At some point in our lives, all of us will have experiences of crashing into our bodies in ways that we couldn't have anticipated. In this episode, we host Monica Pearson, a therapist specializing in perinatal health based in Vancouver, British Columbia. We delve into Monica's unique background, including her transition from a genetic counselor to a therapist focusing on fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum challenges. Monica shares her personal journey, including her struggles with body shame and premature ovarian insufficiency, and how these experiences shaped her understanding and approach to helping others. The conversation also touches on the impacts of patriarchy, the importance of body attunement, and how ancestral and family stories shape individual experiences. We explore themes of embodiment, the mind-body connection, and the emotional and psychological aspects of fertility and parenthood. Monica emphasizes the importance of compassionate inquiry and self-attunement, offering deep insights into the transformative experiences of becoming a parent. Monica discusses her roles as a doula and lactation consultant and provides insights on navigating postpartum transitions, including the often-overlooked emotional struggles of non-birthing partners. The discussion is framed within a broader spiritual context, considering the interconnectedness of our physical and emotional selves as part of the earth.

• Monica's Background and Work in Perinatal Health

• Personal Journey and Struggles with Body Image

• Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and Its Impact

• Mind-Body Connection and Genetic Counseling

• Therapeutic Approaches and Family Stories

• Embodiment and the Transition to Parenthood

• Challenges and Realities of Pregnancy

• Struggles with Infertility

• Listening to Our Bodies

• The Role of Safety in Pregnancy

• A Client's Journey to Pregnancy

• Unexplained Infertility as a Defense

• Embracing Our Animal Nature

• Challenges of Sexual Dysfunction

• The Profound Experience of Birth

• Impact of Birth Environment

• Breastfeeding and Body Image

• Postpartum Transitions

• Supporting Partners in Parenthood

• Spiritual Reflections on Life

• Taking Up Space in Life

• Connecting with Monica

Guest Bio: 

Monica Pearson is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in Vancouver, BC. Her practice is dedicated to those people moving through the profound transitions inevitable when attempting to become a parent. Her career began in medical genetics as a genetic counsellor, but was disrupted by her own journey to parenthood which inspired her fascination and respect for this life transition. After training as a birth doula and a lactation consultant, it was finally the conversations she was having with individuals and families that held the greatest curiosity and significance to her. A final leap into therapy has led to a private practice in perinatal mental health where she and her clients explore parts work and EMDR to foster a greater compassion and understanding for themselves and their lives.
Connect with Monica at her practice website: https://www.theintentionalpath.ca/