In this episode of The Collective Couch, Allie and Emily talk about "matrescence" and the ups and downs (and in-betweens) of becoming a mother.

Seeking support is essential. We normalize the unglamorous and "messy middle" of motherhood and encourage people to honor their feelings, including grief. We note that screening tools after birth only scratch the surface, and if you feel overwhelmed, reaching out for help is worthwhile.

We recommend building a village and utilizing resources like Cincy Postpartum and Cincinnati Renewed Wellness to connect with community and therapists. We also stress the importance of setting boundaries, taking care of yourself, and advocating for your needs. Motherhood can be an exciting opportunity for growth and flourishing when proper support is in place. We invite you to contact us if you need help, and we will assist you in finding the right support.

In this episode of The Collective Couch, we focus on the "inner critic." One thing to keep in mind is that awareness of your thoughts and feelings is the catalyst to change. We describe practical steps like doing a body scan, labeling and locating feelings, and asking what you need. We also explain shifting language from "I am anxious" to "I am feeling anxious" to create distance from negative identity. Another tip is writing down your thoughts by hand – to slow down and see them clearly. We suggest setting daily intentions, doing midday check-ins, and tending to yourself so the critic grows quieter.

In this episode of The Collective Couch, we present concrete tools for supporting children (and parents/caregiviers!) during change. We emphasize scaffolding and simple language like "first–then" to prepare children and to reduce anxiety.

We outline the HALT heuristic—hungry, angry, lonely, tired—as an immediate triage for post-school moments, and we recommend calming activities such as a snack, rest, or a bilateral activity like a walk to enable regulation before conversation.

We also explain how walking or car rides can reduce intensity, allow space for kids to give reflective answers, and permit parents to inquire about peers, feelings of belonging, and daily peaks and pits. At the end of the day, consistency and compassion are key elements for long term adaptation!

Join Allie McLaughlin and Emily Lyon from Renewed Wellness Collective for welcoming conversation about mental health and well‑being. As clinicians, moms and members of the community, seek to demystify therapeutic care, and to foster connection beyond the confines of the clinic.

Allie describes her focus in trauma work and how therapy can intersperse serious processing with moments of relief and triumph; while Emily discusses perinatal concerns, noting how mothers frequently lack time and permission to tend to their emotional lives.

We emphasize that anyone seeking support, clarity, or a plan is legitimately entitled to care – whether it's through the Renewed Wellness Collective or a referral to another provider. The Collective Couch aims to encourage everyone to take the first step toward sustained well‑being and self-care.