Mairi Lawson

I have worked as a Clinical Associate Psychologist in the NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Service since finishing my training in 2015. The ethos and focus of the training course I completed is to provide specialist training in assessment and evidence-based therapy for children and young people experiencing mild-moderate mental health problems, and to be able to work at an early intervention and preventative level. This meant that we were also lucky enough to be trained in 3 evidence-based parenting programmes, which have all been shown to improve relationships between parents and children, facilitate secure attachments, and decrease the frequency disruptive behaviour problems – which are all known to reduce the risk of developing mental health problems (for more information see Incredible Years, Triple P and Mellow Parenting websites).

My belief is that information about emotional and psychological wellbeing should be much more widely communicated in an accessible way for families. It is really hard to know what to do for the best sometimes when you are faced with an upset or anxious child, and it’s completely natural to worry that you may respond in a way that might make it worse. To this end, I have also created a story book (under my author name, Heather Lawson) about a little Highland Cow who is scared to go to school. She tells her mum, who helps her feel calmer. The book also has a page of conversation starters for parents to chat through with their children after they’ve read the book and a ‘Top Tips’ page for parents too. My hope is that the book helps parents and carers feel empowered to know what to do when their little ones are struggling with big feelings!

I am passionate about connecting with families and building therapeutic relationships to improve child wellbeing. Also, I know first-hand how tricky it is at times to stay consistent and calm when you have a very determined child! So, although I understand what approaches work improve child behaviour and wellbeing, I come from a place of non-judgement, because I know how difficult it is to be a parent sometimes! I know it’s a cliché, but children really do not come with an instruction manual!