Groups and workshops

ADHD101

ADHD101 is single session workshop designed to help parents and guardians build knowledge, confidence, and connection following their young person’s recent diagnosis.  

  This 2.5-hour workshop offers practical insights into ADHD, covering topics such as: 

  You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of ADHD, actionable strategies, and a sense of empowerment as you begin this journey with your young person. 

Spaces are limited, so please click the link below to secure your spot 

Book now

 


Parent skills training

Parent skills training empowers caregivers to effectively support their young person’s journey through adolescence. It provides practical strategies to nurture emotional development, reduce conflict and strengthen relationships.

What we offer

Our facilitators are trained to deliver Tuning in to Teens™ and TCI Families ™ parent training programs. They have decades of experience working with complex and high-risk young people and are widely respected for their expertise in neuro-affirming and adolescent-friendly care. They also bring personal insight as parents of neurodivergent young people—offering a unique combination of professional skill and lived experience to support families with empathy, credibility, and care.

We will tailor each Tuning in to Teens™ series to the needs of the group. We may incorporate elements from TCI Families™ and other evidence-based approaches, and/or deliver more specific guidance around relevant topics (eg. eating disorders or ADHD).

Join the waitlist

 

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) was originally developed by Cornell University for use in residential care. It has since been adapted to help caregivers respond effectively to emotional distress and behavioural challenges at home (TCI-Families™).

The program helps caregivers:

  • recognise early signs of escalation
  • understand how stress and trauma affect behaviour
  • stay calm and connected during emotional crises
  • support return to regulation
  • strengthen safety and trust
  • use crises as an opportunity for growth

Evidence shows that TCI-based programs:

  • reduce the frequency and severity of behavioural incidents
  • improve emotional regulation and communication
  • support more effective de-escalation and fewer reactive responses
  • help young people feel safer, more understood, and more in control

TCI-Families™ complements programs like Tuning in to Teens™ by focusing on what to do in the moment, especially during high-stress situations.

Tuning in to Teens™ is a six-week, evidence-based parenting program developed by researchers at the University of Melbourne. It teaches emotion coaching—an effective way for caregivers to support their young person’s emotional development.

Young people with strong emotional skills are more likely to thrive at school, form positive relationships, and handle stress well. Without these skills, they may be more vulnerable to anxiety, frustration, conflict, and risky behaviour.

The good news is that emotional skills can be taught—and the way that caregivers respond to their young person’s emotions plays a key role in shaping how they learn to manage feelings over time.

The program helps caregivers:

  • strengthen their emotional connection with their young person
  • respond calmly and effectively during conflict
  • support their teen in managing anxiety, sadness, anger, and stress
  • encourage healthy emotional development

Research shows that parents who complete the program experience:

  • less family conflict
  • stronger relationships with their teen
  • improved emotional regulation (in both parent and teen)
  • reductions in anxiety, depression, and behaviour problems in their young person
  • greater confidence in parenting
  • feeling better equipped to handle emotional ups and downs

Caregivers are sometimes surprised when we focus on teaching them skills, rather than working directly with their young person. But parenting young people can be uniquely challenging. Their bodies, brains, and social worlds are changing so rapidly that it can be hard for them or their families to keep up.

Common changes that happen during adolescence (ages 10–24):

  • Bigger, more intense emotions
  • Increased responsibilities and stress
  • Prioritising time with friends over family
  • Greater sensitivity to peer opinions
  • More embarrassment or shame
  • Experimenting with identity, dress, and behaviour
  • Interest in dating and sexuality
  • Seeking independence while still needing support
  • Unclear understanding of their own needs or wants
  • Risk-taking behaviour
  • Heightened sensitivity to criticism or rejection

Even among young people of the same age and gender, there can be huge differences in how they develop, feel and behave. What works for one young person may not work for another. Traditional parenting measures may fall short, especially for young people with ADHD or eating disorders, which pose distinct challenges. These challenges often require caregivers to stay curious and approach problems flexibly.

On top of this, every family develops automatic ways of responding to one another. These patterns often start out as helpful but over time, they can become stuck or unhelpful.

For example:

  1. A young person who struggles with self-regulation might get overwhelmed easily, experience big emotions, or have difficulty staying focused.
  2. Caregivers may respond by giving more corrections or repeating instructions. This may help short-term, but it becomes harder to stay calm and consistent.
  3. The young person might feel constantly criticised and stop trying—or push back more. Episodes of dysregulation increase.
  4. Caregivers may feel exhausted and fall into less effective habits— responding more harshly, avoiding conflict, giving in, or letting routines slide. Positive interactions become rare, and the family may feel stuck in a negative cycle.

Parent skills training empowers caregivers to effectively support their young person’s journey through adolescence. It provides practical strategies to nurture emotional development, reduce conflict and strengthen relationships, with benefits for the whole family.