Welcome to Therapy in the Woods!

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Amy Ovenden—a mum of three and passionate advocate who has been navigating the often overwhelming world of SEN parenting and education. From her eldest son’s autism and ADHD diagnoses, to fighting for an EHCP against schools and local authorities who insisted he was “fine,” Amy shares a story that will resonate deeply with so many parents.

This conversation explores the highs and lows of advocating for a child whose needs aren’t always visible. Amy opens up about her son’s struggles with school refusal, the impact of masking, and the exhausting reality of tribunals and appeals. But her story is also one of resilience—how she faced her own battles with anxiety and agoraphobia, and how that experience inspired her to create an advocacy service to support other families through the same broken system.

Whether you’re a parent in the thick of the EHCP process, a professional working in education, or simply someone who wants to understand the realities behind the headlines about SEN reform, Amy’s journey sheds light on the systemic challenges families face every day—and the power of trusting your instincts.

⏱ Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

03:40 – Life as a SEN Mum

05:30 – Leighton’s Story: Diagnosis and Early Schooling

08:45 – The Masking Problem

10:20 – The Battle for an EHCP

13:30 – Impact on Family Life

20:00 – The Toll on Parents’ Mental Health

27:00 – Finding Support & Recovery

32:00 – Understanding EHCPs

39:00 – Advocacy & SEN Reform

47:00 – Practical Advice for Parents

56:30 – Parenting Two Different Children

1:02:00 – When Support Systems Fail

1:08:00 – Coping Strategies and Resilience

1:15:00 – Hopes for Change in SEN Reform

1:22:00 – Closing Thoughts and Messages for Parents

1:27:00 – Episode Wrap-Up

RESOURCES

Here’s a link to a FREE visual resource, showing the regulation pyramid and how to achieve it:

https://www.holisticchildandfamilytherapy.co.uk/digital-downloads

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Connect with Amy:

Instagram: @the_inclusiveclass

Website: https://theinclusiveclass.my.canva.site/welcome-to/#page-PBqK5bmdlLYM7zdj

Thank you for being a part of Therapy in the Woods!