Future counsellors find out about CPA
Harriet Ernstsons-Evans • July 13, 2021
Future counsellors were able to learn more about a hidden form of domestic abuse thanks to our Founding Director.
Michelle John gave a talk about Child to Parent Abuse
(CPA) to The Foundation Degree in Counselling Theory and Practice students at Shrewsbury Colleges Group.
Michelle set up PEGS to help support parents, carers and guardians experiencing CPA – as well as training professionals, raising awareness and influencing national policy.
As part of her session, she shared information about CPA with the students and discussed supporting counselling clients experiencing abusive or violent behaviour from their children.
Michelle said: “I was delighted to have been asked to talk to the students, and to be able to share the PEGS journey so far, how we are supporting victims of abuse across the country, and our vision for the future.
“It was fantastic to be able to share further information and resources that they could access, and I hope the talk will be valuable to them as they begin their careers in counselling.
“It’s vital that counsellors understand CPA as this will allow so many more parents to talk about their experiences, and the impact abuse has had on their wellbeing. A huge thank you to Shrewsbury Colleges Group for their support in highlighting CPA.”
Genevieve Walters added: “Michelle really highlighted the importance of our words and tone as counsellors supporting clients carrying so much stigma and shame”, and one of the students said: “You have highlighted so many things that we did not know about in terms of referrals for parents”

We are thrilled to announce that the Allen Lane Foundation has generously funded a new Workshop Lead role to coordinate and deliver online workshops for parents and carers affected by Child-to-Parent Abuse (CPA) over the next 12 months. Parents and carers affected by CPA are often isolated, unsupported, and unsure where to turn. Our 2024 survey shows that 96% of parents feel isolated, 94% stressed, 92% scared, and 100% report an impact on emotional wellbeing. Over 70% have had to reduce or leave work. With demand for support rising to over 450 referrals per month and a 116% increase in November 2025 there is an urgent need for structured, accessible help. Expanding Online Workshops and 1:1 Support The new Workshop Lead will deliver a weekly online workshop for up to 15 participants, covering practical and emotional wellbeing topics such as stress management, goal-setting, and specialist techniques like Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Alongside the weekly sessions, the project will also run: Bi-monthly two-part specialist workshops Monthly wellbeing workshops By taking the lead on workshop delivery, the Workshop Lead will free up our practitioner team to provide more personalised one-to-one support to high-risk parents, reaching an additional estimated 50 parents in need. Over 12 months, we anticipate that over 200 parents will benefit directly from group workshops, gaining tools to manage risk, improve emotional wellbeing, reduce stress, and build confidence. The workshops will also create a safe space for peer connection, helping to reduce isolation and foster resilience. Measuring Impact We will track success through attendance figures, participant feedback, and pre- and post-workshop surveys to capture changes in confidence, coping strategies, and wellbeing. Practitioners will also monitor the effect of increased one-to-one support to ensure parents feel safer, supported, and better able to manage their situation. Michelle John, our founding director, says: "Allen Lane Foundation’s continued support enables us to reach more parents and provide the practical guidance and personal support they urgently need. This Workshop Lead role will make a real difference, helping parents feel safer, more confident, and connected, while allowing our practitioners to provide targeted one-to-one support where it’s needed most." We are incredibly grateful to the Allen Lane Foundation for their ongoing belief in our work. This funding allows us to expand our online support, reach more parents, and provide both group and personalised assistance for those affected by CPA.




