Strengthening Families, Safeguarding Children
Access Tailored Resources and Support for Overcoming Trauma and Building Resilience
What I Offer
I provide online resources for families and professionals wanting support in the following areas:
Disenfranchised Grief and Family Estrangement
I support parents in managing their own grief if they no longer have contact with family due to abuse or dysfunction, and provide support in how to navigate this as they raise their own children.
Protective Parenting
I equip parents with tools and resources to keep their children safe from harm, such as being able to recognise the signs of grooming and developing good judgement around how to address tricky parenting issues such as sleepovers and social media.
Social Work Practice
I provide practical guidance for social workers and other professionals wanting advice on responding to disclosures, record keeping, session planning, and risk assessment frameworks.
All resources are available online in either written or prerecorded format, so they are accessible to families and professionals worldwide, whenever they are needed.
My Approach
I believe in celebrating the strength of victims/survivors and recognising the importance of family and community, both in their responsibility to protect children from abuse and their role in their journal towards healing. I take a systemic approach in considering the impact of relational trauma on the entire family unit.
I draw on a child development lens and strengths-based perspective to influence my view of children or young people who have targeted other children with sexually harmful behaviour, recognising that these children are still a valuable part of the family unit despite the horrific nature of their behaviour. Child development and trauma theory also shape my understanding that abuse experienced during childhood or adolescence can lead to significant harm across a person’s lifespan, particularly if not addressed.
Disenfranchised grief is when a deeply overwhelming and debilitating sadness exists that is unrecognised by society. It is often felt by survivors of childhood sexual abuse if they lose significant relationships with family members following their disclosure. The loss of these relationships can be complicated, as it can also (but not always) extend to the complex relationship with the perpetrators themselves. I also strongly encourage parents to prioritise their own self-care in the aftermath of their child’s disclosure of sexual abuse, as research tells us that secondary traumatic stress is common but can go unchecked.
The Peacock in a Circle
My symbol is the magnificent peacock, a visually striking bird that represents healing, rebirth, and facing life’s challenges with courage and confidence. The colourful peacock also serves as a reminder of the beauty within that exists in spite of the shadows cast by childhood trauma.
Often referred to as the Bird of Juno, the peacock is also a symbol of the mythical Roman goddess Juno. Juno is responsible for the protection of family, marriage, love, birth, and children. While Juno’s duties include the protection of all, she encompasses the female principle of life and represents the feminist philosophy that underpins my work.
The circle is also a representation of my commitment to a holistic approach. Circles conjure up images of connecting to share stories and inviting others to bear witness to both the immeasurable suffering strength of people who have endured abuse or dysfunction within their families.
