When the other person is hurting, confused, troubled, anxious, alienated, terrified; or when he or she is doubtful of self-worth, uncertain as to identity, then understanding is called for. The gentle and sensitive companionship of an empathic stance… provides illumination and healing. In such situations deep understanding is, I believe, the most precious gift one can give to another

Carl Rogers

Children and Families who may require support from Family Affect, may have experienced Trauma: Trauma is defined as an experience that the individual interprets as beyond their ability to cope. For example: Relational trauma (i.e. early life chronic & pervasive neglect & abuse) physical abuse, sexual abuse or foetal alcohol or drug abuse. Or trauma as a result of loss, bullying, domestic violence, accidents etc or have a wide variety of problems, including:

  • Children/Young people who are withdrawn
  • Children/Young people struggling with relationships
  • Children/Young people with depressed behaviour
  • Children/Young people with aggression
  • Children/Young people with phobias
  • Children/Young people who have difficulty socialising and making friends
  • Special Educational Needs (SEN) e.g: Autism, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, (ADHD), Developmental Delays & Oppositional Defiant Disorders.

Children who have suffered trauma present with a wide variety of problems including:

  • Withdrawn or depressed behaviour
  • Disorganised & dissociative attachments, ambivalent or avoidant attachment styles
  • Overactive-aggressive behaviour
  • Chaotic minds
  • Temper tantrums
  • Phobias
  • Difficulty socialising and making friends

Children may also have a variety of interpersonal problems and behaviours resulting from learning disabilities, developmental delays, and pervasive developmental disorders.

Parent Consultation

The aims of consultation with parents are to increase therapeutic understanding by exploring some of the current difficulties that may be being experienced and therefore impacting upon family life.

Parent consultations will deepen knowledge in parenting with CAKE (Compassion and curiosity, Acceptance and attunement, Kindness and knowing, Empathy and engagement) therefore bringing brightness and joy to family life. Consultations are used to enhance and build upon the foundations and knowledge that you already have. By enhancing your knowledge the aim is to reduce the consequences of the effect of child trauma thus creating deeper more meaningful relationships.

It is vital to have an understanding of the family dynamics in order to understand the impact that they may be having on the child and the consequences they may have on the child’s internal and external world.

Parents are central of Family Affect’s model and consultation takes place either alongside practical sessions or as a separate entity in order to create deeper bonds and for increased joy and delight in each other.