Embracing Sisterhood: Building Our Community as Therapist Moms

Hey, Therapist Moms!

I'm genuinely thrilled to have you here. Let's set the scene – grab your favorite drink and find a comfy spot because today we're gonna have a heart-to-heart.

Today it’s not just about the words on the screen; it's about creating woman-to-woman/therapist-to-therapist connections that feel like your favorite cardigan on a chilly winter day.

It fits perfectly every time.

It’s warm against your skin and you feel good in it.

It’s predictable and reassuring.

There’s no question about it, this relationship between you and me…it’s real and it’s comfortable.

As a fellow Therapist Mom, I know the beautiful mess of emotions that comes with balancing the roles of a healer and a mom. I share your desire to be the best and have it all. And I feel the toll it all takes on your body, relationships and self-care. I understand the dance of managing therapy sessions, wiping sticky fingers, and trying to live up to societal expectations that often feel like a never-ending tug-of-war. It’s exhausting.

So, why are we on this journey together? Because I believe in the transformative power that arises when women support each other – not to compete, but to genuinely uplift and understand. This is our Haven, a community where empathy flows freely, and sisterhood isn't just a term – it's a way of life.

Sit with me today as we dive into the essential reasons behind building our community of Therapist Moms. We’ll unravel the beauty of collective empowerment and discover the extraordinary strength that resides in our unity. Together, we'll celebrate all the wins - big or small, validate the frustrations and share the tears. Together is how we do this community.

Unpacking Our Collective Struggles

While there are many, the following three points are my summed up pain points that we deal with as Therapist Moms:

  1. Juggling the demands of being a therapist and a mom is a daily tightrope walk.
    Navigating the delicate balance between professional commitments and the demands of motherhood is a constant challenge. The ever-present need to provide compassionate care to clients while ensuring the well-being of your own family creates a unique set of pressures. The struggle lies in finding equilibrium, avoiding burnout, and being fully present in both roles without feeling stretched thin. Piece of cake! Ha!

  1. Balancing the emotional weight of therapeutic work that spills over into your personal life.
    As a therapist, you carry the emotional weight of others' struggles, and at times, it can seep into your personal life. Sometimes you just don’t have the emotional or physical energy to cook dinner or referee a sibling squabble. Separating the empathetic counselor from the nurturing mom is sometimes impossible. And that’s okay. Finding a way to take care of yourself is key.

  2. Wrestling with society's expectations and stereotypes feels like an ongoing tug-of-war.
    Society often imposes rigid expectations on both therapists and mothers, and being both intensifies the struggle. There's a constant tug-of-war between societal norms, professional expectations, and the desire to be an authentic, present mom. Navigating through stereotypes about the ideal therapist or the perfect mom becomes a daily challenge, and breaking free from these molds is essential for personal and professional fulfillment. And having support in doing this makes it all the easier.

Who am I?

Hi! I’m MacKenzie, your Self-Care Mompanion. I’m a therapist and mom, too. Over the past couple of years I’ve been working hard to embrace who I am as a Therapist and Mom. I’ve been challenging some of the societal norms of each role. Something that has helped me tremendously is finding groups of like-minded Therapist Moms to get support from. These women are much like yourself.

That’s why I created TheraMama Haven.

TheraMama Haven is made up of extraordinary women who want to support each other, not compete. We believe in authenticity in all areas of our life. We acknowledge and embrace that being a mom is not all sunshine and rainbows and sometimes our kids are assholes. And yes, we love them more than anything. And we love the work that we do, but acknowledge that it’s hard.

Keep reading and I’ll show you how a supportive community has been my personal anchor, especially when I’m struggling. It's not just about consultations; it's about friendships, collaborations and a network that truly understands the intricacies of this world. I want the same for you.

Nurturing Our Therapist Mom Sisterhood: The Magic of Genuine Connections

picture of colleagues and MacKenzie out to dinner at a retreat

Growing Together Personally and Professionally

  • Building friendships that go beyond professional boundaries has been a game-changer for me. Some of my closest friends are therapists I’ve met at retreats, doing masterminds and attending summits.

  • Collaborating for shared professional development is like having a compass in this intricate journey. Connecting with some of the most amazing clinicians offers me top-notch consultation when needed and it’s always reciprocated.

  • Cherishing the strength in supporting, not competing, has transformed my outlook on success. Sometimes I have to pinch myself that these amazing women are all about supporting and lifting up rather than tearing down. It’s the most refreshing vibe to be around.

  • Crafting a safe space for vulnerability and mutual support is where the real magic happens. Knowing that I am welcomed with open arms by complete strangers is mind blowing. And that I can share my worst and be validated without question…who wouldn’t want that!

  • Hosting events that feel like a gathering of close friends has added an extra layer of joy to my professional life. While we’re all working on our separate projects, there’s support, encouragement and fresh perspectives. And plenty of laughter and adventure, too! It’s sooo good for the soul!

It’s in these spaces that my soul is happy. My self-care is on point. There is room to put myself first and that is celebrated and encouraged. I don’t feel pressured to do anything or everything. It’s amazing. It’s peaceful. It’s real.

What We Need From TheraMama Haven

I’m noticing that Therapist Moms crave a community where support knows no bounds, where understanding flows effortlessly, and where competition takes a back seat to collaboration. We want happy hours, networking meetups where we can spill some tea, body doubling sessions where we can get shit done and validation when we need it most. We want shared recipe ideas and pep talks when we’re feeling like nothing is going right. We want shared experiences and real connection.

Looks like you’ve found it. Welcome to TheraMama Haven. I’m so glad you’re here.

Here's how you can work with me:

  1. Self-Reflection: Begin by reflecting on your own experience, expectations and self-care. How are those all impacting each other? Check out Journey to Self-Care Journaling Workbook to get started.

  2. Schedule a Consultation: Reach out for a consultation where we can discuss your specific challenges and goals.

  3. Customized Strategies: Together, we'll develop personalized strategies to help you let go of perfectionism, find balance, and embrace the imperfections that make motherhood unique.

MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW

Hi! I’m MacKenzie, your Self-Care Mompanion. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker supporting other Moms and Therapist Moms (re)define their self-care. We give so much to others and don’t leave much for ourselves. Let’s change that and get back to being our amazing selves.

https://www.theramamahaven.com
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Finding the 'Sweet Spot' as a Therapist Mom: The Art of Saying 'No' - Part 1

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Technology Detox: Therapist Moms Unplugging For Mental Wellness