ParentBASE therapeutic training programme for parents with children in or at risk of entering care

ParentBASE is an eight-week therapeutic parenting programme designed for birth parents and carers whose children are in care or at risk of entering care, where reunification is being considered or planned.

This supportive, small-group course helps strengthen parent-child relationships, build confidence, and develop trauma-informed parenting strategies. ParentBASE can be delivered either online or face-to-face, depending on availability and need.

What does the course cover?

  • Introduction to the course as a whole
  • Introduction to the concept of attachment
  • What children gain from a nurturing relationship/attachment
  • The development of the child’s world view and expectations – ‘internal working model’
  • The impact of attachment on brain development

  • Explore how early relationships and attachment experiences can influence a child’s emotions and behaviours
  • Make sense of behaviours that often feel confusing or challenging, and learn why they may be a child’s way of expressing unmet needs
  • Understand how a child’s view of themselves, others, and the world is shaped by their earliest experiences – and how this can relate to attachment patterns

  • What helps children feel safe in relationships
  • How trust and connection develop over time
  • Why some children need extra support to feel secure
  • Ways parents and carers can respond with consistency and care
  • How small, everyday moments can help build stronger bonds

  • Attachment-building strategies to help strengthen your connection
  • Creating unconditional positive experiences with your child
  • Finding ways to help your child feel a true sense of belonging with you
  • Supporting your child through big emotions without minimising their experience
  • Using calm, consistent responses to build trust and emotional safety
  • Everyday moments that can make relationships feel more secure and positive

  • Understanding what might be behind your child’s behaviour
  • How strong relationships lay the foundation for change
  • Using teaching moments instead of punishment
  • Exploring choices, consequences, and respectful boundaries
  • Therapeutic alternatives to strategies like ‘time out’
  • How to repair relationships after difficult moments
  • Common challenges in putting ideas into practice — and ways to work through them

  • How children’s early experiences can influence their behaviour and responses
  • Why some actions may be protective rather than purposeful
  • Ways to respond with curiosity instead of conflict
  • How to stay calm and connected during tricky moments
  • Strategies to support your child while meeting their underlying needs

  • Common stresses and pressures that can make parenting feel overwhelming
  • How your own experiences can affect how you respond to your child
  • The emotional toll of parenting a child with complex needs
  • Practical ways to look after yourself and stay regulated
  • Strategies to manage difficult moments with more confidence and support

  • Why your wellbeing matters — and how it supports your child too
  • Noticing signs of stress or overwhelm in yourself
  • Simple ways to build in rest, reflection, or support
  • Letting go of guilt around self-care
  • Finding small moments to recharge, even in a busy day
  • Creating your own support network and knowing when to ask for help

Course details:

Level: Foundation

Number of sessions: Eight (weekly)

Session length: 2.5 hours

Cost: £2900 + VAT

Dates: Please check our upcoming events

Training is delivered by highly qualified clinical psychologists and therapists with many years’ experience working with trauma and attachment. Exercises, activities, video clips and discussions are used throughout the course to enhance the teaching and content.

Facilitated online and face-to-face

This course can be facilitated either online or face-to-face, depending on availability and need (minimum numbers apply).

We recognise that every family’s circumstances are different, so we offer flexible delivery to make the course as accessible and supportive as possible. Whether you join from home or attend in person, our aim is to provide a safe, welcoming space for learning and connection.

What do parents think about ParentBASE?

“The work and attention to detail the course leaders put into the therapeutic parenting is amazing, I felt valued, listened to and have definitely picked up parenting skills I didn’t know before, even as a “seasoned” mum there was so much I learnt, so much so it has been picked up by social workers and contact officers and how much of a positive change has been made, so thank you!!””

Upcoming ParentBASE programmes

Please contact admin@gateway-psychology.co.uk to find out when the next ParentBASE course is running.

FAQs

Sessions are relaxed, supportive, and interactive. Each week focuses on a different topic related to therapeutic parenting, using a mix of discussion, practical ideas, and reflection. You’ll be part of a small group of other parents or carers, with plenty of space to share (if you feel comfortable) and learn together. There’s no pressure to have all the answers — we’re here to explore things at your pace, in a safe and non-judgemental environment.

All of the sessions incorporate specialist input from highly qualified clinical psychologists and therapists. As well as teaching, participants will also have the opportunity to take part in small group and individual exercises, as well as general group discussions, providing participants with maximum opportunity to understand and practice theories, ideas and skills.

ParentBASE runs over eight weekly sessions, each lasting around 2.5 hours. Sessions are led by experienced clinical psychologists and therapists who specialise in trauma, attachment, and therapeutic parenting.

Each session includes a mix of group discussion, practical exercises, video clips, and reflective activities. The approach is supportive and non-judgemental, with a focus on helping you build confidence, connection, and understanding in your parenting journey.

Depending on availability and need (minimum numbers apply), the course can be delivered either face-to-face or online. For online sessions, you’ll need a computer or tablet with internet access, a camera, and a microphone. Face-to-face sessions are usually held at a welcoming venue in Stoke-on-Trent.

ParentBASE is designed for birth parents and carers whose children are either in care or at risk of entering care, particularly where reunification is being considered or planned. The course is suitable for those who want to strengthen their relationship with their child, understand more about their child’s emotional needs, and build confidence in therapeutic parenting approaches.

You don’t need to have any prior knowledge or experience – just an openness to learning and exploring in a supportive space.

Please note that attendance is mandatory for all sessions.

Each session builds upon the knowledge learned from the previous week and it is unfortunately not possible for us to catch up on missed sessions. We would not be able to issue a certificate of attendance if the majority of sessions are not attended.

  • A laptop or mobile device (laptops are preferred, as they provide a better experience)
  • Webcam or inbuilt camera device
  • Microphone (usually inbuilt to device)
  • Internet or mobile data connection
  • A full technology guide is provided to participants before the course begins.

We offer participants the opportunity to test their tech with us before the course begins. Contact us to arrange a practice session.

Social workers or other professionals are welcome to refer parents and carers to our ParentBASE courses. Please get in touch with us by email to let us know you will be making a referral. We will ask you to fill out our referral form. We will arrange the registration forms with the participants.

Funding confirmation (e.g. a letter of instruction or purchase order) is usually required 4 weeks before the course start date. We cannot confirm places without full funding approval.

Yes, you are welcome to self-fund a place on our ParentBASE courses. Payment is required before the course begins. We have a payment plan option.

Please apply using the application form link sent to you by our admin team. Please note that we need your application form to secure a provisional place on the list. If we do not have your application form, you might not be able to attend.

Funding can take some time to be approved. It is usually best to arrange this well in advance of the funding deadline to avoid missing out.

Spaces are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.