Thursday, August 01, 2019

August Drop-in Group and New Mothers Circle Info

The next Brooklyn PPD Support Group on Thursday evening, August 15. We meet at 8pm at the office of Premier Pediatrics, 110 4th Ave @ Warren Street. 

If you have not yet participated, this is a process group for pregnant and post-partum mothers who are working through mood challenges. Not all participants have a diagnosed mood disorder. This is an inclusive group for women who are familiar with mental health challenges from their personal histories, or concerned about thoughts and feelings that are new to them.

Additionally, I am planning the next Mothers Circle to begin on Tuesday, September 10. This will be an 8 week group running through 10/29. This group meets at Abhaya Yoga, Gowanus. This is also an inclusive group for mothers, whether pregnant, post-partum or beyond the first year. Different than the drop-in group, The Mothers Circle is a supportive retreat for women who are learning to work with their relationships, manage mood, embrace new roles and identities, and seeking to build community together. Please let me know if you are interested in this offering. 

I am happy to answer any questions about these groups. 
Please RSVP @ melissapyoga@gmail.com.

Drop-in group fee: $35
Mothers Circle fee: $250
Please Venmo fees @Melissa-Paschke
I can accept other means of payment in person at group time.

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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