During our clinical psychology training, we engaged in a period of personal therapy ourselves. Most of us, coming from years of academics into a new therapeutic world, unsure of what might surface from our own life experience. There was a well-hidden but very present fear of being “outed” as too damaged or flawed for the role we were working so hard to inhabit. “What if my vulnerabilities make me unfit to help others?”
Far from this, what I found instead was something transformative. Therapy became a place where I could explore my fears and things I formally believed to be flaws without judgment. Rather than feeling weak, I discovered a sense of power in acknowledging what I found hard to cope with. It wasn’t about “fixing” myself but about understanding, growing, and making meaningful changes in my life. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for what therapy offers – a space where vulnerability can lead to empowerment.
It makes sense that clinical psychologists go through their own therapy. I realise now how essential that personal journey was in terms of shaping how I work with my parents and families at Cradle. Therapy isn’t just about problem-solving, it’s also about forming a safe and secure relationship that supports growth and self-discovery. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is the therapeutic alliance I build with my clients, and each is as important as the last.
When a parent comes to a session with us – maybe feeling burned out, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start – our role is not to share the space as an expert. Instead, we always work with them to uncover what’s underlying those huge feelings. We listen and reflect back what we hear and importantly, what we feel emotionally in ourselves about that, and begin to create an intervention that fits the needs of the person with us in the room. That intervention, or plan, can’t exist without re mutual trust that we aim to build in those early sessions.
To us, working with parents feels especially meaningful because they often come carrying the weight of their children’s needs alongside their own, as well as everything from their personal histories. Parenting can be intense, and the pressure to be “good enough” can feel uncomfortable. But the truth is, change happens most profoundly when parents take the time to focus on their own wellbeing. Therapy gives permission to invest in your needs– not just those of your child.
We always say that parenting is one of the most vulnerable things you can do. It can bring up old wounds and unexpected vulnerabilities. Importantly, that vulnerability is one of the most powerful catalysts for change. People who come to therapy show a remarkable strength – a willingness to confront unhelpful relational patterns, build healthier relationships, and create a better emotional environment for their families.
We love being part of that process, witnessing the moments when something clicks for a client – when they start to see themselves with more compassion, or when they take a risk that leads to connection instead of conflict. These are the moments that remind us why we do this work.
So if you’re considering therapy, whether for yourself or as a parent, I hope you’ll know this: it’s not about being “too damaged” or “not enough.” It’s about stepping into a space where you can be heard, supported, and seen – and where the journey towards meaningful change can begin.
If you are reading this, and it’s made you wonder if now is the right time for you to attend for therapy, you can read all about the supports we offer at www.cradlepsychology.com