Being a parent can be challenging in any circumstances. But when our children are having problems, struggles, moods and meltdowns, the challenges become even greater. Our own intense emotions get stirred up and we can be left feeling resentful and frustrated or helpless and defeated. We can feel like we are completely failing, like everyone is judging us. We might feel like we have tried everything, and there is no hope. Or we might feel like we don't know where to start. There might be times when our heart is breaking for our child, and there might be other times when we feel so disconnected from them or even struggle to like them. 

Emotion-Focused Skills Training (EFST) is an evidence-based, practical approach to supporting the parents of children who are experiencing social, behavioural or mental health struggles.

EFST is rooted in the belief that parents are the experts in their own children and can be the most important healing force for change for these children. EFST helps parents explore their relationship with their own emotions so they can gain access to the innate expertise they have to help their children with theirs.

This two-day course will help parents develop skills in three main areas

• Emotional Validation
  Parents will gain knowledge and experience in working with emotions, and learn how to validate their child's difficult and painful emotions. 

• Boundary Setting
  Parents will become aware of their natural boundary style and how it's working for their child. They will learn ways to adapt their boundaries and limits so they work better for their particular child, whether that means becoming firmer or becoming less rigid.

• Repairing Relationships
  Parents will learn how to repair and heal relationship wounds that may have left their child feeling hurt, scared, alone or self-critical. 

Research has demonstrated that EFST can lead to significant mental health improvement for children, even without the child attending a professional themselves. EFST is suitable for parents of children with or without a diagnosis, children in treatment, on a waiting list for treatment, or not seeking any treatment. It can help parents of children who are neurotypical, neurodivergent or who have learning difficulties. EFST is also suitable for any parent who wants to feel more confident and prepared for whatever difficulties lie ahead in their family.