Supporting the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Parents and Children
Join Gemma, a Perinatal Counsellor, and me as we talk about discovering the empowering journey of motherhood beyond the picture-perfect façade. We explore the real challenges, how to seek professional support, the importance of connecting authentically with fellow mums, and how to navigate the dynamics of social media. Embrace the 'sh*t-show' moments and find strength in the collective experience of motherhood. Gemma's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/postpartumlikeaboss/ Read the Blog Post https://thegentlecounsellor.com/acknowledging-the-sh1t-show/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegentlecounsellor/ TikTok http://tiktok.com/@thegentlecounsellor Website https://thegentlecounsellor.com/
Read the Blog Post 'Parenting From a Place of Fear' Are you a parent who struggles with fear and uncertainty? My latest podcast episode with Danica from Little Bloom explores the different ways fear can show up when parenting. From feeling judged by others to worrying about the future, we talk about what helped us overcome our fears and create a more supportive environment for our children. Tune in now and let's learn to parent from a place of love, not fear. Danica is an Education Mentor & Consultant specialising in Children's Behaviour. She helps educators and parents transform how they support children's behaviour and emotional development (0-7 yrs). Website - https://www.littlebloomconsultancy.com.au/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/littlebloom.consultancy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegentlecounsellor/ TikTok http://tiktok.com/@thegentlecounsellor Website https://thegentlecounsellor.com/
Read the Blog Post 'Finding Your Calling During Early Postpartum' Sami is a preconception, pregnancy and postpartum Doula living, working and mothering on Turrbal country in Brisbane's North West. She is passionate about providing continuity of connection to mothers, women and birthing folk in both an in-home and online capacity. Her professional and educational history centres on public health, social justice and diverse communities. She is a mother to a 15-month-old boy, which is her greatest calling. Website - www.theholddoulaco.com Instagram - @theholddoulaco Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegentlecounsellor/ TikTok http://tiktok.com/@thegentlecounsellor Website https://thegentlecounsellor.com/
Read the Blog Post: 'Postpartum Insomnia: Causes, Warning Signs, and Effective Solutions for New Mothers' Allison shares her experience of motherhood and insomnia, and how she found sleep again. She is a 39-year-old mother of a two-year-old and a four-week-old and works as a clinical pharmacist. Book a Counselling session with me https://thegentlecounsellor.com/counselling-services/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegentlecounsellor/ TikTok http://tiktok.com/@thegentlecounsellor Website https://thegentlecounsellor.com/
Read the Blog Post: 'Why Emotional Regulation Can be Challenging for Some Children Despite Gentle Parenting: Tips and Strategies for Parents' Yvette Knights works with families who have children with a range of delays in their foundational skills. These delays impact their behaviour and attention, social skills, emotional regulation, motor skills, balance and neurological readiness for learning. She is a neuro developmental therapist and has a degree in early childhood education. This means she has good knowledge about how we grow and develop and how our development impacts our brain and its development. Yvette uses this information to fill in any gaps in our brain's development helping people to overcome many challenges they are facing. Here is the link to the Play Ideas handout https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I23HUMfhK1wBBV8f-dlUiyMHAOGENcIb/view?usp=sharing https://www.facebook.com/MoveLearnConnect @movelearnconnect www.movelearnconnect.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegentlecounsellor/ TikTok http://tiktok.com/@thegentlecounsellor Website https://thegentlecounsellor.com/
Common struggles for parents, childhood experiences and family dynamics, insecure avoidant and anxious attachment styles, and effective communication. To book a Counselling session with Crystal click here. Click here to download the Transcription for this episode. Instagram TikTok Website
What is real self-care? It is real and radical. Real – truly deep to your soul-nourishing. Life-changing and life-giving. Radical – unapologetic, and without guilt or shame. Quite literally taking care of yourself. Examples of real – seeing a mental health professional, setting and maintaining boundaries, learning self-regulation strategies. Examples of radical – learning from triggers instead of avoiding them, saying ‘no', monitoring your energy levels each day. The self-care cup analogy. When you fill your own cup then you can pour from the overflow into people and activities around you and other areas of your life i.e. relationships, creative projects, and exercise. However, your cup may have holes in it. Your environment is either strengthening or weakening your ability to self-care. Some examples are: Lack of support network, missing ‘the village', stress, relationship issues, mental health struggles, homelessness, experiencing racism or discrimination, and living through a crisis. Different Types of Rest – Physical, mental, sensory, creative, and social rest are often overlooked as individual types of rest that we all need. Dynamics between partnered parents to give each other enough time for self-care. Click Here for the Free Self-Care Workshop To book a Counselling session with Crystal click here. Click here to download the Transcription for this episode. Instagram TikTok Website
The clash between what we thought parenting would be like vs. the reality. Societal pressures and expectations on parents especially mothers and the imbalance of expectations between mums and dads. How those following gentle parenting can feel the pressure to ‘get it right' all the time. To book a Counselling session with Crystal click here. Click here to download the Transcription for this episode. Instagram TikTok Website
I am hosting the annual Mums' Mental Health Summit which is a 2-day event of Guest Speakers and Workshops with mums sharing all about mental health and motherhood. If you've been feeling the pull to do something for yourself, then this is the event for you. Its happening over October 8th-9th at the Mantra Legends Hotel in Surfers Paradise, in QLD. It's the ultimate self-care for mums event. There are VIP and General admission options for you to check out, but be quick to grab your ticket and make plans as tickets are very limited. I cannot wait to meet you all! Tickets for the Mums' Mental Health Summit https://thegentlecounsellor.com/mums-mental-health-summit/ In today's podcast episode, I wanted to share with you a bit about my thoughts and my personal and professional experience around psychology and spirituality. This is something that I have been on my own journey with. So of course, I've got my degrees that are very psychology based. But in my personal life, I've also felt this shift to explore my spirituality. I find this to be perhaps a more common thing that occurs for us as we get older, I really am curious about what it stems from for a lot of people, whether that's religious trauma, or just feeling the sense of there's something more, or you're trying to find ways to support yourself. Join me in this conversation, I would love to hear from you. To book a Counselling session with Crystal click here. Click here to download the Transcription for this episode. Instagram TikTok Website If you work with mothers and families you may be interested in my upcoming Gentle Motherhood Professionals Training. It consists of educational content and modules learning the Gentle Motherhood™ Framework alongside individual and group sessions over 8-weeks. In this training, you will receive a combination of: The Gentle Motherhood™ Framework 6-weeks of education content and modules Business coaching and personal counselling 12-months Business plan and an offering A certificate upon completion A listing in my business directory network (only available for those who complete this training) Gentle Motherhood™ Professionals Training https://thegentlecounsellor.teachable.com/p/gentle-motherhood-professionals-training
I am joined by De from Mama Nourished Co who is a Postpartum Doula passionate about mothers deserving postpartum support. In this episode De shares some of her practical tips for how we can receive and ask for support during this vulnerable and important time. After this chat, we decided to make a Facebook group for those who are looking to create their own or be a part of someone else's postpartum community. Search Practical Postpartum Village Australia or click here to join. De @mamanourishedco https://www.mamanourishedco.com/ The annual Mums' Mental Health Summit is coming to you October 8-9! Tickets are available now, click here. I can't wait to meet you! To book a Counselling session with Crystal click here. Click here to download the Transcription for this episode. Instagram TikTok Website
I went Live on Instagram with Tiffany to talk about the duality of motherhood. Here is the replay on Instagram. We can love it and we can find it hard. We can enjoy playing with our children and dislike pretend play. We can wish for our children to sleep through the night and miss the cuddles when they do. We can be snappy some days and be working to be more gentle. There is so much we can be as Mothers, this journey isn't linear. There is space for the positive and negative. So what can we do? Accepting this, being compassionate with ourselves will allow the space for the duality of motherhood. Tiffany @inspire.learn.teach The annual Mums' Mental Health Summit is coming to you October 8-9! Mark your calendars for ticket sales to become available in early April. I can't wait to meet you! To book a Counselling session with Crystal click here. Click here to download the Transcription for this episode. Instagram TikTok Website
In today's episode, we're going to be talking about what it means to be a cycle breaker, and what does this mean for our children. For many of us who are making a conscious decision to parent differently to the way that we were parented and raised, we can feel like we're going against the grain. If you were not modelled to parent in this gentle parenting way, you need a lot of information and support. It's really hard to parent in this way, it's definitely not the easy way out. And when we come to realize this and acknowledge our struggles, and what we find really hard, we realize it is because we are the first ones to do something differently. To book a Counselling session with Crystal click here. To book Coaching click here. Click here to download the Transcription for this episode. Instagram TikTok Website
Did you know that the way you were parented impacts you? In this episode, we are adding to this conversation by talking about the four attachment styles which is something I am really passionate about. Remember, it's never too late to form a secure attachment. If you would like to learn more about the attachment styles, I have a course on my website 'Understanding Your Attachment Style: explaining patterns in triggers, behaviours, and relationships' that you can access here. Click here to download the Transcription for this episode. Instagram TikTok Website
If I were to ask you if you believe the way you were parented or raised has impacted you in a positive or negative way, what would you say? It is likely that every person I ask would give me a different answer. There may be some similarities in emotions felt, family dynamics, or cherished holidays. But each one will hold unique details that ultimately contribute to how you were shaped into who you are today. This is a big topic and today's episode will focus on how different parenting styles impacts you. Click here to download the Transcription for this episode. Instagram TikTok Website
Welcome to the More Than Mothering Podcast. I am your host Crystal Hardstaff from The Gentle Counsellor where I specialise in maternal mental health and gentle parenting. Let me ask you a question. Are you tired? If you are a mum listening to this, then your answer is probably YES. Ok, here's another one. How is your energy level right now? A bit lacking, feel like the toddler is sucking it right out of you? Yep. Been there. Let's talk about energy states for women, because I have some insights I would like to share with you that I often share with counselling clients in session, and they find this information really helpful. Click here to download the Transcription for this episode. Click here for the freebie on energy states. Remember to tag me @thegentlecounsellor Instagram TikTok Website
Welcome to the More Than Mothering Podcast. I am your host Crystal Hardstaff from The Gentle Counsellor where I specialise in maternal mental health and gentle parenting. You may have noticed that this podcast has a new name as it was formerly The Gentle Counsellor podcast. There are a few reasons I decided to rename it with the main points being that I want listeners to know what this podcast is about from the title, and I feel more than mothering does a good job at explaining this or at the very least sparks some intrigue on what it means. Let's chat about the reason behind calling it more than mothering. Click here to download the Transcription for this episode. Instagram TikTok Website
This is a replay from the Live Aussie Mums' Mental Health Virtual Event hosted by Crystal Hardstaff from The Gentle Counsellor. Click here for more info on this event and to access other recordings including transcriptions www.thegentlecounsellor.com/freebies Crystal Hardstaff: The Unnoticed Grief & Loss @thegentlecounsellor ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Crystal is a registered Counsellor with a background in Child Development, Education and Psychology. She is passionate about supporting mothers through their inner healing and parenting journeys.
This is a replay from the Live Aussie Mums' Mental Health Virtual Event hosted by Crystal Hardstaff from The Gentle Counsellor. Click here for more info on this event and to access other recordings including transcriptions www.thegentlecounsellor.com/freebies Jen Gallagher: Mental health and single motherhood @singleparentingsolutions
This is a replay from the Live Aussie Mums' Mental Health Virtual Event hosted by Crystal Hardstaff from The Gentle Counsellor. Click here for more info on this event and to access other recordings including transcriptions www.thegentlecounsellor.com/freebies Sascha Kowalenko: Why Good Enough Parenting is Perfect @thesilverliningcollective ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sascha is a Clinical Psychologist and her vision is to provide a collection of services to the community that holistically support the needs of families so they can grow up strong and resilient parents and children.
This is a replay from the Live Aussie Mums' Mental Health Virtual Event hosted by Crystal Hardstaff from The Gentle Counsellor. Click here for more info on this event and to access other recordings including transcriptions www.thegentlecounsellor.com/freebies Dr Robyn Miller: The Mental Load @mentalloadproject Robyn is a mother, wife, medical doctor and founder of The Mental Load Project, an online community dedicated to recognising and rebalancing all the invisible work that goes into running a household.
This is a replay from the Live Aussie Mums' Mental Health Virtual Event hosted by Crystal Hardstaff from The Gentle Counsellor. Click here for more info on this event and to access other recordings including transcriptions www.thegentlecounsellor.com/freebies Tiffany Ross: Surviving Toddlerhood @inspire.learn.teach Tiffany is an early childhood specialist now working within the high school arena. She is passionate about working with parents to take the notion of child led learning from the fringes, and place it at the heart of life long learning.
This is a replay from the Live Aussie Mums' Mental Health Virtual Event hosted by Crystal Hardstaff from The Gentle Counsellor. Click here for more info on this event and to access other recordings including transcriptions www.thegentlecounsellor.com/freebies Jacquie Ward: Supporting Highly Sensitive Kids @the_brave_space_ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Jacquie Ward is a Provisional Psychologist and Postgraduate Psychology student with a special interest in Developmental Psychology. She is the Founder of The Brave Space; an online support hub for parents raising children who need a little extra support.
This is a replay from the Live Aussie Mums' Mental Health Virtual Event hosted by Crystal Hardstaff from The Gentle Counsellor. Click here for more info on this event and to access other recordings including transcriptions www.thegentlecounsellor.com/freebies Krissy Ropiha: Creating a Healthy Relationship with Food @her.nourished ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Krissy is a qualified expert in family nutrition and psychology. She is on a mission to empower mothers to navigate mealtimes with confidence. After struggling with and healing her own relationship with food, Krissy's mission is to help busy mums navigate motherhood and mealtimes, kindly tackling fussy eating without judgement; fostering a healthy relationship with food for life.
This is a replay from the Live Aussie Mums' Mental Health Virtual Event hosted by Crystal Hardstaff from The Gentle Counsellor. Click here for more info on this event and to access other recordings including transcriptions www.thegentlecounsellor.com/freebies Sarah Wooden: Find 'Mental Space' with Decluttering @mecobluetinyliving Sarah believes that Living 'Tiny' is about more than the house. It's about the habits, tools and goals we apply to each day. Her tools will help you transition to a life with intention and purpose. SHOW LESS
This is a replay from the Live Aussie Mums' Mental Health Virtual Event hosted by Crystal Hardstaff from The Gentle Counsellor. Click here for more info on this event and to access other recordings including transcriptions www.thegentlecounsellor.com/freebies Debbie Jay: Tongue Ties and Mental Health @themamacircle.debbiejay ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Debbie is a Breastfeeding & Tongue-tie Doula, supporting mothers in the first year after birth, and throughout their entire breastfeeding journey. She works online with mothers across Australia, supporting them to overcome breastfeeding difficulties & through the journey of tongue-tie release, no matter the age of the child.
This is a replay from the Live Aussie Mums' Mental Health Virtual Event hosted by Crystal Hardstaff from The Gentle Counsellor. Click here for more info on this event and to access other recordings including transcriptions www.thegentlecounsellor.com/freebies Tash Guthrie: Change Your To-Do and Beat Overwhelm @tash_guthrie ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Tash is a time management mentor and productivity coach, and the visionary behind The Time Creator planner, podcast, community and membership. Tash's mantra is ‘plan hard, live easy' and this is reflected in her strategies for creating a purpose-driven, fulfilled life free from complication, stress and overwhelm.
This is a replay from the Live Aussie Mums' Mental Health Virtual Event hosted by Crystal Hardstaff from The Gentle Counsellor. Click here for more info on this event and to access other recordings including transcriptions www.thegentlecounsellor.com/freebies Nikki McCahon: Matrescence: the developmental process of becoming a mother @nikkimccahon ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Nikki McCahon is a matrescence educator, women's life cycle guide, host of the Dear Mama podcast and mother of one charming and cheeky five-year-old. Nikki helps mothers who feel confused and overwhelmed by the transition into motherhood, reframe their experiences as an opportunity for expansion, transformation, and personal growth.
This is a replay from the Live Aussie Mums' Mental Health Virtual Event hosted by Crystal Hardstaff from The Gentle Counsellor. Click here for more info on this event and to access other recordings including transcriptions www.thegentlecounsellor.com/freebies Jamie Hawkins: Birth and Postpartum Mental Health @thisiswhatidoula ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Jamie is a birth and postpartum doula, Hypnobirthing Australia Practitioner and passionate birth advocate. She is obsessed with seeing the transformation in women in this season of their lives and wants every single woman to experience a positive, empowering birth and postpartum period.
This is a replay from the Live Aussie Mums' Mental Health Virtual Event hosted by Crystal Hardstaff from The Gentle Counsellor. Click here for more info on this event and to access other recordings including transcriptions www.thegentlecounsellor.com/freebies Jess Hollamby: Finding Your Joy @your_wellness_space ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Jess is passionate about helping women create the lives they want. The life filled with joy, excitement, and the realisation that society doesn't dictate what they should be doing, feeling, or behaving. She uses Myotherapy, Reiki and 1:1 session's to connect with womxn of all ages and stages of life to facilitate change, evolution, and rebirth.
This is a replay from the Live Aussie Mums' Mental Health Virtual Event hosted by Crystal Hardstaff from The Gentle Counsellor. Click here for more info on this event and to access other recordings including transcriptions www.thegentlecounsellor.com/freebies Jami Lyn: Homeschooling and Mental Health @unbound.homeschooling ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Jami has been homeschooling for 11 years. She has a deep desire to help new homeschoolers find their feet, as well as a passion for creating Australian specific resources. 2022 is an exciting year as she releases her first HASS curriculum, and continues to help Mum's at every stage of their homeschool journey.
This is a replay from the Live Aussie Mums' Mental Health Virtual Event hosted by Crystal Hardstaff from The Gentle Counsellor. Click here for more info on this event and to access other recordings including transcriptions www.thegentlecounsellor.com/freebies Brooke Maree: How Babywearing Can Save Your Sanity! @brookemaree.babywearing ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Brooke Maree is a Babywearing Educator & Retailer and is passionate about getting parents comfortable, safe, and confident with their carrier/sling/wrap.
This is a replay from the Live Aussie Mums' Mental Health Virtual Event hosted by Crystal Hardstaff from The Gentle Counsellor. Click here for more info on this event and to access other recordings including transcriptions www.thegentlecounsellor.com/freebies Rachelle Glendon: Slow Living For Mothers @howtoliveslow ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Rachelle is a slow living coach and matrescence advocate who helps mums navigate the busy pace of modern life to create calmer lives for themselves. She's the founder of How To Live Slow, a podcast host and creator of the Martyr To Matriarch method.
This is a replay from the Live Aussie Mums' Mental Health Virtual Event hosted by Crystal Hardstaff from The Gentle Counsellor. Click here for more info on this event and to access other recordings including transcriptions www.thegentlecounsellor.com/freebies Ros Gervay: How to Skyrocket Your Wellbeing Through Art @ros.gervay.creative ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Ros Gervay is an Australian abstract artist based in Sydney with a passion for all things art, colour, creativity and design. She now invites others to make art with her and helps others to reap the benefits of creativity and art.
This is a replay from the Live Aussie Mums' Mental Health Virtual Event hosted by Crystal Hardstaff from The Gentle Counsellor. Click here for more info on this event and to access other recordings including transcriptions www.thegentlecounsellor.com/freebies Laura Sharpe: Our Childhood Shapes Motherhood @houseoffleur_ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ When Laura was pregnant, not only did she realise the toxins in her home and in baby products, she also discovered how wiring from our own childhood affects our own mothering experience too. She is now on a mission to provide the healthiest, natural environment for her family by limiting their chemical exposure and helps others do the same.
Penny is a Paediatric Registered Nurse with a Masters of Nursing. She is a mum of 2 boys and talks to us about why she started Sick Happens, and how to advocate for your child in hospital or at Doctors appointments. We also share our stories of anxiety around our child's health and what we did to help Instagram Facebook https://www.sickhappens.com.au/ Download Transcription
Brooke Maree is a babywearing educator, consultant and retailer based in Brisbane, Australia. We talk all about our experiences with babywearing, the benefits, and how to babywear safely. https://brookemaree.com.au/ Instagram Facebook Purchase the babywearing community cards here Download Transcription
Dr Roseann and I talk about how anxiety presents itself in children, and what parents can do to support their anxious child. https://drroseann.com/ https://www.facebook.com/DrRoseannCapannaHodge https://www.instagram.com/drroseannandassoc/ https://www.youtube.com/c/DrRoseann Download Transcription
Sarah is a certified Positive Parenting coach and in this episode we talked all about the importance of play for our children, how we can meet their needs through play, tips for when we struggle to play as adults, and balancing this all within parenthood. https://dandelion-seeds.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dandelionseedspositiveliving/ https://www.facebook.com/DandelionSeedsPositiveParenting Download Transcription
Angela is a sleep coach helping families getting more sleep without sleep training. We talk about how understanding child development and attachment can help families make decisions that feel natural and intuitive. We also touch on some of the societal issues and the need for better information and support. https://www.instagram.com/nurtureevesleep/ https://nurtureevesleep.com Download Transcription
Sarah is passionate about helping families find simplicity. She believes in living life with purpose and intention through following a simple, minimal and sustainable lifestyle. @mecobluetinyliving
Tash is inspiring busy women to create more time for the things they love. @tash_guthrie
Jaime is a doula and Hypnobirthing Australia Practitioners who wants women to know that their birth is important and it matters. @thisiswhatidoula
Debbie is a Breastfeeding and Tongue-tie Doula supporting mums to overcome breastfeeding difficulties. @themamacircle.debbiejay
Stacey is an artist who photographs the graceful fluidity of breastmilk. @the_milk_project
Krissy is on a mission to empower mothers to navigate meal times with confidence. A qualified expert in family nutrition and psychology, Krissy is also a published author, content creator, podcaster and busy mother of three. Krissy's mission is to hold space to help busy mums navigate motherhood and meal times, kindly tackling fussy eating without judgement; fostering a healthy relationship with food for life. @her.nourished
Amanda is passionate about infant feeding, mental health and supporting mothers and their families through the challenges of early parenting. @spiltmilkpsych
Rachelle is all about discovering how to embrace a slow living lifestyle and get clear on the essentials to create an intentional, fulfilled life. @howtoliveslow
Laura is all about natural living and shares her wealth of knowledge around the need to reduce harmful toxins in our homes. @houseoffleur_
Debbie is a Breastfeeding and Tongue-tie Doula supporting mums to overcome breastfeeding difficulties. She shares with us her extensive knowledge in the area of tongue ties. We talk about some signs and symptoms, common challenges that are experienced in the short and long term, and what you can do if you're concerned about your child or yourself. Debbie offers her services both in-person and online. https://www.themamacircle.com.au/ https://www.facebook.com/themamacircle/ https://www.instagram.com/themamacircle.debbiejay/ Join The Gentle Breastfeeder Facebook support group https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegentlebreastfeeder Download Transcription
Alicia is a Gentle Baby Sleep Consultant (she really is one of the unicorns!) who has extensive knowledge of Attachment. We talk all about the dangers of separation-based sleep training, our own experiences, why we need to understand appropriate sleep development, and how responding to your child's needs can set you up for better sleep. Instagram www.instagram.com/dyshonfamilysleep https://dyshonfamilysleep.com/ Tik Tok @dyshonfamilysleep Download Transcription
In this episode I talk about how attachment theory works, what differentiates the four attachment styles, and share hope with you in that it is never too late. If you would like more help on your inner healing journey then come join us in Gentle Motherhood www.thegentlecounsellor.com/gentle-motherhood Here is the link to take the free short quiz www.thegentlecounsellor.com/freebies Download Transcription