Parenting doesn't come with a manual
Parenting can be rewarding, challenging and sometimes overwhelming. At times, our own experiences, emotions and beliefs can influence how we respond to our children, particularly during difficult or stressful moments.
The Group Parent Empowerment Program (GPEP) at EveryMind Counselling in Townsville is an EMDR-integrated therapeutic group program designed to help parents move away from reactive, trauma-triggered responses towards calmer, more connected and values-driven parenting.
What is the Group Parent Empowerment Program (GPEP)?
The Group Parent Empowerment Program (GPEP) is an EMDR-integrated therapeutic group program designed to support parents who want to better understand their emotional responses and strengthen their relationships with their children.
Our past experiences and personal beliefs can influence how we respond to parenting challenges. GPEP provides an opportunity to identify and process negative core beliefs that may contribute to reactive or trauma-triggered responses.
The program explores ways to move from self-protection towards calmer, more connected and values-driven parenting. It also focuses on understanding and responding to the emotional needs of children experiencing difficulties with emotional regulation.
Facilitated by Melanie Miller, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker at EveryMind Counselling in Townsville, GPEP offers a supportive and respectful small-group environment. Participants are not required to share details of past traumatic experiences with the group.
What will you gain through GPEP?
Self & Co-Regulation
Explore ways to ground yourself, manage emotional intensity and support emotional regulation.
Your Wiser Self
Reflective Communication
Play & Joy
Clear Boundaries
Learn to recognise reactive responses and explore ways to respond from a calmer, more reflective perspective.
Develop greater awareness of your child's emotional needs and how these can influence your interactions.
Explore opportunities to reconnect with your child through warmth, fun and play.
Learn to establish safe, clear and protective boundaries that support positive family relationships.
Who is the Group Parent Empowerment Program for?
The Group Parent Empowerment Program (GPEP) is designed for parents who want to better understand how their own experiences, emotions and beliefs may influence the way they respond to their children.
The program may be particularly relevant for parents who find themselves reacting in ways they would like to change, experiencing strong emotional responses during parenting challenges, or wanting to develop calmer, more connected relationships with their children.
GPEP provides an opportunity to explore personal patterns, strengthen emotional regulation and develop greater confidence in responding to the everyday demands of parenting.
Participants do not need to share details of past traumatic experiences with the group. The program provides a supportive and respectful environment for reflection, learning and personal growth.
How does the Group Parent Empowerment Program work?
The Group Parent Empowerment Program (GPEP) is an EMDR-integrated therapeutic program delivered in a small, supportive group environment. Facilitated by Melanie Miller, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, the program provides opportunities for reflection, personal growth and developing more connected approaches to parenting.
Participants can explore their emotional responses and personal beliefs while learning ways to support calmer, more values-driven parenting. There is no requirement to share details of past traumatic experiences with other group members.
Small Group Program
A supportive group environment with approximately 4-8 participants.
Therapeutic Support
An EMDR-integrated approach exploring emotional responses, personal beliefs and parenting patterns.
5 × 90-Minute Sessions
The program is delivered over five 90-minute sessions, with a proposed commencement in Term 1, 2027.