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✨New light filled room!✨ As many of you know, I moved into a new room this week. It has more space for the little people as well as the big people to play, talk and think together. I can’t wait to welcome you here! #therapy #playtherapy #parenting #perinatalmentalhealth
Do you ever wonder what’s happening in your child’s mind? Taking a moment to be curious to their thoughts and what they might be exploring in their play? That very attempt at understanding, is the foundation for building their self esteem! It makes them feel and therefore believe, that their internal world is worthy of love and attention. It is also the very first step in therapy, to make space so that the child’s internal experience can be shared with us, and hopefully understood. 💜
I’m so excited to share with a new little project I’ve been working on! Along with the amazing team @ogcg.melbourne we are now offering a new class called Baby Steps. It’s intended to support expecting parents to prepare for the emotional rollercoaster that is coming their way. Sure, it’s intense! But you don’t have to ride it alone! And there are lots of great ways you can ease into the ups and downs! Feel free to reach out if you want to find out more ☺️
In therapy, as in life, the most helpful thing we can often do is to remain curious. When working with parents and young children, my role is to help them become curious about the meanings and the intentions behind behaviors. As people become open, it’s incredible to see dynamics shift and people become closer!
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