What is matrescence?
Matrescence is the profound physical, psychological, emotional, and social transformation a woman undergoes when she becomes a mother. Just as adolescence marks the journey from child to adult, matrescence is the journey from woman to mother. It's not just about giving birth; it's about the complete reorganisation of your identity, relationships, and sense of self. It's a normal, yet often overwhelming, developmental stage that can bring intense feelings of joy, love, grief, anxiety, and ambivalence. Understanding matrescence helps normalise these complex feelings and gives you a framework for making sense of your experience.

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Is there a time limit for seeking support with matrescence?

My services are designed to support women throughout the whole journey of matrescence. While this transition begins in pregnancy, it's an ongoing process of psychological and emotional re-organisation that can last for several years. Typically, my practice focuses on supporting mothers from pregnancy up until their child is approximately two years old. If your child is older, please still get in touch, and we can discuss your unique situation to see if my services are the right fit, or I can offer guidance on alternative support.

How is this different from other new mum groups or general therapy?
While new mum groups offer invaluable peer support and general therapy can address a wide range of issues, Becoming Mother offers a unique, psychodynamic approach specifically tailored to the psychological transformation of matrescence.
* Targeted Focus: This programme is specifically designed to explore the deep identity changes, emotional complexities, and relationship changes that occur in early motherhood.
* Psychodynamic Depth: Unlike surface-level coping strategies, we delve into the unconscious patterns, past experiences, and internal dynamics that are activated or resurface during this transition. This allows for profound, lasting insight and integration, helping you understand why you feel certain ways, not just what you're feeling.
* Structured Yet Flexible: While offered in a block, the focus of each session remains led by you, allowing you to explore what's most pressing for you at that time.
* Specialist Expertise: As a psychodynamic psychotherapist with personal experience of matrescence, I bring a unique understanding of both the clinical and lived experience of this transformative period.

Can I bring my baby to sessions?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your baby to sessions. I understand that finding childcare for a new infant can be challenging, and your baby is an integral part of your new life. The focus of our time together will be on your experience as a mother, but your baby's presence is completely acceptable. Some mothers find it helpful for the baby to be present, as it can sometimes inform the session, while others prefer to arrange childcare if they feel it allows them to focus more deeply on themselves. We can discuss what feels right for you during our initial consultation.

What if my baby cries during a session?
It's completely normal for babies to cry, and there is absolutely no need to worry or feel embarrassed if your baby cries during a session. I expect it! You are free to feed, comfort, change, or attend to your baby's needs at any time. The session time is for you, and we can pause or adapt as needed. We'll simply pick up where we left off, or work with what's emerging in the moment.

How long does each session last?
Each individual session is 50 minutes. To ensure consistency, sessions will always begin and end at the allotted time.

What is your cancellation policy?
I understand that caring for a newborn is unpredictable. Sessions within the programme blocks are pre-paid. I require 24 hours' notice for any cancellations or rescheduling requests. If you provide at least 24 hours' notice, I will do my best to find an alternative time for your session within your paid block period. Sessions missed without 24 hours' notice will unfortunately be forfeited from your block. This policy helps ensure consistency in your therapeutic journey and respects the commitment made to our sessions.

How do I book a session?
The first step is to book an initial consultation. This time allows us to discuss what you're hoping for from the sessions, for you to ask any questions, and to ensure that psychotherapy is the right fit for your needs. See My Approach page for further details. 

Is this suitable for PND/PNA?
The Becoming Mother programmes provides psychodynamic therapy for the emotional and psychological challenges of matrescence, which can include feelings of anxiety, low mood, irritability, and overwhelm that often overlap with symptoms of Postnatal Depression (PND) and Postnatal Anxiety (PNA). This programme offers a therapeutic space for exploring the underlying dynamics of these feelings.
However, please note that therapy is not a substitute for specific clinical treatment of severe PND or PNA which may require a formal diagnosis, medication, or a different type of therapeutic intervention (e.g., CBT, or more intensive mental health support). If you have been diagnosed with severe PND/PNA, or if your symptoms are significantly impacting your ability to function daily, we can discuss during our initial consultation whether therapy is appropriate or if a referral to a specialist perinatal mental health service would be more suitable. I am happy to work alongside other professional support you may be receiving.

Are the sessions online or in person?
Currently, the sessions are offered exclusively online via Zoom. Online sessions offer convenience and flexibility, allowing you to access support from the comfort of your own home or wherever you are. 

What happens after the initial block?
At the end of your initial 6 or 12 sessions, we will review your journey, reflect on the insights gained, and discuss your next steps. Many mothers find this initial block incredibly valuable for understanding and navigating matrescence. If you feel you would benefit from continued support and further exploration, you will have the option to enroll in either 6 or 12 further sessions. 

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What happens if I have a holiday booked within the session block?

Each 6 or 12 session block has a validity period during which all sessions must be completed. This is designed to accommodate occasional breaks, including holidays for either yourself or for me. Please see the Cancellation & Refund Policy for full details. 

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