Support for Parents Course: Understanding Harmful Behaviours

Parenting a young adult who struggles with harmful behaviours or emotional distress can feel overwhelming. Many parents worry about saying the wrong thing, making situations worse, or not understanding what their child is going through. This course is designed to provide support and guidance for parents navigating these challenges.

This parent support course provides:

• Insights into early brain development and how it links to current challenges
• Guidance on recognising how your own beliefs and judgments affect the way you respond
• An introduction to biosocial theory and how environment and biology interact

Led by Emma Pott, a Registered Psychotherapist, Nurse, and Coach with over 10 years of NHS experience in complex emotional needs.

The course is designed to be practical and interactive, offering real-world strategies you can apply straight away. Together, we will explore:

• Owning your assumptions and how they influence your actions
• Managing your anxiety when faced with your child’s distress
• Knowing what to say and what not to say – reducing fear of “getting it wrong”
• Building a life worth living for both you and your child
• Understanding what works when supporting harmful behaviours
• The difference between counselling, psychotherapy, DBT and why that matters
• Open Q&A time to ask about your unique situation

This course is designed for any parent of a young adult (17+) who wants to better understand harmful behaviours and mental health struggles. You may relate if you are:

• Concerned about your child’s harmful behaviours or emotional pain
• Open and curious about how difficulties develop
• Unsure about the different therapies available
• Wanting practical support while also caring for your own wellbeing

Whether your child has tried counselling or therapy before, or you’re only beginning to explore support options, this course offers clarity and direction.

The parent support course runs monthly for two hours and is delivered as an interactive online session via Teams, allowing you to participate from the comfort of your own home.

For information about course fees, availability, and booking, please get in touch with us directly. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you secure a place.

By joining, you’ll gain knowledge and tools that help you navigate difficult conversations and support your child with compassion.

Reach out today to find out course fees and availability. We’re here to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

Who is this parent support course for?

This course is for parents of young adults (17+) who want to understand and respond to harmful behaviours, emotional distress and mental health challenges.

Will this course help me manage my own anxiety as a parent?

Yes. Alongside learning about your child’s difficulties, you’ll gain practical strategies to manage your own stress and feel more confident in your responses.

Do I need prior knowledge of mental health or therapy to join?

No. The course is designed for parents at any stage of learning, with clear guidance on DBT, psychotherapy, counselling and effective strategies.

What kind of support will I get for my child?

You’ll learn practical, evidence-informed tools to support your child’s emotional wellbeing, navigate harmful behaviours and understand what types of therapy can help.

Can parents who live outside the local area join?

Absolutely. This course is open to parents anywhere who want guidance, insight and strategies to support their young adult’s mental health.