Dr Gemma Gate

I am a Clinical Psychologist with 17 years’ experience across NHS, Social Care and the independent sector. Prior to leaving the NHS, I led a specialist mental health service for children in care. Since 2016, I have worked in independent practice supporting families through the Adoption & Special Guardianship Support Fund and working alongside colleagues in fostering and residential children’s homes.

My interest in blocked care and secondary trauma, combined with many years of supporting families in crisis, led me to pursue training in Non-Violent Resistance (NVR). I found that NVR offered a fresh, compassionate framework that addressed the feelings of powerlessness and overwhelm so many parents and professionals experience when caring for children with complex needs. This approach has revolutionised the way I work with families, helping to shift relationships away from blame and shame, and towards connection, resilience and empowerment.

NVR has been a particularly valuable framework for working with parents navigating family breakdown and parenting from a distance. I am particularly interested in how NVR can be developed to help those working within stressed and strained organisational systems to strengthen relationships, reduce burnout and help professionals feel less isolated and helpless in their roles.