Reflecting back on the early weeks, months (or even years) following a child joining the family is something I spend a fair amount of time doing with the majority of…...
Lenny the Lion This is the story of a ferocious lion who is now learning to be brave like a cub. Lenny the Lion is on an adventure of a…
READ MOREMany adopted and fostered children experience high levels of shame (http://www.pafca.co.uk/theory-article/the-impact-of-shame/). Shame is a complex emotion that feels desperately uncomfortable for children and usually children will learn to limit behaviours…...
Intersubjectivity: The key to human connection Often children who are fostered and adopted have missed out on vital early experiences that facilitate the ability to fully connect with another and…...
Many adoptive parents are puzzled by the apparent change in behaviours during the adolescent period. They describe their children who were previously warm, loving and kind-natured as turning into something…
READ MOREPICA is the eating of non-edible, non-nutritious items such as stones, plastic, wood etc. It is more common in children on the Autism Spectrum, children with a learning disability and…...
The attachment system can operate a bit like a book, closing down due early traumatic experiences (i.e. abuse or neglect). This means compassion and affection from adoptive parents or carers…...
What is Blocked Care and how do I know if I have it? I recently wrote about why, as a therapist, we often prioritise work with parents over working directly…...
“My child flies away somewhere and I don’t know where she goes or what she’s doing!” This was one of the comments a foster carer made to me when we…...
In this piece I wanted to think about the importance of your self-care. “My self-care!” I hear you cry! I’m guessing that between trying to parent the traumatised children in…...
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