Aspire Psychological Services Ltd

04/09/2026

When a child is shouting, throwing things or refusing to listen, it can be hard to know what to do first. This free Connection Before Correction poster offers a simple reminder: help them feel understood before trying to teach, correct or set consequences.

Children and young people often cannot think clearly when big feelings take over. A calm response such as, “I can see you’re really angry. I won’t let you throw toys,” can hold both the feeling and the boundary.

The poster includes everyday examples and practical language to support calmer discipline, emotional regulation and respectful limits at home, school or in care settings. Useful for parents, carers and anyone supporting children with big emotions.

FREE CONNECTION BEFORE CORRECTION: EXPLANATION POSTER FOR PARENTS

LIKE the photo and comment "BEFORE" and we will send you a message with a link to a free PDF of this resource.

02/09/2026

💭 What would be helpful after a diagnosis of Autism or ADHD?

We’d love to hear from families and young people about what support would be most useful after receiving a diagnosis.

A diagnosis can bring understanding and relief, but it can also leave families wondering, “What happens now?” or “Where do we go from here?”

We’re interested in hearing what would have been helpful to you, or what you would find useful now.

For example:

🧩 Understanding the diagnosis and what it means
🏠 Strategies to use at home
🏫 Support with school or education
💬 Support for emotional wellbeing and mental health
👨‍👩‍👧 Support for parents and carers
🤝 Connecting with other families
📚 Easy-to-understand information and resources
🎯 Practical strategies for day-to-day life
❓ Knowing what support is available locally
💻 Online resources, workshops or group sessions

What would you have wanted someone to give you after diagnosis?

We’d really value your thoughts. There’s no right or wrong answer — we want to understand what families and young people actually find useful. ❤️

You can comment below or send us a message if you’d prefer to share privately.

28/08/2026

Sometimes the child who says “I’m fine” is carrying far more than anyone can see.

Self-harm is not “attention-seeking”. It can be a sign that a young person is struggling with feelings they do not yet have words for: anxiety, sadness, trauma, shame, pressure, loneliness, or feeling overwhelmed.

Changes like pulling away, wearing long sleeves, low mood, irritability, or not wanting to talk do not always mean self-harm. But they can be a gentle prompt to check in.

Try: “You don’t have to explain everything, but I’ve noticed you seem like you’re having a hard time. I’m here with you.”

Stay calm. Listen more than you speak. Avoid punishment or demands for promises. Let them know they are not in trouble and they do not have to cope alone. If you are worried, reach out to a GP, school wellbeing lead, counsellor, or local mental health support. If there is an immediate risk of serious harm, contact emergency services.

A caring conversation can make a bigger difference than we may ever know.

FREE FREE PRINTABLE SELF-HARM ICEBERG PDF POSTER FOR CHILDREN

LIKE the photo and comment "SHELL" and we will send you a message with a link to a free PDF of this resource.

26/08/2026

✨ Training Feedback: PACE ✨

Liz recently had the pleasure of delivering PACE training and we were delighted to receive such positive feedback from those who attended! 💙💚

It was fantastic to hear how much the team valued the opportunity to learn, share experiences and participate in meaningful discussions around PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy).

A big thank you to everyone who took part, and to Liz for delivering such a thorough and engaging session! 🌱

18/08/2026

A child who is shouting, refusing, panicking, withdrawing or “acting out” is not always choosing to be difficult. Sometimes their body is sounding an alarm.

In that moment, more shouting, pressure or punishment can make the alarm louder. They may stop listening, lose control, shut down or escalate—not because they do not care, but because they do not feel safe enough to think.

Calm does not mean letting harmful behaviour slide. It means helping a child regulate before expecting them to reason, learn or problem-solve.

Pause. Lower your voice. Offer connection. Keep boundaries steady. Help them feel safe.

Calm first. Connect next. Then teach, guide and set limits.

FREE CALM A CHILD’S TRAUMA ALARM: SUPPORTIVE RESPONSES

LIKE the photo and comment "CALM" and we will send you a message with a link to a free PDF of this resource.

16/08/2026

Come and join our award winning team!!

We are looking for psychologists who share our passion for working with children and young people who have experienced trauma

We have a range of positions available for experienced psychologists and offer competitive salary packages including private healthcare, CPD allowance and hybrid working

Please contact us for more info!!

14/08/2026

Come and join our fabulous team!

09/08/2026

The first night a child sleeps in a foster home is something I wish more people thought about.

Because to us, it might be a bedroom we spent hours preparing. Clean sheets. Fresh pajamas. A nightlight. Stuffed animals on the bed. Maybe we even ran to Walmart at 9 o’clock at night because we didn’t have anything in their size.

But to them?

It’s a stranger’s house.

I’ve had children come through my door carrying almost nothing, and within a few hours I’m supposed to somehow convince their nervous system that this is a safe place to close their eyes.

Think about that for a minute.

They may not know where their mom is. They may not understand why they can’t go home. They don’t know the sounds our house makes at night. They don’t know who is going to be there when they wake up. They don’t know our rules, our routines or even where the bathroom is.

And now we’re saying, “Goodnight. You’re safe here.”

I’ve sat beside beds longer than I can remember.

I’ve left hallway lights on. Found extra blankets. Answered the same question twenty times. Given snacks when dinner barely got touched. I’ve watched children fight sleep because sometimes closing your eyes in an unfamiliar place takes more trust than we realize.

Some children cry.

Some talk nonstop.

Some are angry.

And some are so unbelievably quiet that it breaks your heart in a completely different way.

That first night always reminds me that what looks like safety from the outside can still feel terrifying to the child experiencing it.

Yes, they may have needed to be removed.

Yes, our home may be safe.

Yes, everyone involved may have made the right decision.

And that child can still be absolutely heartbroken to be here.

Safety does not erase grief.

A comfortable bed does not erase the fact that they want their own bed.

A foster mom sitting beside them does not replace the mama they may be crying for.

So I don’t expect gratitude when a child walks through my door.

I don’t expect them to understand why any of this is happening.

I certainly don’t expect them to feel lucky to be here.

My job that first night is much simpler than that.

Make something to eat.

Find pajamas that fit.

Keep the hallway light on.

Answer the questions.

Sit beside the bed if they need me to.

And remind them as many times as it takes that, for tonight, they are safe.

Because while everyone else involved in the case may go home and sleep in their own beds that night, there is a child trying to fall asleep in a house they have never seen before.

And I never want to forget what that must feel like.

06/08/2026