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Parent & Carer Support
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Parenting can be one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences in life.
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At SORT, we recognise that every child, young person and family is unique.
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We work alongside parents and carers to develop a deeper understanding of their child's strengths, needs, experiences and relationships. Together, we explore what may be contributing to difficulties, gently making sense of what sits beneath behaviours and responses, and identifying approaches that support connection, regulation, resilience and growth within the family.
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Grounded in the SORT Framework, our approach is neuroaffirming, relationship-centred and informed by an understanding of nervous system regulation, relationships, identity, strengths, environment and belonging.
Rather than focusing solely on behaviour, we work collaboratively to understand the whole picture, recognising both strengths and challenges, and identifying what support is likely to be most helpful. We aim to build on existing strengths and support families to find ways forward that feel meaningful, sustainable and right for them.
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We believe that when children, young people and families feel understood, connected and accepted for who they are, positive change becomes possible.
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We have particular experience in supporting adoptive families and those caring for children who are, or have been, looked after. We understand that early experiences, trauma, loss and disrupted relationships can shape how children feel, communicate and relate to others. Our work creates space to make sense of these experiences, supporting parents and carers to respond in ways that build safety, connection and understanding over time.
We begin with an initial conversation to map out what has been happening, helping us think together about what support may be most helpful for you and your family. You can explore the different types of parenting support below and, if you're unsure what might fit, we're always happy to talk things through and create a more tailored approach.
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Parent and carer sessions are typically one-hour virtual sessions at a time that works for you. Sessions can be attended by one or both parents/carers, and other supportive adults where helpful.
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The number of sessions varies depending on your needs. Together, we will agree goals and regularly review progress to ensure you receive the right level of support.
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Session fees range from £80–£120.
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As part of our commitment to accessibility, we offer a reduced-rate scheme for families receiving Universal Credit (see our FAQ section for more details).
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Please note that a 48-hour cancellation policy applies, after which the full fee will be charged.
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Evidenced Based Parenting Programmes
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We offer 2 different forms of structured, evidenced based parenting support here at SORT alongside Systemic and Family Psychotherapy and therapeutic parenting. Evidenced based interventions are those that have been researched as effective in creating lasting change.
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NVR
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Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) is an approach that supports parents and carers of children and young people aged 7–18.
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It is particularly helpful for families where things may feel stuck, overwhelming or escalating, including when young people may be experiencing high levels of distress, anxiety, or expressing this through behaviours such as aggression, withdrawal or control. NVR has also been found to be supportive for young people with neurodevelopmental differences and eating difficulties.
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Rather than focusing on changing the child, NVR supports parents and carers to feel more confident, supported and steady in how they respond. The approach helps you to:
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focus your energy on what matters most
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strengthen your support network so you are not facing things alone
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manage your own emotional responses during difficult moments
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find ways to reconnect and rebuild your relationship with your child
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A key part of NVR is learning how to respond to situations in a calm and intentional way—often described as “striking when the iron is cold”—rather than in the heat of the moment.
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If you would like to learn more about NVR, please click the link below.
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Incredible Years Informed
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The Incredible Years programme supports parents and carers of children aged 2–8 years.
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It focuses on helping children develop skills in emotional regulation, relationships and social interaction, as well as building confidence when things feel difficult and supporting them to navigate boundaries in a way that feels manageable.
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The approach is grounded in play, connection and positive interaction. It supports parents and carers to guide and coach their child in developing these skills in everyday moments, building on what is already working within the relationship.
Incredible Years was developed by Carolyn Webster-Stratton and is widely used to support families where children may be experiencing difficulties with behaviour, emotional regulation or attention. It can be helpful for children with or without a diagnosis, including those who are neurodivergent.
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Throughout the programme, we explore approaches such as:
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play and connection
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noticing and encouraging strengths
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setting clear and supportive boundaries
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understanding consequences in a calm and predictable way
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responding to behaviour in ways that reduce escalation and support regulation
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Many parents tell us they have tried some of these strategies before. The difference within Incredible Years is in how and when these approaches are used—building skills gradually and in a particular order, allowing children time to develop confidence before moving on. This can support more consistent and lasting change for both children and parents.
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If you would like to learn more about Incredible Years, please click the link below.
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Other Area's of Support
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At SORT, we recognise that every child and young person is unique. We work in a neuroaffirming way, which means we focus on understanding each person's individual strengths, needs, experiences and ways of engaging with the world, rather than trying to change who they are.
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Some children and young people may experience anxiety, low mood, emotional overwhelm or distress. Others may be autistic, ADHD, have sensory differences, or be exploring whether neurodiversity forms part of their experience. These experiences are often shaped by the interaction between a person's individual needs, relationships, environments and life experiences.
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We work alongside parents and carers to develop a deeper understanding of what may be contributing to a child or young person's experiences. Together, we explore what behaviours, emotions and responses may be communicating, and how to respond in ways that support safety, connection, regulation and belonging.
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Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, we recognise that every child, young person and family is different. We think together about strengths, needs, relationships and environments, considering what may be helping or hindering a child or young person's ability to thrive.
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Grounded in the SORT Framework and working together with our multidisciplinary team expertise we take a whole-picture approach, recognising that experiences are shaped not only by the individual, but also by their relationships, nervous system, environment and sense of belonging. We recognise that challenges do not always sit within a child or young person, and often emerge when there is a mismatch between a person's needs and the environments around them.
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We can also support you in working alongside wider systems, including schools and other professionals, helping to create a shared understanding of your child's experiences and identify ways of creating environments in which they feel understood, supported and able to flourish.
Foster parents and Adoption Support
Providing a child with a safe, nurturing and loving home is deeply meaningful. As an adoptive parent, foster carer or kinship carer, you play an important role in a child's journey, offering stability, connection and opportunities for healing and growth.
At the same time, we recognise that caring for children who have experienced adversity can feel complex, emotionally demanding and, at times, isolating particularly when others may not fully understand your family's experiences.
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At SORT, we work alongside adoptive parents, foster carers, kinship carers and special guardians to develop a deeper understanding of the children in their care. We recognise that early experiences, including trauma, loss, separation and disrupted relationships, can shape how children experience the world, communicate their needs, build relationships and respond to stress.
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Grounded in the SORT Framework, we take a neuroaffirming and relationship-centred approach, helping carers make sense of behaviours, emotions and responses within the wider context of a child's experiences, strengths, relationships, nervous system and environment. Together, we explore ways of strengthening connection, supporting regulation and creating environments where children and young people can feel safe, understood and able to thrive.
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Some children may experience the world as overwhelming or unsafe at times, and this can show up in different ways through behaviour, big emotions, or difficulties in relationships. Rather than seeing this as something to “fix”, we work with you to understand what your child might be communicating and how best to respond in ways that build safety, trust and connection.
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Our approach is both trauma-informed and neuroaffirming. We recognise that many children may also be neurodivergent, and we take time to understand each child’s individual profile their strengths, needs and ways of experiencing the world rather than relying on one set of strategies.
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We support parents and carers to develop a therapeutic parenting approach, grounded in an understanding of attachment and trauma, alongside practical, everyday ways of responding that help create a sense of safety and connection within the home.
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All of our specialist services for adoptive families can be funded through the Adoption Support Fund. If you would like support understanding or accessing the fund, please take a look here or get in touch—we are happy to guide you through the process.