Parenting Story Group

A story group tailored for

Parents

About the vision

“Stop laughing so much!” The moment those words flew from my mouth, I knew something wasn’t right inside. When had I become an angry and irritable mom? I didn’t like who I was, I was at the mercy of flashes of emotion. I wanted to be patient, happy, and calm, but my desire wasn’t enough to get me there. The key was tucked away in my story; my experiences of pain that had primed my nervous system to leap into action. Unacknowledged pain and trauma perpetuate the cycle of harm. It’s time to disrupt it.

“I would never…!”

  • Focus: We are triggered when our children express emotion and behavior in ways that we were never allowed to as a child. “I would never talk back to my parent’s that way. I would never slam doors. I would never lie to them.”
  • Engagement: You will bring a story centering an experience where your caregiver was unable tolerate your emotions and expression.
  • Reflection: Explore the root and make sense of why your child’s behavior is triggering you. Together we offer the containment, care, and compassion your younger self needed. This creates space between reactions and responses, so you will be better able to address the real issue at hand without accelerating the conflict with your child or shutting down.
Woman sitting down filling laundry hamper

This group is for you if you are:

  • Ready to revisit uncomfortable realities to stop generational harm and reenactment
  • Open to exploring how your past is impacting your present parenting
  • Willing to show curiosity and kindness to all participants no matter their background, beliefs, or differences
  • Able to commit to all sessions via Zoom and be an active group member

This group is NOT for you if you:

  • Feel that the past is in the past and there is no sense in talking about it
  • Are looking for practical parenting strategies– this is a place to explore why we react the way we do
  • Are looking for a quick fix– the goal of group is to be a supportive community, changing mindsets take gentle patience
woman holding toddler in kitchen

Disclaimer

Story Groups, although therapeutic in nature, are not a replacement for therapy. I am not a licensed therapist, and will not be diagnosing or creating treatment plans for individuals. I will recommend professionals for further in-depth care when requested.

read Disclaimer

What is a Story Group?

What to expect

A small group

4 participants, lead by a facilitator- that’s me! I draw from my Narrative-focused Trauma Care (Lv.1) training at the Allender Center.

Bring a story

Each person brings a childhood ‘story’ of harm to share with the group. 600-1000 words (more guidance provided upon registration).

Meet weekly

Via zoom for 2 hours. Each week two participants will share their story. Your story will be engaged twice over the month.

Witness

An invitation to feel unfelt feelings, experience ‘with-ness’, healing and community, make sense of your triggers

Reflection

Discussion and prompts surrounding how this childhood story may be impacting your relationships today, especially your parenting.

Debrief

A private one-on-one follow up session to discuss your experience and ensure you feel supported going forward, however that may look.

  • I remembered not be being able to express anger AT my parents without being disciplined for disrespect. This made me more aware of this in my own kids- am I reacting to the tone first without hearing out their concern? I can address the tone later.
    Workshop participant
  • It was a safe space to have my story held. I got to connect with those in the story group in a way that I wouldn’t have gotten to otherwise.
    Maryann G
    Story Group Participant
  • I realized not only do I really need to deal with some of my baggage, but I realized how much it was impacting my life today.
    Workshop participant
Apply here

Registration closes May 16

Suggested amount

*pay what you can *Register by May 16*

$125

  • 1 Orientation
  • 4 weekly group meetings
  • 1 private one-on-one session
apply here

Frequently Asked Questions

Story work is absolutely beneficially for everyone! However, this group is specifically tailored for parents who still have children living at home.

Each group will have 4 participants. There may be people that you know in your group. There may be people whom are strangers. The group list will be shared before orientation day to ensure all participants feel comfortable and aware.

Attendance and participation is important. Please let your facilitator know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend a meeting. Effort will be made to reschedule the group when possible.