Paula Brunning

When a close friend moves away, the child who stays behind can experience a loss that adults do not always see. This is particularly common for expatriate and Third Culture Kids, whose friendships may repeatedly change as families relocate. Counsellor & Parenting Coach Paula Brunning shares the R.A.K.E. framework — four practical ways to help children and teenagers navigate friendship changes, goodbyes and new beginnings.

Your child says they have no friends—or seems increasingly left out. Should you intervene or let them work it out? Counsellor & Parenting Coach, Paula Brunning explains how parents can support healthy friendships, belonging and social confidence, and the signs that a child may need more help.

Why are my kids always fighting? Sibling rivalry can leave parents exhausted and wondering when to step in—or whether they’re making things worse. Counsellor & Parenting Coach, Paula Brunning, explains why siblings fight and shares practical ways to help children manage jealousy, regulate emotions, communicate better and turn everyday conflicts into lifelong relationship skills.

Repeated moves, interrupted friendships and changing ideas of home can leave Third Culture Kids carrying losses that others may not recognise. Counsellor & Parenting Coach, Paula Brunning, explores how the Unstacking Method helps Adult TCKs and internationally mobile families understand layered grief, build emotional safety and make sense of experiences accumulated across countries and life stages.

Becoming a mother can bring immense joy, but it can also trigger unexpected fears that feel confusing and frightening. If you are experiencing distressing intrusive thoughts, overwhelming anxiety, or a constant need to check and seek reassurance after the birth of your baby, you are not alone. Counsellor & Parenting Coach, Paula Brunning, explains how understanding postpartum OCD is the first step towards recovery, helping you recognise that these thoughts do not define you and that effective, evidence-based treatment is available.

Becoming a parent is often described as one of life’s most joyful experiences—but for many, it also brings unexpected stress, self-doubt, and emotional overwhelm. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why does this feel so hard?” or “Am I doing this right?”, you’re not alone. Counsellor & Parenting Coach, Paula Brunning, shares that parenting rarely matches the expectations we carry into it, and understanding this gap is the first step toward finding balance, confidence, and support.

When a doctor recommends CBT for your child, it can feel both reassuring and confusing. What exactly is CBT, and how will it help your child manage anxiety? Counsellor & Parenting Coach, Paula Brunning, explains understanding how this evidence-based therapy works can give you confidence in supporting your child’s emotional wellbeing and progress.

Parents play a powerful role in shaping their children’s emotional intelligence. When children feel safe expressing their emotions, they develop stronger resilience, empathy, and communication skills. Counsellor & Parenting Coach, Paula Brunning, explores how “safe space responses” help children understand and regulate their emotions, strengthening both their wellbeing and family relationships.