What is Reflective Parenting?
Behind every behaviour is a feeling. And beneath each feeling is a need. When we meet that need rather than focus on the behaviour, we begin to deal with the cause, not the symptom.
Ashleigh Warner (Psychologist)
Reflective Parenting
Parenting can be messy, overwhelming, and full of moments that challenge us in unexpected ways. We’re not taught how to parent, and yet we’re often expected to instinctively know what to do. I hold a core belief that parents are doing the best they can with the tools and resources they have.
Reflective parenting sessions offer a supportive space for parents or carers to better understand their child’s behaviour by exploring what might be going on underneath it and how you can respond in ways that support both of you.
Rather than focusing solely on managing behaviour, these sessions invite you to reflect on your child’s experience and your own - helping you respond with greater empathy, confidence, and connection.
At the heart of this work is a concept called mentalisation - the ability to make sense of your own thoughts and feelings, as well as your child’s. When we can mentalise, we’re more able to stay calm in the heat of challenging moments, recognise what a child might be feeling (even when they can’t say it), and respond in ways that help them feel seen and safe.
These sessions can often bring relief, clarity, and a renewed sense of connection between parent and child.