Compassionate Support for Dads wherever they are on the parental journey

Whether you are a Dad-to-be, a new Dad, a stepdad, a grandad, or any man stepping into a caregiving role, being a Dad isn’t always easy. We are here for you, offering counselling and therapeutic support to help you through whatever you're facing.

Inspiring The Next Generation

With Your Best Self

Why This Page Exists

Becoming a Dad is a life-changing experience — exciting, exhausting, and at times, intensely overwhelming. But here’s what often gets left out of the conversation: Dads struggle too. You might feel anxious, low, disconnected, or burdened by past experiences. These feelings are more common than you think — and you don’t have to face them alone. While most support services focus on mums (and rightly so), this can leave Dads feeling overlooked and unsure where to turn. From Lads to Dads is here to change that. We offer dedicated therapeutic support for Dads — a space where you can talk openly, feel heard, and get the help you need, without judgment.

Who This Is For

No matter how fatherhood looks for you, support is here. Whether you are preparing to become a Dad or navigating your way through the journey, this is a space where you are seen, heard, and supported.

  • Dads-to-be and those considering becoming a Dad

  • New Dads

  • Bereaved Dads

  • Stepdads and co-parents

  • Dads who feel distant or disconnected from their children

  • Grandads stepping into caregiving roles

  • Dads in same-sex relationships

  • Dads doing it alone.

Being a Dad Is a Big Shift — You are Not Alone

No one really prepares you for moments like these: Holding your newborn and feeling unsure of where you fit in; Watching your partner cope with the intensity of birth and feeling overwhelmed; Wondering if you are doing enough—or if you even know what “enough” looks like; Trying to be the steady one while feeling uncertain inside; Questioning if you are really connecting with your child; Wishing someone would simply ask, “How are you doing?” you are not alone. You are learning, growing, and finding your way—and that’s okay.

Research tells us that…

  • Up to 1 in 10 new Dads experience postnatal depression. While postnatal mental health is often focused on mothers, studies show that around 8–10% of new Dads experience symptoms of depression during the perinatal period.

  • Anxiety is even more common than depression in new Dads. Rates of anxiety in new Dads can range from 10–18%, particularly in the first year after birth.

  • First-time Dads are especially vulnerable to mental health challenges. The transition to parenthood can be a major identity shift.

  • Dads with a history of mental health problems are at greater risk. Previous struggles can resurface or intensify during the perinatal period.

  • Unaddressed paternal mental health can impact child development. Research shows that when a Dad is emotionally distressed, it can affect his ability to bond with his child.

  • Many Dads feel pressure to “hold it all together.” Social expectations often discourage Dads from opening up about their struggles.

  • Partners of Dads often don’t realise they’re struggling. Dads tend to internalise stress or “stay strong” for their family.

  • Support is available, but Dads often don’t know where to turn. Many aren’t offered services or don’t feel these spaces are meant for them.

What We Offer

  • One-to-One Therapeutic Support

    Confidential sessions with a trained professional who understands the emotional weight of being a Dad.

  • Peer Support Groups

    Join other Dads who get it. Talk openly, be heard, and learn from one another in a safe space.

  • CBT-Informed Tools

    Practical strategies to help Dads build emotional resilience and cope with overwhelm.

Why This Space Was Created

If you are feeling overwhelmed, distant, or not quite yourself, it's okay to reach out. This space is here for you.

  • Support designed with Dads at the centre — because your experience matters too.

  • A space where you can talk openly — no pressure to be anything but yourself.

  • Whatever your path into parenthood, you are welcome here.

  • You don’t have to carry this alone — connection can start here.

What Dads Are Saying

  • I felt invisible everywhere else. Here, I felt seen

  • Talking to someone saved my relationship with my child.

  • I didn’t even realise I was struggling until I had space to say it out loud.

Why Support for Dads Matters

When Dads feel supported: It becomes easier to connect and bond; Emotions feel more manageable; Relationships feel safer and steadier; Confidence begins to grow; The whole family benefits. Being a parent does not have to mean holding it all in. It can be a chance to show up — not just for your child, but for yourself too.

Take the First Step

If you are a Dad—or someone in a fathering role—and you are feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or simply not yourself, you are not alone. This is a space to feel heard, supported, and understood. We will meet you where you are at.

Book a Complimentary Consultation

For a 15-minute free consultation with a BSc pre-accredited IACP member, Counsellor and Psychotherapist, please fill in this form.