About

Black Box Parenting is a supportive, trauma‑informed program for parents who have experienced distress, adversity or trauma and want to better understand how these experiences can influence their parenting.

The program explores how past life events can shape emotional responses, communication and relationships with children. Using a compassionate and non‑judgemental approach, participants are supported to recognise their own “black box”, the internal filter through which experiences, stress and emotions can affect parenting reactions.

Black Box Parenting focuses on strengthening social and emotional wellbeing, supporting parents to build safe, connected and trusting relationships with their children, even during challenging moments.

What will I learn?

• Learn how trauma and stressful experiences can affect the brain and behaviour
• Develop insight into their personal “black box” and how it influences parenting responses
• Build skills to recognise emotional triggers and stress reactions
• Learn strategies to strengthen connection, attachment and trust with their child
• Explore emotion coaching and special play techniques to support regulation and bonding

Who is it for? 

• Parents who have experienced distress, adversity or trauma
• Parents at risk, or families with community services involvement
• Parents seeking a supportive, non‑judgemental parenting environment

How to book: 

Please note our services require an intake assessment to ensure they are suitable.

• Please access our booking page to book a suitable time for us to contact you to complete the intake process.
• If the booking is urgent or you are following up a previous registration, please call directly on 1800 967 894 

If you are from a referral agency and wish to refer a client, please complete the online referral form here.

CatholicCare Wollongong’s Families & Communities program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Go to www.dss.gov.au for more information.

Concessions apply, dependent on financial circumstances.