Caroline Anderson

I’m Caroline, a mental health nurse and systemic practitioner. I have worked in children’s services for over 20 years across a range of settings, including supported housing, substance misuse and domestic abuse services, with much of my career in children and young people’s services. I have additional training in EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) and NVR (non-violent resistance) parent work. EMDR is a trauma-focused therapy that helps people process distressing or overwhelming experiences that may continue to affect their thoughts, feelings, relationships or behaviour. It uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to support the brain in processing traumatic memories in a safer and more manageable way. NVR is a relational model that offers parents practical ways to respond to difficulties in their relationship with their children, including child-to-parent violence, school avoidance, harm from others and anxiety. It can also help parents feel more present, strengthen their connection with their child and reconnect with the part of the child who needs their care. Throughout my career, I have worked alongside children, young people and families experiencing a wide range of emotional, behavioural and relationship difficulties. This work led me to develop a particular passion for supporting parents and families. I have seen the positive difference it can make when parents feel understood and supported, and when difficulties are explored in the context of the relationships and experiences surrounding a child, rather than focusing solely on the child’s behaviour. As an intermediate systemic practitioner, I have additional training and experience in systemic family work. This enables me to consider difficulties within the context of family relationships, patterns of communication and the wider systems around a child or young person. I work therapeutically with families to understand what may be happening and to find meaningful ways forward. I have extensive experience of working with schools and other professionals supporting children and young people, particularly when emotional wellbeing, behaviour, relationships or difficulties engaging with education are having an impact. I also have a strong interest in early relationships and parent–infant work. I have supported mothers and fathers who have experienced trauma themselves and may be finding it difficult to feel connected to or bond with their baby. I recognise that becoming a parent can bring past experiences to the surface, which may affect how we parent and connect with our children. A significant part of my work has involved developmental trauma and attachment difficulties, including supporting adoptive families and parents caring for children whose early experiences continue to influence their emotions, behaviour and relationships. I am particularly interested in helping parents understand what may sit beneath behaviour and how a child’s earlier experiences can shape the way they seek safety, manage emotions and connect with others. My approach is compassionate, collaborative and relationship-focused. I aim to provide a space where young people and parents can communicate without feeling blamed or judged, develop a greater understanding of one another, and find ways to strengthen relationships within their family.