Helping overwhelmed parents when typical parenting advice isn’t working
Parenting can feel relentless when you’re trying so hard to support your child, but nothing seems to be helping.
I’m Dr Jo Mueller, a Clinical Psychologist specialising in supporting parents who feel stuck in cycles of reacting, second-guessing, and overwhelm.
My work helps families better understand themselves and their child, so home life can feel calmer, safer, and more connected.
Who can I help?
Many of the parents I work with feel confused about why parenting seems harder for their family than everyone else around them.
Often, they’re raising children who are especially sensitive, emotionally intense, or neurodivergent - while trying to manage their own overwhelm too.
Over the last 17 years as a Clinical Psychologist, I’ve seen how transformative it can be when parents stop blaming themselves and start understanding the nervous system needs underneath behaviour, both in their child and themselves.
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Looking for practical parenting advice?
From practical parenting ideas to supporting your child’s emotional and behavioural health, I help with all kinds of parenting dilemmas, drawing on the best available psychological theory and evidence.
I work in a neuroaffirmative way with neurodivergent parents and children
(e.g. autistic or ADHD) - and I'm experienced in supporting you if you're not yet sure.
Feeling stressed, overwhelmed or guilty?
Often, parents I work with are feeling stressed, overwhelmed and guilty; they might be struggling with not feeling good enough, feeling frustrated, or adjusting to a change in identity.
Maybe you are feeling anxious, low in mood, struggling with another aspect of your mental health or wondering about neurodivergence. These feelings are common, but you don't have to cope alone - I can help.
Are past experiences impacting your parenting?
Sometimes, parents find that past experiences (from their own childhood, or a difficult birth, for example) are impacting on their parenting in ways that they would like to change.
Parents often want to make sure they don't pass on past traumas to their child, but aren't sure how. You might simply want to parent in a different way to your own parents, but find yourself repeating patterns. If this is you, I can help you find a path forwards.
I'm so glad you're here.
I understand that when you start to look for support as a parent, you may worry that you’re somehow over-reacting, or feel you “should” be able to manage on your own. It’s amazing how comfortable we are seeking help in other areas of our lives, but when it comes to our parenting and well-being, we put pressure on ourselves to cope alone.
I hope to normalise reaching out during this time in our lives, prioritising arguably the two most important things in our lives: our children and our own mental health.
The 6P Key Framework for
Regulated Kids & Parents
My 6P Key Framework for regulated kids & parents is for parents who are wondering if their child could be highly sensitive or neurodivergent, but feel lost in a cycle of self-doubt and reactivity.
Not your typical parenting advice, the step-by-step, evidence-based techniques help you both feel calmer and more connected to each other.
You can access the full framework via The Guilty Parent Club podcast library. Or, find out more through my free resources for parents.
Testimonials
Jo offered an incredibly warm, relatable and non-judgemental space. She worked gently with my feelings of shame around the parenting I was less than proud of, and her compassionate approach helped me to find ways to be kinder to myself.
I came away with both practical solutions and a renewed awareness of caring for myself in order to better care for my children.
Individual Therapy client
How can I help you?
I know that the most important thing when making the leap to contact a psychologist is to find someone who you can connect with. I’m a warm and open therapist, bringing a human, practical approach to our 1:1 sessions and my self-guided resources.
Whatever dilemma you are facing, my aim is to work collaboratively with you to help you to feel calmer and more confident as a parent, and to nurture your connection with your child.
I'm looking for flexible, self-guided support
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INTRODUCING
Are you a neurodivergent parent?
If you’re tired of parenting advice that doesn’t fit… here, you’ll find real support, shared stories, and evidence-based, practical tools that work for your nervous system.
Most parenting spaces only focus on how to raise your child. We focus on what it means to parent as you are. Whether you have a formal diagnosis, self-identify or are just wondering, you’re welcome here.
The Neurodivergent Parent Space is a community built by neurodivergent parents with my sister company, The Neurodiversity Practice.
Neurodivergent parenting is different - and so is this Space.