Understanding how attachment, shame and nervous system regulation shape emotional wellbeing during matrescence and early motherhood.

Motherhood is often spoken about as though it is something instinctive and natural. But for many women, pregnancy and early motherhood can feel emotionally exposing, overwhelming, confusing or unexpectedly difficult.

This workshop explores perinatal mental health through the lens of matrescence: the psychological, emotional, relational and identity transition that takes place as someone becomes a mother.

Drawing on attachment theory, nervous system regulation and contemporary understandings of motherhood, we will think about why this period can activate older attachment fears and protective adaptations around safety, dependency, shame, closeness and self-worth.

Rather than focusing solely on diagnosis or symptoms, this workshop invites therapists to think more deeply about the emotional meaning underneath experiences such as anxiety, reassurance seeking, emotional overwhelm, compulsive coping, shame, withdrawal or difficulty asking for support.

**We will explore:**

- how attachment patterns can become intensified during pregnancy and early motherhood

- the role of shame, co-regulation and relational safety in perinatal distress

- how matrescence can affect identity, relationships and the nervous system

- the therapeutic relationship and attachment dynamics in perinatal work

- how therapists can work in ways that support greater flexibility, reflection and self-compassion

This workshop combines theory, clinical reflection and practical therapeutic thinking, using a fictional client example throughout to help bring these ideas into the therapy room.

Suitable for counsellors, psychotherapists, trainees and other mental health professionals who want to deepen their understanding of attachment-informed work during the transition into motherhood.

Description supplied by the event organiser.