Leading the way

Credentials

Graduate from a highly respected training provider. ISSC set the global standard in working from a parent-child bond perspective, since 2015.

We are also the only provider to coach students in the craft of tailoring approaches effectively.

Personal Mentor

We provide you with your one-to-one mentor.

Our mentors have been carefully selected as aligning with our vision, trained by us and holding formal qualifications in related fields such as nursing and teaching.

(applicable for certifications only)

Qualified

Our program is designed by one of the most suitably qualified instructors in the industry (Masters degree).

Our co-supervisors lead the way with qualifications of teaching, nursing, author and inventor.

Affordable

Proudly offering the most affordable programs - we do not engage in lavish campaigns & designs to lure students, therefore we can focus on delivering affordable science-backed education.

Our Values

Sensitive Sleep Consultants trained through the Institute align their values of:

Being inclusive and respectful of all parenting styles
Supporting a nurturing relationship between parent and child
Encouraging breastfeeding where possible and supporting the mother's choices
Staying up to date on safe sleeping recommendations in particular how to support co-sleeping families who wish to continue co-sleeping
Attentive listening and empathising with families going through sensitive issues
Maintaining a high level of professionalism and close support to the client
Considerate of attachment theory and parenting values
Guiding clients through tailored solutions born from a place of understanding and respect
Capable of using knowledge of all sleep training methods (traditional and gentle) and using professional judgement on determining appropriate approaches for individual families.

Our Mission

To be a lighthouse of hope and understanding to professionals and families who need solutions to sleep issues yet may not wish to partake in traditional sleep training (cry it out, controlled crying etc).
Educate in all sleep training methods. We are inclusive, and share our understanding of when traditional approaches are appropriate and how to modify methods effectively.
Provide quality evidence-based training and education to professionals on sensitive sleep approaches that consider the parent-child bond in any approach.
Provide quality coaching and support to parents on sensitive sleep approaches.
Provide individualised mentoring to students of the Institute
Link and network professionals in the sleep industry to support eachother.
Advocate for perinatal mental health
Advocate for biological and psychological perspectives in sleep health

About the Founder

Kel Whittaker founded the Institute of Sensitive Sleep Consulting in 2015 after identifying a need in the child sleep industry to support and educate professionals who identify themselves as respectful of attachment parenting values, positive parenting principles and other parenting styles that nurture the parent-child bond, whilst guiding clients to respectful solutions to their sleep issues. This has led to an industry movement, with other course providers following.

Kel leads the training of professionals across Australia and most of the English-speaking world. Kel feels her understanding gained through her Bachelor of Psychological Science (including attachment theory and cognitive development) have been fundamental in adapting her approach. Furthermore, Kel completed a Masters degree in Social Work and is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker providing Medicare-rebates for treatment to clients of all ages. She holds a GP certificate in Insomnia Diagnosis and Treatment and certificate in Infant Mental Health Foundations (University of Auckland), Medicare training in pregnancy counselling and is trained in crisis counselling (Lifeline Australia), and is a Happiest Baby Educator. Kel is the Australian Representative for the International Association of Child Sleep Consultants. She is also a Professional Associate of Attachment Parenting International, and is a member of the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants, a published contributor to the International Maternity & Parenting Institute and a featured Wisdom Expert for the Birth Institute. Kel is proud to share her thoughtful program approved with International Institute for Complementary Therapists. She also has a background as a Childrens Ministry Leader (ages 1-4 years). In addition to founding the ISSC, Kel has since merged with Erinnah to provide unique programs to professionals and children in the mental health space. Prior to her relocation to the Gold Coast, she was recommended by Pediatricians at Royal Darwin Hospital and invited to present to their board. Throughout her experiences with assisting parents, she has shaped her practice of assessing and coaching parents with sleep issues to one that ultimately listens to the client and guides and counsels them to find their own solutions from a place of love and understanding. Kel does not claim to be an 'Expert' - the world does not need more Experts, it needs Encouragers.