Parenting is widely acknowledged as an important and difficult job and yet there is very little support available. The Parenting Clinic is a counselling service here for you. To arrange a free 15 minute phone consultation please email Annabelle@parentingclinic.co.uk
Annabelle Hird, MBAPC, began her training at The Tavistock and Portman hospital and when on the qualify at The Gestalt Centre.
She has years of experience working with the postnatal depression charity, Cocoon Family Support and with the youth charity, Off The Record, in schools and in private practice.
Annabelle is currently practicing at The Maris Practice in Twickenham
Virginia Satir
"So much is asked of parents, and so little is given"
How can I help?
The Journey to Parenthood
Support can often be helpful even before your child is conceived. I am able to help parents with decisions about how and when to add to their family. You may find that you need a space to talk during your pregnancy.
I am also experienced with supporting those struggling with infertility and miscarriage and child loss.
The Transition into Parenting
There is no denying that becoming a parent brings with it as many challenges as it does rewards.
I am experienced in supporting women with postnatal depression and anxiety, but I am a firm believer that there is no need for a diagnosis in order to need a little help at this important time. I am here for you in the early days and as you navigate through to milestones such as weaning and returning to work from maternity leave.
New fathers also benefit from a non judgmental sounding board in which to figure out their 'new normal'
Keeping your Connection as a couple
Raising a child puts a strain on any relationship. Differences of opinions, and differences in the way we have been brought up are never more present. This combined with the sleep deprivation and the overwhelming importance of the task in hand often results in conflict.
It is very normal to need help to get comfortable in the new family dynamic and to need support to rediscover your relationship.
Big Decisions
As a parent we are often faced with big decisions. Whether you are thinking about a new working pattern, where to send your child to school, or whether or not to move house, I am able to offer you the opportunity to explore and support you to make the best choice for your family.
Supporting your child at school
Navigating the education system can feel overwhelming. I have had years of experience in schools and am able to help with any school related issue be it school refusal, bullying or an SEN. Together we can establish the issue and formulate a productive way to communicate with your child's school.
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My experience working with school aged children also allows me to help parents better understand and communicate with their children and create harmonious homes where everyone can thrive.
Changes in your family
So much in life is unpredictable and parenting is not about protecting our children from the world but rather it is about preparing them for it.
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Whether your family is suffering a bereavement or a sudden change of circumstance I am here to help.
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Separated parents can often benefit from the time to talk about how to co-parent and support to make big decisions that everyone is comfortable with.
Choosing a school
Choosing and applying for a school at 7+, 11+ or at any other time in your child's education can feel overwhelming. I have put together a package that supports you to make the right choice for your family. This service includes three sessions. When booking you will be asked to pay a deposit and to book your first session. We will make settle the balance and book in the subsequent sessions when we meet.
Getting to know you
In the is session I will find out about your child and and your needs and desires for them so that I can go create a list of appropriate schools. after the session I will send you a document with details about the schools and their application process
Making decisions
In this session we will discuss all your child's options and formulate a short list.
Putting Plans into place
This session will be all about next steps. I will support you to prepare your child for the application processes and if need be will suggest local tutors.
