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I often go to books to find words for the experiences that evade language. This morning I am reading “Little Labors” by Rivka Galchen. She speaks to an experience of depression and this is what she writes: “It’s true what they say, that a baby gives you a reason to live. But also, a baby is a reason that it is not permissible to die. There are days when this does not feel good.” #postnatalmentalhealth #parenting #infantmentalhealth
How often do we really play with our kids? As in playing without an agenda to educate, to control or correct them? Without getting too excited to take over or get so bored that we gently move them on to something else? It’s actually a really tricky thing to do for an adult! But when we manage it, we really let our kids know that their ideas, their thoughts and experiences matter. Even if we can only manage this a few minutes at a time, it can be game changer for our relationship with our kids! 💫 #playtherapy #parenting #infantmentalhealth
Starting a family is one of the biggest decisions we can make as adults. This is why it can be so helpful to approach it with awareness and understanding. It’s also why our lovely obstetricians @ogcg.melbourne are offering a free webinar in partnership with @frances_perry_house to help you think through your pre-pregnancy needs 💜 Follow the link below to register: https://www.francesperryhouse.com.au/Maternity-Education-and-Tours/Community-Information-Sessions
Anger is a feeling that worries many of us. Whether we see it in our children or in ourselves, it’s often one of the big things that bring people to therapy. Once we spend time to get to know it though, anger is almost always an expression of overwhelming fear which is calling out to be understood 💜
Families do come in all shapes and sizes. I find it really helps when new parents spend some time considering how their own upbringing, family culture or life experiences impact their parenting choices. Parenting truly is the hardest job in the world, so I don’t know why so many of us believe the myth that it should just come to us naturally 🤔 In truth, it takes time and practice and lots and lots of help! #ittakesavillage #prenting #perinatalmentalhealth
Pregnancy and the early parenting days can be a time of complex emotions. Did you know that women are more likely to develop mental health problems at this time more than any other stage of their life? Seeking support as early as possible is one of the best ways to look after yourself and your baby. There is no job more demanding than parenting, so it’s only normal that we all need help. Please reach out if you are wondering how we can help you. #parenting #pregnancy #perinatal #mentalhealth #baby
It’s so wonderful to be back in the playroom again! 💫 I’m opening up a few more sessions this month so please reach out if you want to find out more.
“Parents and children help each other to grow. In raising their children, parents are also raising themselves. Child rearing gives parents the chance to redo their own childhood and to improve on it.” Alicia F. Lieberman
I’m so excited to let you all know that as well as my work @bigfeelings.therapy I will be joining the lovely team @ogcg.melbourne to support the mental health of new and expecting parents 🐣 I can’t wait to help young families feel more grounded and confident in navigating their new lives! For more info, please see https://ogcg.com.au/vessal-safaei/
“Follow your child’s lead.” This is an expression you might have heard before, from child health nurses or early childhood educators. It’s because they know the power of giving a child their attention, with no agenda other than being curious about the child’s exploration. But as easy as it sounds, it’s one of the hardest jobs we have as a parent! With so many things on our mind, even when we prioritize the time to play, we often end up leading rather than follow. When I offer dyadic work to parents and children, I see first hand how powerful it is for little ones to experience the magic of being valued exactly for who they are, in that particular moment 💜💫 please reach out if you want to learn more. #play #parentchildpsychotherapy #therapy