Mothers in Mind
Mothers in Mind is for mothers who have experienced domestic violence or other trauma, and worry about whether this may be affecting their experiences of parenting and their relationship with their young child or children. It is an interactive group for mothers with children between 0-3 years of age designed to enhance parenting skills and parent child relationships.
Read about Tina's experience with Mothers in Mind.
Mothers in Mind focuses on the needs of mothers who have recent or past experiences of hurting, and find that those experiences are making parenting difficult. The program provides mothers whose young children have been exposed to hurtful events an opportunity to learn ways to help their young children begin to heal. This program supports women to become the mothers they want to be.Mothers who come to Mothers in Mind will:
- build confidence in being able to respond to their children in a sensitive, supportive and effective manner;
- learn how to separate out adult stresses and issues from parenting issues;
- discover useful ways to cope with anger, worry and stress;
- create ways to provide a safe, secure environment for their child or children;
- develop positive parenting skills;
- become more comfortable with positive touch;
- learn about child development.
The 12 session format includes an intensive intake, assessment and group preparation session and a final discharge and feedback meeting. TTC tickets and other supports are provided. In order to make the program more accessible to various communities, the Mothers in Mind program has also been carried out other community agencies, such as Parkdale Health Services and Native Child and Family Services.