Nurturing Resilience: One-Day Therapeutic Parenting Workshop for Parents and Carers of Children with Additional Needs

Introduction

Parenting children with additional needs like Autism and ADHD can be deeply rewarding—and uniquely challenging. Understanding how to care for ourselves as caregivers is just as important as supporting our children. That’s why Dr Isabel Battye and Dr Naomi Filio have created a dedicated day for parents and carers to come together, explore therapeutic tools, and nurture their own well-being.

These events bring together parents and carers dedicated to supporting their families. The day is thoughtfully designed to help people develop emotional self-care strategies, process difficult experiences, and explore physical and emotional healing techniques—all in a safe, supportive, nurturing space.

A Restorative One-Day Experience

This immersive one-day workshop was specifically put together for people who work or live in high stress situations.  So we think this is particularly suited to parents and carers supporting children with additional needs, such as Autism and ADHD. The day combines evidence-based therapeutic approaches with practical tools to foster resilience, reduce stress, and promote healing.

Throughout the day, participants will also enjoy a delicious, healthy vegan lunch provided by Leo Cafe, nourishing both body and mind. This mindful meal offers a chance to relax, recharge, and connect with others in a warm and welcoming environment.

The Three Transformative Sessions

1. Emotional Self-Care Tools

We began the day by focusing on emotional self-care. In this session, participants learn practical strategies to support their emotional well-being, including ways to manage stress, regulate emotions, and create space for self-compassion. These tools are essential for maintaining balance and resilience in the day-to-day realities of caregiving.

2. EMDR Group Therapy (GTEP)

Next, we introduced the Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (GTEP), an evidence-based EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) model. This group approach offers a gentle yet effective way to process difficult and distressing life events in a supportive setting. 

Although the GTEP/EMDR work is conducted in a group environment, the process is primarily silent and private. Participants are guided through their personal experiences with support from trained facilitators, allowing them to benefit from the collective energy of the group without the need to share or disclose any personal details. Many parents found relief in being able to address unresolved emotional experiences in this safe, confidential format—leaving them feeling lighter and more hopeful.

3. Lunch

After this busy morning there is lunch provided in Leo Cafe on the ground floor of the Yoga Studios.  Leo offers nourishing and filling vegetarian and vegan food and will be providing a sharing spread for all parents attending the day.

4. TRE® (Tension & Trauma Release Exercises)

The final session of the day is led by Jo Selwood and focused on TRE® (Tension & Trauma Release Exercises). This innovative practice uses a series of simple exercises to activate the body’s natural reflex mechanism of shaking or vibrating, releasing deep muscular patterns of stress and tension. TRE® helps to calm the nervous system and can lead to profound physical and emotional healing. Participants leave the session feeling grounded, relaxed, and restored.

Why This Day Matters

Parenting children with additional needs is an extraordinary journey, but it can also be physically and emotionally draining. Supporting parents and carers with tools for emotional self-care, trauma processing, and stress release isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. When carers are nurtured and empowered, the ripple effects positively impact the entire family.

Join Us for Future One-Day Workshops

There are two upcoming events—and we’d love to welcome you!

Dates:

• Thursday 2nd May 2024

• Thursday 16th May 2024

Time: 9:15 AM – 2:45 PM

Location: Dragonfly Studios, 22a-24 Sydenham Rd, London SE26 5QW, UK

These one-day workshops offer a unique opportunity to recharge, heal, and connect with others who truly understand the journey. We invite you to take this time for yourself.

Book your place here: www.roarcompassion.com/event-list

Spaces are limited to ensure a safe, supportive, and personalised experience—so early booking is recommended!

Together, we’re building stronger, more resilient families—one restorative day at a time.