Teen Dad Support: Real Help for Young Fathers

What support is available for teenage dads and why does it matter? In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr Marianne Trent speaks with assistant psychologist Allie, who works on a groundbreaking pilot project in Bristol supporting young fathers under 25. They explore the challenges teen dads face, from being excluded by perinatal services to navigating stigma, co-parenting, and lack of role models. You'll hear how psychology-led support, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), is helping teenage dads feel more confident, connected, and involved in their children’s lives. Whether you’re a psychologist, student, parent, or someone working with young men, this episode is full of practical advice and insights into supporting young fathers’ mental health and parenting journey. #TeenDads #YoungFathers #PerinatalMentalHealth #teenpregnancy ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Why teen dads need more support 02:19 – Meet Allie and the Family Nurse Partnership pilot 07:17 – Barriers to engagement and risk-assessed identities 10:06 – Wanting the baby vs unwanted pregnancy myths 14:07 – Role models and rethinking discipline 17:42 – The value of therapeutic space for young men 20:35 – The importance of mindful transitions into parenthood 23:15 – Young dads and the language gap in perinatal services 25:04 – Fears around holding the baby and asking for help 29:56 – Legal complexities and parental responsibility 33:01 – Therapeutic approach: motivational interviewing & ACT 38:30 – Advice for teenage dads (and those supporting them) 45:05 – Being a “good enough” parent at any age 50:21 – The emotional impact of sleep deprivation Links: 📲 To learn more about the family nurse partnership head to: https://sirona-cic.org.uk/children-services/services/family-nurse-partnership/ 🫶 To support me by donating to help cover my costs for the free resources I provide click here: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/membership-interested 🖥️ Check out my brand new short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/short-courses ✍️ Get your Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/supervision 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. If you'd like to learn how to record and submit your own audio testimonial to be included in future shows head to: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/podcast and click the blue request info button at the top of the page. Hashtags: #aspiringpsychologist #dclinpsy #psychology #assistantpsychologist #psychologycareers #podcast #psychologypodcast #clinicalpsychologist #mentalhealth #traineeclinicalpsychologist #clinicalpsychology #drmariannetrent #mentalhealthprofessional #gettingqualified #mentalhealthprofessionals #traineepwp #mdt #qualifiedpsychologist #traineepsychologist #aspiringpsychologists #wellbeing Mentioned in this episode: Sponsored by WriteUpp Tap to Pay This episode is sponsored by WriteUpp. Their Tap to Pay app turns your smartphone into a card reader, helping private practitioners take secure payments without additional hardware. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336