Vivian Allen-Dean

Tuesday - Thursday by appointment

At DorPIP we offer parent-infant psychotherapy for parents to be and parents with infants under age 2.  We help parents and families to flourish by nurturing family bonds.  

Because sometimes being a parent just isn't all it's cracked up to be!  

The reality of sleep deprivation, changes to your body and your relationships often leave parents feeling confused, anxious and not good enough. 

Believe me, you are good enough and you are the expert in what your baby needs.  You might just need a safe, confidential space to explore difficult feelings and challenging thoughts that have come up for you (and most parents).

Sometimes if our own parenting experience was lacking thoughts about your childhood seem to crowd in when you become a parent yourself.

If you have had a traumatic birth or witnessed your partner and newborn going through a very difficult time, it is natural that you might feel anxious or even have symptoms of post-traumatic stress. 

Postnatal depression does happen for some women and current research is showing that dads can experience significant changes in mood and behaviour related to anxiety and low mood too. 

So whatever the reason, please do get in touch.  Early help is vital to supporting you and your baby's health and wellbeing. 

I know from my own personal experience the importance of early bonding and secure attachment has across the life course.

No judgement, only kindness, patience and understanding. 

One to one sessions currently only available online. 

In our normal parent-infant psychotherapy sessions Mum, Dad and Baby all attend where possible. These 50 minute sessions would be in person or online.  

However for now we are offering FREE sessions for parents to be and parents with baby's under 2. 

Please referrals@dorpip.org.uk to enquire.  

Available to residents of Dorset and surrounding areas.

Your first session will be all about you, what you are hoping to achieve by working together. How you like to work and what if any previous experience you have had with counselling.

From here we will agree on a plan, clearly setting out what we can help with and what our limitations are. 

If you are happy to proceed future sessions will be set up.  It is your responsibility to book these using our online booking system. This gives you flexibility if you need to amend the booking. 

There will be some forms to fill in and questionnaires to answer.  

Clients appreciate it when we evaluate the work so that you can see your progress and you know what works and what needs strengthening. 

This is a collaborative process, that means we work together for the benefit of you and your family. Your comments and feedback during the sessions are valuable.

We work specifically on the emerging relationship between you and your baby. Also, the changing dynamics of your relationship with your partner if you have one and how that impacts on both of your relationship with your child.