Tuesday, July 02, 2019

Summer Mothers Circle

The new series of "The Mothers Circle" will begin on Tuesday evening, July 16 at 8pm. This group will run weekly through August 20. The Mothers Circle is a supportive retreat at Abhaya Yoga, 43D 9th Street in Gowanus. This is a very comfortable and relaxing environment you will enjoy. 

What is the difference between The Mothers Circle and the Monthly Drop-in?

The drop-in group is typically attended by new moms in the first year, and pregnant women. We typically address adjustments to life with baby, stressors, partner/family issues, new presentations of PMADs and how to identify and cope with them. 

The Mothers Circle is a consistent group over 6 or 8 weeks. Our first 8 week session has just ended, and you can look forward to another offering of an 8 week session in September. This Summer 6 week session is being offered in an effort to abide holiday weeks. If you are interested in The Mothers Circle, but know of a date or two you may be out of town, I am amenable to pro-rating the fee to accommodate any dates agreed upon at the time of registration. 

The Mothers Circle presents an opportunity to engage in deeper group therapy process in a committed group setting. The topics come from the participants and present the opportunity for sharing experiences and coping strategies. All moms are welcome and encouraged, especially those who may feel beyond the first-year issues. As we know, mood challenges and matters of adjustment and identity shift may persist. This group has been very successful at holding non-judgmental space for a wide range of topics. I offer psycho-education and Mindfulness practices as additional support.

Please Venmo to register @ Melissa-Paschke
or PayPal: paypal.me\melissapyoga
The Mothers Circle fee: $180

Please feel free to reach out with any questions and/or if you have interest in individual therapy being offered at my private office in Carroll Gardens. I have office hours on Mondays and Thursdays.

What Are PMADs?

PMADs have the following symptoms: insomnia, loss of appetite, nervousness/hypervigilance, frightening and/or suicidal thoughts, escape fantasies, feelings of worthlessness, anger, guilt, sadness/crying, grief, hopelessness, agitation, inability to concentrate, joylessness, sleeplessness/restlessness, appetite changes. You may experience one or some of these symptoms over a period of time.

Founded in 2006, Molly Coffin and Chris Lindsay-Abaire co-created the peer support they needed in their community. In Spring of 2014, Brooklyn PPD Support was joined by Melissa Paschke, LCSW. Melissa has been practicing medical social work since 1994. She is also a mother of two boys and a 500 hour+ certified yoga teacher. Melissa offers individual, partner and group therapies, crisis intervention, family support, health/wellness counseling, and yoga for the pre-natal and postpartum woman. She is a graduate of Yeshiva University, Wurzweiler School of Social Work and holds advanced clinical training certificates from the NYU Silver School of Social Work and Seleni Institute.

Please contact Melissa for information about group participation or individual and partner therapy.

See Melissa on Psychology Today: https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_detail.php?profid=293007&ref=8&sid=1511988653.5793_30722&zipcode=11231&tr=ResultsName

What is Brooklyn PPD Support?

If you are a pregnant or post-partum woman experiencing Stress, Depression, Anxiety, and/or other mood challenges, you are welcome to join this group. It is advised that you also reach out to your medical provider to be assessed for any psychopharmacological needs. Group can also be used as a complement to any private psychotherapy you may be receiving, or you may inquire about private therapy with Melissa Paschke, LCSW, in addition to Brooklyn PPD Support Groups.

Brooklyn PPD Support is currently offering groups by Zoom, as per COVID-19 restrictions. There is a suggested fee of $40 to attend. It is the primary intention of Brooklyn PPD Support to remove as many barriers to participation as possible, so if fees are preventing you from attending, please reach out to Melissa. You are encouraged to attend as many meetings as you wish. This is a closed group; Only women experiencing symptoms of PMADs will be allowed to participate. Graduate students, researchers and well-meaning partners may not sit in on meetings.

Emotional support from empathic listeners is one key part of expediting a woman's recovery from PMADs. This offering is a safe, confidential, nonjudgmental environment where women can share their experiences. Women in all stages of stress, illness and recovery are welcome. If you aren't sure or formally diagnosed with a PMAD, you are welcome. You are also welcome if your child is older, but you relate to the stressors described. We are women helping women to share, witness and support each others' experiences. This is a professionally facilitated group led by a licensed clinical social worker who will also offer appropriate referrals for any additional treatment or supportive services that may be needed.

Postpartum Support International's Universal Message:

You are not alone
This is not your fault
You will feel better