Group counselling for soon-to-be and new parents, in Victoria, BC.
Nature and Nurture
Group counseling for perinatal, postpartum and soon-to-be parents.
So much of early parenthood experiences happen within private homes and/or within the solitude of our own minds. This group is designed to provide a physical place for parents to connect face-to-face with the shared value of mental wellness while providing skill building opportunities aimed at managing thoughts and emotions through mindfulness.
A 6 weeks series
1.5 hours each
Led by registered clinical counsellor
Free (no obligation to join) consultation before enrolling
Next series begins March 25th, 2024
Here’s what
we do:
Group discussion
Fostering safe, confidential conversations and connections between parents as the antidote to fear, guilt and shame
Goal Setting
Setting clear behavioral goals based on individual values and circumstances
Mindfulness
Learning tools for being present with self through a non-judgmental and self-compassionate lens
Emotional regulation
Adding skills to your tool box for staying in control while managing the highs and lows of pregnancy and parenthood
Attachment
Understanding the importance of safe and secure attachments for ourselves and our families
Psychoeducation
Encouraging awareness of perinatal and postpartum mental health including when to seek help, signs, symptoms and correlating community resources
Relationships
Navigating the transition from partners to parents
“In nature and nurture, we try to balance group counselling with talking about the challenges of parenting but also the joys. We aim to make room for both laughter, to tears, and everything in between.
We are truly stronger together.”
Questions and thoughts
What are the advantages of group care?
Besides affordability, group counselling is primarily designed to foster connection between members in order to recognize shared experiences and/or circumstances.
“I am worried my anxieties might make other people anxious.”
We can say with absolute certainty that someone else in the group would relate to this thought, especially this one, that someone else might be negatively effected if they shared their experience! Sharing can benefit ourselves in the sense that we are able to talk about our internal dialogue, but also benefit someone else who might be encouraged to share.
One of our major goals in group is to destigmatize thoughts and emotions through safe, open and honest discussion. Connection is the antidote to shame!
“I feel nervous in group social situations.”
The first step in a group format is "forming" which means the counsellor purposely takes steps to encourage not only safety within through group but also a sense of shared experience and goals for the group to work towards together. Again, we can promise you that you will not be the only one who feels this way.
Would it be relevant for me to join multiple cohorts?
Parents are welcome to re-join the group in order to continue on working goals and developing their own mindfulness practice. Some of the content will transfer from group to group, such as mindfulness exercises; however, the repetition of these exercises is purposeful in the sense that mindfulness is like any skill, it's best to practice, practice, practice!
Can I bring my child?
As with any service or program at Lagoon Prenatal, babies are always welcome if it helps you access the care you deserve.
Do you have any other questions?
We welcome, and encourage, any and all questions to be sure our program will be a good fit for you!
RCC, CCC
Registered Clinical Counsellor | Certified Canadian Counsellor
Hi, I’m Codie!
Welcome everyone!
I’m a counsellor and a fellow parent! During my own journey from pregnancy to parenthood, my heart was overflowing with love and gratitude; however, I was also simultaneously drowning in my own feelings of overwhelm, inadequacy and perfectionism.
I wasn’t just struggling, I was suffering. Reaching out for help for me involved talking to a doctor, regular sessions with a counsellor, finding a community of other parents and practicing mindfulness. I began not only to survive, but to thrive…not because things in my world had significantly changed but because I was better equipped with resources to manage the inevitable challenges that parenting brings. I share my story because I believe it is important to normalize and destigmatize mental health challenges among new parents. I also hope to remind anyone reading this who may be facing their own early parenting challenges that you are not alone and there are resources to help you too!
Nature and Nurture aims to be one of these resources: a place to connect with other parents while learning and practicing mindfulness techniques from evidence-based therapies including Mindful Self-Compassion and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Investment
We recommend and offer a completely free consultation with Codie prior to signing up for any of her counselling services to see if you connect. Our highest priority is that you feel hear and safe in our care environment.
Your enrollment in the Nature and Nurture group includes:
Free consultation with Codie
6 x 1.5 hour group sessions
Access to group healing with carefully connected community members
Strategic tools surrounding: goal setting, mindfulness, emotional regulation, attachment, relationships, psychoeducation.
A welcome environment to bring your child to care for easy access to care
Receipts to submit your extended benefits if applicable
$250.00
Plus GST = $262.50 ($43.75 per session)
