Therapeutic Support Groups for Parents with SEN Children

I am planning a therapeutic support group for parents and carers of children with special educational needs (SEN). 


The aim of the group is to provide a safe space where you can:

  • - Connect with other parents who understand what you’re going through

  • - Explore the emotional impact of parenting a child with SEN

  • - Learn strategies to manage stress, burnout, and overwhelm

  • - Build confidence, resilience, and self-compassion

Before I start the group, I would love to hear from you. Your answers will help me make sure the group meets the real needs of parents and carers in your community.

Important information:

  • - There are no right or wrong answers — I just want your honest thoughts.

  • - The survey is anonymous and confidential.

  • - It should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.

  • - Your feedback will help me design sessions, choose topics, and make sure the group feels welcoming and useful.

Thank you for taking the time to help shape this group. Your experience, insights, and ideas really matter.
*
1.
Are you a:
Parent
Carer / Guardian
Other (please specify)
*
2.
What age bracket are you in?
Under 25
25-34
35-44
45-54
55+
*
3.
Do you care for a child/children with specialist education needs (SEN)? (Please select all that apply)[Checkboxes]
Yes - diagnosed
Yes - awaiting diagnosis
Yes - suspected / other
No (if no, you may still complete the survey if you care for a child with additional needs)
*
4.
How many children do you care for with SEN?
1
2
3+
*
5.
Which of the following challenges do you currently experience as a parent/carer of a child with SEN? (Please select all that apply)[Checkboxes]
Feeling Isolated
Stress or burnout
Anxiety or low mood
Difficulty managing emotions
Strained family relationships
Difficulty accessing support/services
Lack of understanding from others
Difficulty navigating trauma responses
Parent blame
Other: (please specify)
*
6.
On a scale of 1-5, how often do you feel overwhelmed by parenting responsibilities?
Never
Always
*
7.
On a scale of 1-5, how confident do you feel in accessing support for your child's SEN needs?
Not at all confident
Extremely confident
*
8.
How interested would you be in attending a therapeutic group for parents/child of children with SEN?
Very interested
Somewhat interested
Not interested
*
9.
What would be most helpful to you in a group like this? (Please select all that apply)[Checkboxes]
Meeting other parents who understand
Talking about feelings and stress
Learning strategies to manage your stress and burnout
Building confidence and self compassion
Improving family relationship
Identifying and understanding impacts of trauma
Understanding and managing emotions.
Grounding techniques
Other (please specify)
*
10.
Which emotions do you struggle with the most? (Please select all that apply)[Checkboxes]
Sadness
Grief and loss
Anger
Shame
Fear
Other (please specify)
*
11.
Would you prefer sessions that are more based on:
Practical Strategies
Emotional Support and Validation
A blend of both
*
12.
Which format would you prefer for the sessions?
In person
Online
Not sure
No preference
*
13.
What length of session would work best for you?
1 hour
90 minutes
2 hours
A whole day
*
14.
Would you prefer:
One off session
Short course (4-6 sessions)
Ongoing group
*
15.
What times would suit you best? (Please select all that apply)[Checkboxes]
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Weekdays
Weekends
*
16.
What might stop you from attending a group like this? (Please select all that apply)[Checkboxes]
Childcare
Work / employment commitments
Travel / transport
Feeling anxious about sharing
Time energy
Not prioritising your own wellbeing
Other: Please specifiy
*
17.
What would help you feel safe and comfortable in a group setting?
*
18.
Are there any supports or adjustments that would make attending easier for you?
*
19.
What would you hope to gain by attending a group like this?
*
20.
Are there any topics you would particularly like to see covered?
*
21.
Do you have additional comments or suggestions about this type of support?
22.
If you would like to receive more information about the launch of the group, or be part of the first pilot group at a discounted rate, please provide your name and email address below.
Name
Name
Email
Email
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