Your motherhood story isn’t prewritten and it doesn’t have to feel so hard.
Once you untangle the overwhelm you’re feeling you can begin to write a version of motherhood that feels loving, true, and deeply yours.
I’m here to help you with that.
But first, here’s my story ↓
But first, here’s my story ↓
I’m Tess - Maternal Health Occupational Therapist, a lover of good hugs, and, like you, still figuring out who I am since becoming a mother.
Which brings me beautifully to my why….
The transition to motherhood (matrescence) can be difficult and disorienting and the amount of parenting information out there is, let’s be honest, overwhelming.
When I became a mother for the first time I got so tangled up in trying to do everything right and being the *perfect* mother. I wanted, like you, to give my son the absolute best start I could so I devoured everything and anything gentle and conscious parenting in the stolen moments during naps and middle-of-the-night feeds.
Where did that get me?
Shackled to the shoulds, drowning in conflicting advice, and closely acquainted with guilt, shame, anger, rage, ambivalence, and everything in between.
I quickly realised that my expectations of myself as a mother and the reality of motherhood were wildly different things.
Then I learned about matrescence and a lightbulb got switched on.
I suddenly felt seen and deeply understood. I realised that neither I nor my son were broken or needed to be fixed, I was simply becoming someone new. Everything suddenly felt less like chaos and more like growth.
After matresence studies opened my eyes and blew my mind I asked myself the inevitable question: “Could I offer this kind of support to mothers as an Occupational Therapist?” A deep dive into OT research and theory told me the answer was a resounding YES.
I connected with other OTs in the motherhood space. Got tucked under the wing of some incredible mentors and arrived right here.
Annnd now, I support other mothers to shed the shackles, dispel the mistruths written upon them by society, and claim their own unique and beautifully messy version of motherhood.
Because underneath all the noise motherhood isn’t about doing it all, doing it perfectly, or losing yourself in the process.
Motherhood is about growing into a new version of yourself.
That is where I come in…
I love working with mothers to gently guide them toward who they are becoming, help them grow in confidence, and make gentle choices that feel truly aligned with them and their families. Are you looking for that too? Book a discovery call!
I’ve learned a thing or two along the way….
In addition to my university degree, I also hold the following certifications, affiliations, and memberships:
SEASONS OF MATRESCENCE CERTIFICATION
PERINATAL & INFANT MENTAL HEALTH CERTIFICATION
CIRCLE OF SECURITY FACILITATOR
MEDICARE, NDIS & PRIVATE HEALTH REBATES AVAILABLE
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AUSTRALIA
MOTHERHOOD STUDIES WITH DR SOPHIE BROCK
When I’m not knee-deep in all things in motherhood you’ll find me:
Embracing slow mornings, cottage gardens, Devonshire teas, and anything that screams comfort (I’m looking at you snuggly socks!)
Being moved to tears by music, dance, and art.
Fighting the good fight for equality and social justice.
Being around my besties (that I’ve known since I was 5!)
Heading to Queen Vic Market for good food with good people (aka my husband and our two kids).