Mothers*, this is something for you. A space for you. A way to honour your experience of pregnancy, birth, mothering, and motherhood.
In our Maternal Journal group, we journal, using creative tools and techniques to support the huge changes, joys, and challenges we go through in pregnancy, birth, and new parenthood.
Rest assured that all creative skill levels are welcome! I am not an artist, but I love hearing stories, and putting some thoughts and feelings to paper.
Come as you are, in your sleep deprivation, and in the everyday messiness of being a parent.
I look forward to seeing you there.
~ Lauren
5 session series
For pregnant/expectant people and mothers of babies/toddlers
Starts 15 Oct
Welcome and time to settle.
I guide you through a step-by-step journaling activity and there is time to work quietly.
Activities may include creative techniques such as writing, poetry, drawing, sketching, collage and painting. The activities come from inspiring artists, therapists, and doulas, and encourage exploration of creativity, emotions, and experiences. This is suitable for beginners and all creative levels.
There is an opportunity to share and discuss (but not an expectation).
As a psychologist, I am there to facilitate, support, guide and hold space for these real and honest conversations. While this project is intended to be supportive and promote good mental health and wellbeing, please note that it is not group therapy or intended to replace individual therapy. It is hoped that Maternal Journal can be another layer of ‘tending to’ in support of your wellbeing and mental health. I am a strong believer in having many layers of care for parents in the antenatal and postnatal period (and beyond!) and this may be one of them.
Throughout the process, there are opportunities to connect with yourself. As the groups are kept small, there is a chance to connect with others, share stories and experiences and build your community.
Regardless of your prior experience with journaling, this gives you the opportunity to discover and play with a new way of self-care, and activities you can continue to do at home, long after the program has finished.
Maternal Journal started in England and is now a global community movement that uses creative journaling to boost wellbeing in pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
Journaling with other mothers is a great way to share experiences and connect in a friendly space held by a mental health professional.
Our Maternal Journal group offers something very different to your First Time Parent Group or playgroup. Using creative exercises, you will be supported to explore and reflect on your experiences of pregnancy, birth and mothering, to promote positive mental health and wellbeing.
Hannah, one of the Founding Maternal Journal Mothers.
Courtesy ofmaternaljournal.org
*The use of the word ‘mother’ is intended as inclusive of any person who births or identifies as a woman, mother or parent or with a maternal perspective.
