Motherhood: A Balancing Act Between Devotion and Self-Care
- Lara Kay
- Mar 27
- 4 min read
Becoming a Mother – A Profound Life Change
Becoming a mother is one of life’s most transformative experiences. It is a unique adventure that evokes a mix of emotions: pure joy and love, but also doubts, exhaustion, and even overwhelm. The experience of nurturing a small being during their early years often changes everything.
Motherhood is characterized by deep devotion, yet sleep deprivation, hormonal shifts, and the daily challenge of balancing family, partnership, and personal needs take a significant toll on both body and mind. In the midst of it all, a mother’s own well-being often takes a backseat. Having personally experienced this transition, I understand how crucial psychological support can be in navigating this special phase with strength and self-connection.
Being a Mother – A Constant Process of Change
Motherhood is an ongoing journey of transformation, requiring flexibility and openness as we continuously adapt to new experiences, challenges, and relationship dynamics. It invites us to rediscover ourselves and our roles, fostering personal growth along the way.
Modern society places high expectations on mothers. While the growing awareness of early childhood’s formative impact has luckily led to parenting approaches that emphasize children’s emotions and needs, but this ideal often comes with limited external support. Many modern families lack the close-knit network of grandparents, extended family, or a trusted community, leaving mothers to shoulder a great deal of responsibility on their own. This energy-intensive approach can quickly drain personal reserves, creating a dilemma between what we believe is best for our child’s development and our own personal, social, and professional aspirations.
In other words, carrying the responsibility of raising a child often leads to inner conflicts, requiring a highly individual solution: How can we provide everything our child needs while also honoring our own desires and needs?
The constant comparison—whether with other mothers in our immediate surroundings or through social media—intensifies the pressure on mothers. Even more impactful, however, are the expectations we place on ourselves, often shaped by our own childhood experiences. This creates an idealized version of motherhood that follows us through daily life, confronting us in various situations.
Financial concerns, the fast-paced nature of modern society, environmental issues, and global crises further reinforce the feeling of needing to do more and achieve more. This often results in mental overload and a continuous cycle of internal and external pressures.
Many mothers struggle with deep feelings of guilt and an inner dialogue that lacks self-compassion. Yet, true transformation and personal development are nearly impossible without self-compassion, self-acceptance, and self-care.
Psychological Counselling for Moms
In my work, I want to support mothers in reconnecting with themselves, recognizing their own needs, and creating a space where they can also care for themselves. Together, we can explore and restructure limiting thought patterns and deep-seated beliefs.
Topics we may address include:
• Self-care and mindfulness in the often-demanding daily routine
• Coping with exhaustion, sleep deprivation, and emotional challenges
• Changes in partnerships and shifting family roles
• Processing expectations, guilt, or self-doubt
• Strengthening personal resources and resilience
A key focus of my work is conscious stress management and the integration of relaxation techniques. In such a demanding phase of life, it is essential to create moments of rest and actively care for one’s well-being. Through targeted exercises and personalized strategies, you can learn to regulate your stress levels and cultivate greater inner balance. After all, only when we take good care of ourselves can we truly be there for others.
As a certified yoga teacher, I also incorporate embodiment techniques and elements of yoga into the sessions, if desired. The body plays a crucial role in emotional experience—through specific physical exercises, we can release tension, regulate the nervous system, and actively promote self-care.
My goal is to accompany mothers on their unique journey, strengthening both their inner perspective and their relationships—so that not only they but also their children and partnerships can thrive.
Of course, my support is not limited to mothers alone. Fathers and other close caregivers who seek guidance and support during this intense phase of life are also very welcome.
Additionally, a small group can be formed where participants can reflect together, share experiences, and learn from one another. Engaging in open dialogue not only provides new perspectives but also fosters a sense of connection and support.
Clinical Psychological Support for Mothers
Beyond the everyday challenges of motherhood, serious mental health concerns may also arise. Many mothers experience periods of anxiety, persistent stress, or depressive moods, which can manifest both emotionally and physically. Postpartum depression, anxiety disorders, or adjustment difficulties are not uncommon and often result from a combination of hormonal changes, high expectations, chronic exhaustion, and lack of support. When these challenges become overwhelming, it can be difficult to find a way out alone.
As a clinical psychologist, I provide empathetic and solution-focused support in such situations. Together, we develop strategies to better understand, process, and manage mental health struggles, guiding you toward greater well-being.
If you are seeking compassionate and respectful guidance during this transformative phase of life, I invite you to reach out. I happily support you in finding ways to navigate this journey with more ease, confidence, and strength.
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