The Parenting Grind is the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy’s (BACP) new campaign for new parents navigating the emotional transition into parenthood. New research shows that 4 in 10 new parents feel unprepared for the emotional transition to becoming a parent. Through real stories, helpful information and a UK coffee van tour, the campaign is encouraging parents to explore how therapy could help.
The Parenting Grind has been touring the UK offering drinks to new parents and talking them about the benefits of therapy.
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, isolated, pressure to provide, or like you’ve lost a sense of you are? That doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re adjusting to a major life change.
Gurpreet Singh, parent of four,
“When I became a father, I put pressure on myself to meet an impossible standard. As other changes in my life mounted, I felt lost and worried about how my wellbeing was affecting my family. Therapy gave me a safe place to speak honestly and helped me begin moving forward. It taught me that fathers do not have to hide their emotions, and that being present matters more than trying to be perfect.”
The Parenting Grind from BACP recognises this. On this site you will find more information on what therapy is, how to access it, and the real experiences of others in your position.
40% of new parents felt unprepared for the emotional transition to parenthood.
Stefan Magnuson, parent to three,
“When I became a father, I was prepared for the practical side of caring for a baby but not the emotions parenthood would bring to the surface. Therapy helped me understand that some of my strongest reactions to my son were rooted in experiences from my own childhood. Recognising those hidden patterns made them easier to manage and felt like years of tension gradually unwinding. Finding the right therapist gave me the self-awareness I needed to respond more calmly and become a more confident parent.”
88% of those surveyed said they struggled to manage their mental health when they became a new parent.
Dr Cavyn Mitchell, zeze to one,
“The early months of parenthood for me were particularly challenging. My child was what many parents call a “velcro baby” – they wanted to be held almost constantly and found it difficult to settle anywhere else. This had a big impact on my mental wellbeing. Therapy became an anchor, providing a flexible, judgement-free space where I could bring my baby and process what I was experiencing. It also gave me the confidence to find a queer parenting community, build lasting friendships and feel less isolated.”
More than half of those who struggled said they no longer recognised themselves when they became a new parent.
Caitlin Renner, parent to one,
“In the first few months after becoming a parent, I began to feel overwhelmed, isolated and unable to plan ahead. Therapy helped me identify my triggers and gave me a shared language to explain to my husband how I was feeling and how he could support me. It provided a safe, judgement-free space where I could speak openly without censoring myself. The sessions helped me move from surviving each day to thriving again, and gave me tools I can return to whenever I need support.”
How to access therapy
There are lots of different ways to access therapy. You can speak to your GP, health visitor or midwife, who may be able to refer you. Some workplaces offer support through Employee Assistance Programmes (which you should be able to access on parental leave), and there are also charities and community organisations that provide free or low-cost services. You may also be able to self-refer through the NHS. If your circumstances allow, you can choose to see a therapist privately. Whatever route you choose, make sure you look for someone on a Professional Standards Authority accredited register, such as BACP’s.
Graham Johnston
Therapist
“Some people think that therapy is going to be naval-gazing, focusing on your feelings and your problems. But ultimately, therapy is about change. Changing how you think, feel and behave. That can include some discussion about how your past has affected you, but ultimately, I help my clients by being their guide through change in their lives. That can be hard, challenging work. It can sometimes take a while. But 76% of people who’ve had therapy say they’d recommend it to family and friends. It works.”
Sarah Edge
Therapist
“Becoming a parent can bring joy, love, and a strong sense of purpose, but it can also bring more difficult and conflicting feelings. For some, the transition to parenthood can feel overwhelming. For others, it may be less intense but still difficult to manage alone. Every parent deserves the opportunity to talk and explore their changing identity. Therapy can help you navigate these emotional ups and downs.”
Natasha Rae Adams
Therapist
“Therapists understand there can be emotional and logistical obstacles for parents who want to access therapy. It is the role of our field to help break down these barriers. Many therapists will work with parents to overcome them, creating a safe judgement-free space, flexible session times and ‘babes in arms’ present in the room. Parents need only to come exactly as they are, and therapy will meet you right there.”
Anyone can call themselves a counsellor or psychotherapist, so it’s important to choose someone listed on a Professional Standards Authority accredited register, such as BACP’s.
Click ‘Find a therapist’ below to find a registered therapist on our directory
The Parenting Grind
The Parenting Grind is the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy’s (BACP) new campaign for new parents navigating the emotional transition into parenthood. New research shows that 4 in 10 new parents feel unprepared for the emotional transition to becoming a parent. Through real stories, helpful information and a UK coffee van tour, the campaign is encouraging parents to explore how therapy could help.
The Parenting Grind has been touring the UK offering drinks to new parents and talking them about the benefits of therapy.
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, isolated, pressure to provide, or like you’ve lost a sense of you are? That doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re adjusting to a major life change.
Gurpreet Singh, parent of four,
“When I became a father, I put pressure on myself to meet an impossible standard. As other changes in my life mounted, I felt lost and worried about how my wellbeing was affecting my family. Therapy gave me a safe place to speak honestly and helped me begin moving forward. It taught me that fathers do not have to hide their emotions, and that being present matters more than trying to be perfect.”
The Parenting Grind from BACP recognises this. On this site you will find more information on what therapy is, how to access it, and the real experiences of others in your position.
40% of new parents felt unprepared for the emotional transition to parenthood.
Stefan Magnuson, parent to three,
“When I became a father, I was prepared for the practical side of caring for a baby but not the emotions parenthood would bring to the surface. Therapy helped me understand that some of my strongest reactions to my son were rooted in experiences from my own childhood. Recognising those hidden patterns made them easier to manage and felt like years of tension gradually unwinding. Finding the right therapist gave me the self-awareness I needed to respond more calmly and become a more confident parent.”
88% of those surveyed said they struggled to manage their mental health when they became a new parent.
Dr Cavyn Mitchell, zeze to one,
“The early months of parenthood for me were particularly challenging. My child was what many parents call a “velcro baby” – they wanted to be held almost constantly and found it difficult to settle anywhere else. This had a big impact on my mental wellbeing. Therapy became an anchor, providing a flexible, judgement-free space where I could bring my baby and process what I was experiencing. It also gave me the confidence to find a queer parenting community, build lasting friendships and feel less isolated.”
More than half of those who struggled said they no longer recognised themselves when they became a new parent.
Caitlin Renner, parent to one,
“In the first few months after becoming a parent, I began to feel overwhelmed, isolated and unable to plan ahead. Therapy helped me identify my triggers and gave me a shared language to explain to my husband how I was feeling and how he could support me. It provided a safe, judgement-free space where I could speak openly without censoring myself. The sessions helped me move from surviving each day to thriving again, and gave me tools I can return to whenever I need support.”
How to access therapy
There are lots of different ways to access therapy. You can speak to your GP, health visitor or midwife, who may be able to refer you. Some workplaces offer support through Employee Assistance Programmes (which you should be able to access on parental leave), and there are also charities and community organisations that provide free or low-cost services. You may also be able to self-refer through the NHS. If your circumstances allow, you can choose to see a therapist privately. Whatever route you choose, make sure you look for someone on a Professional Standards Authority accredited register, such as BACP’s.
“Some people think that therapy is going to be naval-gazing, focusing on your feelings and your problems. But ultimately, therapy is about change. Changing how you think, feel and behave. That can include some discussion about how your past has affected you, but ultimately, I help my clients by being their guide through change in their lives. That can be hard, challenging work. It can sometimes take a while. But 76% of people who’ve had therapy say they’d recommend it to family and friends. It works.”
“Becoming a parent can bring joy, love, and a strong sense of purpose, but it can also bring more difficult and conflicting feelings. For some, the transition to parenthood can feel overwhelming. For others, it may be less intense but still difficult to manage alone. Every parent deserves the opportunity to talk and explore their changing identity. Therapy can help you navigate these emotional ups and downs.”
“Therapists understand there can be emotional and logistical obstacles for parents who want to access therapy. It is the role of our field to help break down these barriers. Many therapists will work with parents to overcome them, creating a safe judgement-free space, flexible session times and ‘babes in arms’ present in the room. Parents need only to come exactly as they are, and therapy will meet you right there.”
Anyone can call themselves a counsellor or psychotherapist, so it’s important to choose someone listed on a Professional Standards Authority accredited register, such as BACP’s.
Click ‘Find a therapist’ below to find a registered therapist on our directory
Graham Johnston
Therapist
Sarah Edge
Therapist
Natasha Rae Adams
Therapist