalibrating interfamilial dynamics?
Feeling safety in a complex world is no mean feet. Childhood, historic, or current experiences, interacting/reacting with the complexities brought about by the pandemic, can exhaust any capacity for resilience. maybe you're a parent/carer of children transitioning from the intensity of lockdown to the uncertainty of the easing of restrictions? Is this further complicated by returning to education settings for children with Autism, ADHD, FASD, SPD, trauma and attachment? Maybe you are a foster care or adoptive parent wondering how to rebalance the attachment bond after the intensity of lockdown, recalibrating interfamilial dynamics?
01275 402727 View 01275 402727
Photo of Andrea Herbert, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Andrea Herbert
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS6
I work with people experiencing difficulties such as comple trauma/PTSD, anger, anxiety, low self-esteem, inner self critics, stress/burnout & depression; including Veterans. These symptoms can be associated with traumatic events in childhood/adulthood; sexual abuse, personal injury, loss & bereavement, abuse, bullying & domestic violence, active service. I aim to help people recover from the effects of these stressful events on personal functioning & relationships. I also help adjustment to life challenges including health conditions & life transitions; adolescence, parenting, relationship beginning/ending & divorce, & retirement.
I work with people experiencing difficulties such as comple trauma/PTSD, anger, anxiety, low self-esteem, inner self critics, stress/burnout & depression; including Veterans. These symptoms can be associated with traumatic events in childhood/adulthood; sexual abuse, personal injury, loss & bereavement, abuse, bullying & domestic violence, active service. I aim to help people recover from the effects of these stressful events on personal functioning & relationships. I also help adjustment to life challenges including health conditions & life transitions; adolescence, parenting, relationship beginning/ending & divorce, & retirement.
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Photo of Hannah Byrne - Sapling CBT (cbt, emdr, btti for tics) , MSc
Sapling CBT (cbt, emdr, btti for tics)
MSc
Verified Verified
Bristol BS3
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Comprehensive Behavioural Interventions for Tics (CBiT) & Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) I offer parent support as part a young person’s treatment plan if required.
Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. I am a specialist Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist. My professional background is Educational Psychology, trauma and attachment therapy with 18 years experience supporting families. I help people aged 8- 24 who have experienced trauma, anxiety, low mood tics and care experienced young people. We will work together to build a bespoke treatment plan, I believe we all have the potential for positive wellbeing, I will work with you to uncover what this means to you. Weekly clinic held in Bath and Bristol and online.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Comprehensive Behavioural Interventions for Tics (CBiT) & Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) I offer parent support as part a young person’s treatment plan if required.
Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. I am a specialist Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist. My professional background is Educational Psychology, trauma and attachment therapy with 18 years experience supporting families. I help people aged 8- 24 who have experienced trauma, anxiety, low mood tics and care experienced young people. We will work together to build a bespoke treatment plan, I believe we all have the potential for positive wellbeing, I will work with you to uncover what this means to you. Weekly clinic held in Bath and Bristol and online.
0117 325 4798 View 0117 325 4798
Photo of Jodie Stone - Stone by Stone Therapy, MBACP, Counsellor
Stone by Stone Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS13
Would you like a safe, confidential space to get things off your chest? Are you a parent/carer who would like a non-judgemental space to explore the pressures of balancing your work and home-life? Would you like to speak to someone who is experienced in neurodiversity and able to adapt sessions to meet your needs? Is life feeling confusing for you? Do you feel overwhelmed and experiencing emotions that you are struggling to process?
Would you like a safe, confidential space to get things off your chest? Are you a parent/carer who would like a non-judgemental space to explore the pressures of balancing your work and home-life? Would you like to speak to someone who is experienced in neurodiversity and able to adapt sessions to meet your needs? Is life feeling confusing for you? Do you feel overwhelmed and experiencing emotions that you are struggling to process?
01633 603240 View 01633 603240
Photo of Frances Read, MSc, UKCP Trainee, Counsellor
Frances Read
Counsellor, MSc, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS1  (Online Only)
Have you experienced narcissistic abuse, coercive control or domestic violence? Maybe you are trying to recover from a narcissistic parent or abusive relationship, but are struggling with symptoms like anxiety, constant overthinking, self-analysing, and low self esteem? Or perhaps you are in a toxic relationship, trying to understand what's going on and find the strength to leave. Narcissistic and other forms of abuse can leave you feeling like a shell of your former self. Would you like to find someone who can help you understand and process the trauma you have experienced, to help you heal and become the person you want to be?
Have you experienced narcissistic abuse, coercive control or domestic violence? Maybe you are trying to recover from a narcissistic parent or abusive relationship, but are struggling with symptoms like anxiety, constant overthinking, self-analysing, and low self esteem? Or perhaps you are in a toxic relationship, trying to understand what's going on and find the strength to leave. Narcissistic and other forms of abuse can leave you feeling like a shell of your former self. Would you like to find someone who can help you understand and process the trauma you have experienced, to help you heal and become the person you want to be?
01392 321143 View 01392 321143
Photo of Dr Sophie Thomas, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Sophie Thomas
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS2  (Online Only)
I work with children, young people and their families, often when things are feeling difficult or overwhelming. Some of the reasons families have worked with me include: support to understand and manage feelings of anxiety, depression or frustration; difficulties with emotion-regulation; and difficulties within family relationships, including parent-infant and parent-child relationships.
I work with children, young people and their families, often when things are feeling difficult or overwhelming. Some of the reasons families have worked with me include: support to understand and manage feelings of anxiety, depression or frustration; difficulties with emotion-regulation; and difficulties within family relationships, including parent-infant and parent-child relationships.
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Photo of Louise Pivcevic, MA, BACP, Psychotherapist
Louise Pivcevic
Psychotherapist, MA, BACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1
I'm a Tavistock trained psychotherapist for adolescents, young adults up to 26 and parents., specialising in student mental health, also in parenting including successful co-parenting around separation/divorce. I have 16 years experience in the NHS and a busy private practice. I have a warm, empathic approach, meeting you where you are. I aim to help you discover more freedom and authenticity in how you relate to yourself and others. I treat a diverse range of issues - anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, transgender, sexuality, Member of BACP, ACP and Tavistock Society of Psychotherapists.
I'm a Tavistock trained psychotherapist for adolescents, young adults up to 26 and parents., specialising in student mental health, also in parenting including successful co-parenting around separation/divorce. I have 16 years experience in the NHS and a busy private practice. I have a warm, empathic approach, meeting you where you are. I aim to help you discover more freedom and authenticity in how you relate to yourself and others. I treat a diverse range of issues - anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, transgender, sexuality, Member of BACP, ACP and Tavistock Society of Psychotherapists.
01480 773558 View 01480 773558
Photo of Armel Wraight, MBACP Snr. Accred, Counsellor
Armel Wraight
Counsellor, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1  (Online Only)
I have a wide range of work and life experience including caring, parenting, bereavement, depression, anxiety, abuse, trauma, relationships, divorce, self-employment, workplace burnout, neuro-diversity, sobriety, transitions, LGBTQIA community.
You may have been suffering for a while or perhaps something has happened recently to upset and disrupt your life. You need someone safe to turn to with your feelings, someone who is not going to judge you or feel burdened by your needs. You want to work things out and feel supported. Together we can explore, understand your situation, build on your strengths and increase your capacity and confidence.
I have a wide range of work and life experience including caring, parenting, bereavement, depression, anxiety, abuse, trauma, relationships, divorce, self-employment, workplace burnout, neuro-diversity, sobriety, transitions, LGBTQIA community.
You may have been suffering for a while or perhaps something has happened recently to upset and disrupt your life. You need someone safe to turn to with your feelings, someone who is not going to judge you or feel burdened by your needs. You want to work things out and feel supported. Together we can explore, understand your situation, build on your strengths and increase your capacity and confidence.
0115 697 1685 View 0115 697 1685
Photo of Post Natal Depression Counsellor Katie Leatham, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Post Natal Depression Counsellor Katie Leatham
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Bristol BS2
You are probably feeling very upset, alone and confused, maybe even ashamed and wondering if counselling could help? Everyone who comes to therapy has a unique set of issues but the underlying need to share the distress and be understood, is true for everyone. If you are struggling with parenting, postnatal depression, miscarriage or your identity during a life transition, you are not alone. I have lots of experience working with women (and men) who are struggling with life and want to feel better than they currently do. I also help younger people and teens who may have self esteem issues, feel sad, anxious or be self harming.
You are probably feeling very upset, alone and confused, maybe even ashamed and wondering if counselling could help? Everyone who comes to therapy has a unique set of issues but the underlying need to share the distress and be understood, is true for everyone. If you are struggling with parenting, postnatal depression, miscarriage or your identity during a life transition, you are not alone. I have lots of experience working with women (and men) who are struggling with life and want to feel better than they currently do. I also help younger people and teens who may have self esteem issues, feel sad, anxious or be self harming.
01792 949668 View 01792 949668
Photo of Naomi Nightingale, MBACP, Counsellor
Naomi Nightingale
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS7
I am an experienced counsellor offering sessions to individuals and couples as well as separated parent mediation. I offer you a welcoming, confidential and supportive space. To sessions I bring compassion, kindness and warmth. I am here to help you navigate life and support you through the challenges that come along. Our sessions are an opportunity for you to talk about things that have upset or unsettled you, to articulate feelings that you have. Sessions are a space for you to understand yourself, make sense of relationships and to reflect on why you experience the world as you do.
I am an experienced counsellor offering sessions to individuals and couples as well as separated parent mediation. I offer you a welcoming, confidential and supportive space. To sessions I bring compassion, kindness and warmth. I am here to help you navigate life and support you through the challenges that come along. Our sessions are an opportunity for you to talk about things that have upset or unsettled you, to articulate feelings that you have. Sessions are a space for you to understand yourself, make sense of relationships and to reflect on why you experience the world as you do.
01803 225573 View 01803 225573
Photo of Sara Benyon, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Sara Benyon
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS34
I have experience working with clients recovering from abusive relationships, low self esteem, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting, miscarriages and trauma among other things.
I provide a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space to explore your circumstances and experiences, the patterns you see in your life and how they may link with your past experiences and relationships. I work collaboratively with you to create space to process emotions and find a way forward for you. I help you to explore patterns and habits in your thinking and behaviours and ways to change them. My approach is warm, empathic and supportive and I work at a pace that is right for you. My approach is person centred integrative and I incorporate working with attachment issues, nervous system regulation and healing from trauma.
I have experience working with clients recovering from abusive relationships, low self esteem, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting, miscarriages and trauma among other things.
I provide a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space to explore your circumstances and experiences, the patterns you see in your life and how they may link with your past experiences and relationships. I work collaboratively with you to create space to process emotions and find a way forward for you. I help you to explore patterns and habits in your thinking and behaviours and ways to change them. My approach is warm, empathic and supportive and I work at a pace that is right for you. My approach is person centred integrative and I incorporate working with attachment issues, nervous system regulation and healing from trauma.
0117 463 0717 View 0117 463 0717
Photo of Kirsten Lawrence - Online counselling with Kirsten Lawrence, MBACP, Counsellor
Online counselling with Kirsten Lawrence
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS41
Counselling can help with experiences of anxiety and stress, childhood issues, low self esteem, abuse, trauma, existential difficulties, depression, grief and loss, increasing confidence or any issue where a person needs understanding and support to explore their situation in a non-judgmental space. Therapy can help with personal development and is a way of expanding on and understanding ourselves. I work from an integrative approach and draw influence from a range of therapeutic backgrounds to suit the individual and their situation.
Counselling can help with experiences of anxiety and stress, childhood issues, low self esteem, abuse, trauma, existential difficulties, depression, grief and loss, increasing confidence or any issue where a person needs understanding and support to explore their situation in a non-judgmental space. Therapy can help with personal development and is a way of expanding on and understanding ourselves. I work from an integrative approach and draw influence from a range of therapeutic backgrounds to suit the individual and their situation.
0117 463 2338 x44 View 0117 463 2338 x44

See more therapy options for Bristol

Parenting Counsellors

What does therapy for parenting look like?

Therapists may work with parents individually, together, or include the whole family to find solutions for the problems a parent faces. Many parent-based therapies work on a parent’s relationship with their children, problem-solving within the family, and analysis of family dynamics. Therapy conducted remotely by video may be helpful in allowing a therapist to observe how families interact in their own homes.

When should a parent seek therapy?

When behavioral problems begin to disrupt the healthy functioning of a family, it may be a good time to look into therapy. If parents find that children are acting out in school, have started using drugs or alcohol, have developed eating disorders, or other similar red flags, a therapist may be able to help.

How long does therapy take for parenting problems?

Depending on the severity of a family’s challenges and the type of treatment utilized, therapy for parenting can last from weeks to months. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a pragmatic therapy type that can be brief, most often ranging from between 5 and 20 sessions. Structural family therapy, which inspects family dynamics, often takes several months. Parent-child interaction therapy is typically shorter-term, lasting between 10 and 20 sessions. For any therapy, the duration will depend on the progress made and results realized.

Can therapy help parents dealing with burnout or stress?

Parenting is difficult. Parents may dismiss or conceal feelings of exhaustion, overwhelm, or escape ideation—imagining withdrawing from their parental obligations altogether. but left unattended, these feelings can have negative effects on the whole family. A therapist can help parents work on the skills they might need to better cope with the burdens of parenting and help them be the best parents they can be.