PANDAS Therapy Programme
About the therapy
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) is a CBT approach that emphasises acceptance of thoughts and emotions, and commitment to valued actions. Its efficiency is well-supported by numerous studies, showing effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, and stress. Research demonstrates that ACT can lead to significant improvements in psychological flexibility, resilience, and overall well-being, making it a valuable tool for addressing mental health concerns during pregnancy, parenthood and beyond.
About the therapist
Kathryn Di Virgilio, an experienced mental health therapist and registered health professional, brings a wealth of knowledge to guide you. With a background in both the NHS and private sector in the UK and Australia, Kathryn is dedicated to supporting parents on their mental health journey. Trained extensively in ACT and skilled in group facilitation, she is committed to empowering you to thrive in parenthood. Kathryn is registered with regulatory body the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapy (RCOT).
We’ve had some lovely feedback from previous participants, including comments like this…
“Such an amazing course that has changed the way I cope with both little and big struggles that life throws my way. Would recommend that all parents should do this course!”
“This has given me a completely different relationship with myself. I felt overwhelmed and didn’t think I couldn’t process anything else going wrong, but now I know that I have space for difficult feelings and can accept them. It has equipped me with the tools I need to work towards enjoying and focusing on the present moment. The 6 weeks has flown by, I have enjoyed every session, thank you so much PANDAS.”
“This was fantastic! I highly recommend it. Kathryn is a very empathic, skilled Coach- and gently armed us all with brilliant tools, techniques and information to help us navigate our emotional seas. Thanks so much”
“I learnt some really useful, straightforward tools to use ‘in the moment’. It gave me an opportunity and a push to think about my values and the kind of parent I want to be / life I want to live. It felt like a safe, friendly space.”
Booking Link – in order to book on to any of these sessions, please click on this link
**Please note – ability to book these sessions will open 4 weeks prior to the course date**
Details of the upcoming sessions are below……
18th June – 19.00 – 20.30pm via zoom
Parenting with Presence: Creating Calm and Connection in Your Family
Parenting in today’s busy world can often feel overwhelming, with constant distractions and pressure to do it all. This group is designed to help you slow down and focus on being fully present with your children. We’ll explore techniques for staying calm in stressful moments, tuning into your child’s needs, and fostering deeper connections with your family. Through practical exercises and discussions, you’ll learn how to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively, manage your own emotions, and create moments of peace in your daily life. The goal is to help you navigate the challenges of parenting with greater clarity and intention, so you can enjoy the journey and build stronger, more meaningful relationships with your children. By the end of the group, you’ll have tools to bring more patience, presence, and understanding into your parenting.
2nd July – 19.00 – 20.30pm via zoom
Breaking Free from Perfectionism Part 1: Understanding Its Impact on Parenting
Perfectionism can leave parents feeling overwhelmed, inadequate, and constantly dissatisfied with their efforts. In this first workshop, we’ll explore how perfectionism manifests in parenting and its emotional impact. Through discussion and reflection, you’ll learn to identify perfectionistic thoughts and behaviours, and begin to understand how they may be affecting your well-being and your relationship with your children. By the end of the session, you’ll have practical strategies to challenge unrealistic standards and reduce the pressure you place on yourself. Join us to start breaking free from perfectionism and embrace a more balanced, compassionate approach to parenting.
9th July – 19.00 – 20.30pm via zoom
Breaking Free from Perfectionism Part 2: Embracing Imperfection in Parenting
In this second workshop, we’ll build on the insights from the first session and focus on letting go of the need to be perfect. You’ll explore how to embrace imperfection and shift your mindset toward self-compassion and realistic expectations. Through practical exercises, you’ll learn how to manage the fear of making mistakes, navigate setbacks, and celebrate progress instead of perfection. By the end of the session, you’ll have tools to embrace the messy, imperfect journey of parenting and cultivate a healthier, more fulfilling approach to your role as a parent.
20th August – 19.00 – 20.30pm via zoom
Healing from your birth experience
Trauma is deeply personal, and if your birth experience felt traumatic to you, it was. This workshop is for anyone who found their birth difficult and seeks support in understanding and processing those feelings. We’ll explore how your birth experience can impact your emotional and physical well-being, including how trauma may affect your mental health and relationships. We’ll also discuss common psychological and physiological responses to trauma, such as anxiety, dissociation, or physical tension. Through practical tools and coping strategies, you’ll learn how to manage the ongoing effects of birth trauma and lessen its impact on your daily life. Our goal is to help you reclaim a sense of agency, process your emotions, and focus on what matters most to you and your family moving forward. Join us for a compassionate and supportive space where you can begin your healing journey.
3rd September – 19.00 – 20.30pm via zoom
Breaking Free from Shame: Navigating Parenting with Confidence
Parenting often brings feelings of guilt and shame, but these emotions don’t have to define your journey. This group provides a safe space for parents to explore and overcome shame, reduce self-criticism, and focus on what truly matters. Through discussion and practical exercises, you’ll learn to let go of unrealistic expectations and embrace the imperfections of parenting. By the end of the group, you’ll feel more confident, empowered, and ready to approach your parenting journey with clarity and resilience. Join us to navigate parenting with greater peace and confidence.
If you need urgent help….
If you need urgent help or are worried about a loved one, call the Samaritans on 116 123 or the emergency services on 999.