Pre-Baby Therapy

Many couples are aware of the benefits of pre-marital therapy, as a time for couples to connect on shared values, deepen intimacy, make plans for the future, learn important relational skills, and proactively work through potential conflicts.  However, having a child can be a more disruptive transition than getting married and preparing for this change in your family can be a helpful way to maintain connection through challenges. If you are wanting to provide a solid foundation in your relationship to welcome in a child, pre-baby therapy may be for you! Contact me for details about individual and group options for couples. Additionally, I work with many couples who are in the process of becoming parents and after they already have children. 

The Mindful Transition to Parenthood Program:
Deepening the Couple Relationship through Awareness, Acceptance, and Action

About the Program
The Mindful Transition to Parenthood Program (MTPP) is a group I designed to support the couple relationship in the transition to parenthood.  Although many childbirth classes include both partners, few are focused on enhancing the couple relationship for the foundation of a healthy family.  I believe that holistic health for pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting means promoting healthy relationships.  Mindfulness has been shown to promote stress management, increase positive emotions, improve empathy and compassion, and enhance relationship satisfaction. Mindfulness can also help decrease risk of postpartum depression and improve parent-infant bonding. In this prenatal class, I use mindfulness as a foundation for learning and practicing effective ways of relating with your partner, your child, and yourself. The program is designed for couples who are expecting their first child, through birth or adoption. If you already have young children or are expecting another child and are interested in this program, please contact me. This program is evidence-based, and you can read about the research results here and here. 
Why should I enroll in this program?
        A recent study showed that 90% of couples have a decline in relationship satisfaction after the birth of their first child.  However, those that have the strongest couple relationships (in the top 10 - 15%) before having children actually become happier with their relationships after their child is born.
        Overall, the better your relationship is, the greater the chance that your child will be happy and healthy - physically, emotionally, psychologically, and socially.  As John Gottman says to expectant couples, "The greatest gift you can give your baby is a happy and strong relationship between the two of you."  Enrolling in the Mindful Transition to Parenthood Program is an important step towards ensuring the well-being and healthy development of your child, not to mention your own happiness!

Picture

  Program Overview
  • Includes mindfulness meditation instruction, experiential activities, and education
  • Based on neuroscience and mindfulness research
  • Groups consist of 3-8 couples
  • 6 weeks, 2 hours per week (with additional sessions after birth of child)



What you will learn
  • How to be more present and joyful in your life and your relationships
  • Ways to interrupt ineffective relational patterns, and replace them with healthier interactions
  • Mindfulness skills to reduce stress and your risk of postpartum depression
  • The top areas of conflict for new parents and strategies to manage them
  • How to access your innate wisdom and compassion, even in difficult moments
  • Mindfulness practices to reduce pain during childbirth


Testimonials
Here's what recent participants are saying about the program:

"I have truly and fully loved this experience with the classes and have appreciated Laura's insight and perspective."

"The program has helped me to be more relaxed and calm, and also more accepting of myself and my partner."

"My partner and I both benefited greatly from participating in this program. The structure and content were well-reasoned and rich. Thank you!"

"I really enjoyed the program and feel a lot of confidence about my relationship. It seems like anytime we have a disconnect, there is a relevant strategy to use to bring clarity to the situation that I learned through the workshop."

"This group was awesome and we learned a lot of great tools for relationship communication."

"Our relationship now feels very beautiful, grounded, and sweet!"



Upcoming Groups
I will be leading groups in the area of Asheville and Boone, North Carolina and can offer them virtually as well.  Please contact me if you are interested in joining a group or for individual consultation. I am also happy to provide resources and information to expecting couples (and to professionals working with this population) wherever they are located.