FAQs About The Village
The Village is essentially a support group for the new parents in the perinatal (pregnancy + postpartum) period, but it is also so much more. It is community, education, and a space to unfold into yourself as you navigate new parenthood. While primarily designed to support matrescence, it is also a space for partners to get clarity and support. Think of it as the community all new parents need, led by mental health professionals who have deep experience in this unique transition.
1
What exactly is The Village?
Matrescence is the profound physical, emotional, and identity shift of becoming a mother—far bigger and more complex than most people expect.
Having support through it matters, because understanding and tending to this transition can protect your mental health, strengthen your relationships, and help you feel more like yourself as everything changes.
2
What is matrescence?
Do I have to commit to the entire length of the group?
3
We look for group participants to at least intend to be part of the group through pregnancy and the first year postpartum. Part of the magic of The Village is the community it builds, which relies on consistent participation.
That having been said, we understand that life happens, and you are always welcome to end your participation.
What does it cost? Can I use my insurance?
4
Participation is billed on a sliding scale from $50-$70 per group session, and sessions for moms are held weekly, with some additional partner sessions throughout.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept insurance.
We bill participants for 12 weeks at a time. We are not able to provide refunds for unattended sessions.
What is the educational component? Is it like a class?
5
Much of the preparation a family does for the arrival of a baby is around practical considerations: birthing, swaddling, baby care, sleep, etc. However, the emotional and identity shifts are immense, and our society doesn’t do a great job of talking about it.
Both of the facilitators of The Village have lived experience of motherhood, as well as specialized training in perinatal mental health. This means we will help guide you in what to expect from an emotional standpoint, with plenty of options for discussion and processing along the way.
By participating in The Village, you can expect a smoother emotional transition into parenthood. You can expect solidarity, professional support, and the sort of peer support that can only come from others who are right there in the same stage as you are. Our hope for each group is that the group takes on a life of its own after The Village has officially ended.
The Village is still in its early years, and no research has been done on our specific model. However, it is modeled after the evidence-based CenteringPregnancy format, which provides group medical prenatal care. Additionally, social support is shown to be one of the most important factors in how smoothly new parents transition into parenthood.
What outcomes can I expect? Has this sort of thing been studied?
5
If you are looking for more than group support, Shine a Light Counseling Center has multiple clinicians focused on perinatal mental health. You can request an appointment here.
Another fantastic resource is Postpartum Support International. They have several virtual support groups, as well as a provider directory.
6
What if I just need therapy?
More Questions? Reach out!
Cassie Blom, ACSW
(831) 288-2585
cassieblom@shinealight.info
Sarah Straus, AMFT
(831) 291-5013
sarahstraus@shinealight.info