Josephine Burke (Art Therapist/Parenting support) HCPC registered

Are you a parent feeling overwhelmed and exhausted? You want the best for your child/ren but just don't have the energy to provide this. I can help!

We can meet to discuss the obstacles preventing you from being the type of parent you want to be. We will look at solutions such as how to help you feel refreshed, energised and nourished. It is always important to look after yourself so that you can then look after your child/ren well. We will look at what your child needs, who they are and how they present to you and the rest of the world. How can you spark their imaginations, develop their relationships and help them learn? We can think together about discipline and how you can set reasonable limits establishing helpful routines and rules in your home that benefit everyone. Most of all parenting is about you developing a relationship with your child/ren that will be deep and meaningful for you all.

At first we can discuss the changes you hope to create in your family life. Together we can come up with what you would like to achieve by the end of the treatment package. Then we will discuss how many sessions you may need or want. I will need to meet with your child also to see how they feel about treatment. However, the majority of the sessions can be parent only. You can bring live examples of things you and your child/ren are struggling with and we can come up with solutions and ideas together for you to try out at home. Usually parenting support runs over about 8 sessions (with 2 assessment appointments) but some people find follow up sessions helpful. I can offer these sessions online or via telephone as well as face to face.

Does it feel hard to connect with your infant/toddler? Do you feel like you just don't understand them or what they need? I can help!

You may be worried that your toddler is not hitting their milestones or perhaps due to your own personal history you find it hard to connect with them. This is really normal. As parents we are working with a blue print that our parents taught us. Sometimes that blue print is not a good design for our children's needs. Perhaps you are trying to do something different but don't feel confident. I can provide you with an evidence based treatment that is guaranteed to build the bond between you and your little one as well as your confidence in positive parenting. Video feedback Interaction to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP-SD) is a treatment programme devised by Leiden University. We can discuss your goals for treatment and think about if VIPP-SD is the best option for you. This treatment programme needs to be delivered in person at your home for 6-7 sessions. I film you and your child/infant doing some tasks together so that we can observe together what you are doing well. I will encourage your strengths in parenting well as well as providing information on child development and tools that you can use to help your child/infant in the future.

Perhaps your child/young person is finding it hard to talk about how they feel. You want to help but you don't know how? I can help!

I am a fully qualified and accredited art psychotherapist (Health Care Professions Council) and can assess and work with children or young people who are struggling to verbalise their feelings. I have worked for over 10 years in CAMHS (children and mental health services) and childcare settings. I can help you as a parent develop skills to help your child/young person and work with your child individually. These sessions can last as long or as few as required. I will set out goals with your child at the start of the sessions and we will review the appointments as time goes on. I provide a safe and non-judgemental space where images can be made and thought about in order to express feelings that can often be overwhelming to talk about.

Are you an educational or childcare setting who wants your staff to know more about mental health? I can help!

I provide high quality evidence based training on subjects such as: emotional wellbeing, resilience, depression and self harm, general mental health, attachment and early years. If you are interested in these topics or would like a bespoke programme of training provided please get in touch.

About me:

I am a fully qualified and highly experienced art psychotherapist/under 5s specialist.

I provide evidence based therapeutic services to children, families and adults through art psychotherapy, VIPP-SD (Video feedback Interaction to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline) and the Incredible Years Parenting Programme.

I also offer a consultation service to professionals who are concerned about an individual. I provide CPD/short courses and presentations to settings such as schools and nurseries (INSET), child care settings, health and social care providers and organisations on general mental health for adults, parents and children; managing difficult behaviour; attachment; under 5s emotional wellbeing; team building and reflective practice. I can develop bespoke programmes for specific settings in addition to these topics.

I'm interested in therapy as I'm interested in people and how they see the world around them. I want to help people find their strengths and for us to learn from eachother that our view of the world is amazing and unique to us. In this day and age parents are often isolated and under supported rather than being 'bad parents'. I want to be able to provide the support  parents need to be the parents they want to be rather than feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

I also want to skill up educational and childcare settings to enhance the work they do and understand what infants, children and young people need to be happy. It is their self esteem and happiness that leads to true success in relationships, learning and well-being.

Testimonials:

"Thankyou for all the sessions so far" S, 8 years old

"Thankyou so much for our sessions, I have really enjoyed them. I will miss you" R 11years old

"Josephine, thankyou for supporting my Mum" E, 10 years old

"After your hard work my daughter got better, she has got a very positive self image, self esteem and confidence. You built a good relationship with M and all our family. You respect our culture and family background and we are very grateful to you. You gave M a feeling that she should not be afraid" mother of M. M 10 tears old

"I want to say a big thankyou for supporting O and I. You have been very patient and understanding and braved all weathers! I feel some professionals think I'm too protective of my children but I think you really understood that there is a need for that and really listened to me. For O to build a relationship with you and for him to learn that it's ok to feel however he is feeling is so important. O is a happier child now, his self esteem and confidence is slowly building and you have been a big help in that. Thankyou so much" Mother of O, O 8 years old

"Josephine is a highly experienced and approachable therapist and consultant. I sought her guidance and expertise to help me to support my children. Josephine is an excellent listener and she allowed me to express my own worries without any time pressure and she offered both support and new ideas to help my children. She also provided endorsement of my own approach to help my children which was hugely valuable and comforting. in a situation which was engulfed in guilt that our family situation may have caused anxiety, Josephine reassured me that these things are also common and easily addressable and management in many children. We are making great progress, thank you Josephine!" Mother of 2: 4 years and 6 years old