When Parenting Brings Up Your Past
Parenting can feel incredibly overwhelming when you are also carrying the weight of your own childhood wounds. I often meet women who are capable, thoughtful, and deeply caring, yet find themselves thrown by their child’s emotions. A tantrum, clinginess, or even silence can stir something unexpected. It can feel confusing, or even unsettling.
I think what’s often happening is that these moments touch something older. They can activate childhood wounds, attachment issues, or experiences of emotional neglect that were never fully processed. You might notice emotional overwhelm, anxiety, or a pull towards rumination and regret. You may feel stuck, or question yourself in ways that echo a deeper sense of low self-worth.
You’re not alone in this. And there is nothing “wrong” with you.
How I work as a counsellor and psychotherapist
As a counsellor and psychotherapist, I offer talk therapy that goes beyond just talking. Many of the women I work with have tried therapy before and felt it didn’t quite reach the deeper layers. My approach is gentle, collaborative, and paced around you.
I integrate Person Centred Therapy with Somatic Therapy and other Body Based Therapy approaches, because I believe healing happens not just through insight, but through the body. We might work with nervous system regulation, helping your system learn that the past is over, even when it doesn’t feel that way.
I also draw on Lifespan Integration, which can support healing from Complex Trauma and CPTSD without needing to relive painful experiences. Alongside this, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) can help you step out of cycles of rumination and move towards a life that feels more meaningful and aligned.
What This Can Help With
Clients often come to me feeling caught in patterns they don’t fully understand. This might show up as unhealthy relationships, difficulty with boundaries, or a sense of being disconnected from yourself. You might be managing depression, anxiety, or relying on harmful coping mechanisms just to get through.
Over time, our work can help you feel more grounded, more connected, and more able to respond rather than react. Parenting can begin to feel less triggering, and more like something you can move through with steadiness and compassion for yourself.
Therapy with me
I offer online and in-person therapy in East London. My style is relaxed and non-judgemental. I won’t push you to go anywhere you’re not ready to go. We work together, at your pace.
If you’re looking for a therapist who understands the lasting impact of early experiences – and who will meet you with warmth, honesty, and care – you’re very welcome to get in touch.