The Programme

Help The Parent facilitate the Who’s In Charge parenting programme. The eight week programme is a combination of therapeutic and educational content. The sessions run for two and a half hours and we offer both daytime and evening courses.

The programme can support parents and carers with children aged 8 to 18 years of age that are experiencing difficulty in changing unwanted or challenging behaviours, deemed to be out of parental control, experiencing child to parent violence /abuse or feel they have to ‘tread on eggshells’ or placate their child on a regular basis.

The programme was created by Eddie Gallagher, an Australian psychotherapist. Help The Parent have absolute belief in this programme and parents attending our course, consistently feedback on the positive changes they have experienced as a result of attending.

What will the course teach me?

The layout of the programme can be divided into three main sections;

The first section of the programme aims to reduce parents’ feelings of isolation, guilt and blame, developing parents understanding of the factors that may have led to their current position. Once parents have had opportunity to explore some of the reasons they may be dealing with difficult behaviour and have gained insight into some of the barriers that have prevented change in the past, we have found that putting in boundaries and strategies often becomes easier.

The second section of the programme explores the tools and strategies we use in changing unwanted behaviours. We recognise that for most parents approaching Help The Parent, they may have already tried to use the strategy of consequence before but with little success. However, many factors need to be considered around boundary setting and we will work through this process with you. We will help you to create a personalised plan to help you see change.

As well as learning themes and content together as a group, Debbie and Helen work through each parent’s case individually, as every situation is slightly different. We feel confident that the strategies work effectively with all children, including children that appear not to ‘care about anything’.

The third section of the programme supports parents to initiate and embed the changes they would like to make. This is about securing long term change, reflecting on and reinforcing the learning on the course and being mindful of upcoming life changes which may shift dynamics. During section three, we also have an in depth exploration of key topics that need particular consideration.

Debbie and Helen will support you throughout the process, addressing issues and strategies as they arise. Supporting and empowering you to see change.

Why a group?

We fully appreciate that attending a group with people you have not met before is a nerve wracking prospect. Please feel reassured that Help The Parent facilitate groups that are respectful and compassionate to all parents participating.

We find that parents consistently feed back that they enjoy the peer support element that the group provides and this also reduces parents feelings of isolation and low self worth. Although each family situation is unique, you may be surprised by some of the commonalities you recognise in discussion and this will help you to build clarity around your own situation.

Remember, Debbie and Helen are always on hand for one to one discussion throughout the programme and if necessary at times throughout the year following the programme, at no extra cost.