Resources for Busy Moms in the St. Louis, MO Area
Calling all Supermoms of St. Louis! You’ve got a lot on your plates—kids to take care of, jobs to handle, and maybe a coffee that's always half-full (or half-empty, depending on the day either way, it’s always 3 hours cold). However, in between the whirlwind of drop-off and pick-up each day, I can help you navigate the bustling world of mom life without losing sight of you. So first - here are a few practical resources for busy moms in the St. Louis area that can assist in reigning in the chaos. Then I’ll get to how I can help through my work as an IFS counselor in St. Louis, MO.
Ready to shed light on the #1 self-sabotaging behavior that might be holding you back?
Missouri Botanical Garden
If you haven’t been there yet, The Missouri Botanical Garden is a serene oasis in the heart of St. Louis, offering a beautiful blend of nature and family-friendly experiences. For busy moms seeking a calming escape, this haven provides a plethora of options. While strolling through its various gardens, you'll encounter stunning floral displays, serene ponds, and vibrant landscapes that offer a moment of peace amidst the bustling city life. The Children's Garden within the botanical garden is a gem for mothers looking to engage their little ones in an educational and enjoyable experience. It's a space where kids can explore, learn about nature, and have fun, giving moms the opportunity for quality time in a beautiful setting- seriously, my son loved it, and I got to hang with a friend while he wore himself out. :)
Beyond the children's area, this sanctuary offers much for moms who need a moment to unwind independently. The garden paths wind through different landscapes, allowing for leisurely walks or moments of reflection. There are plenty of spots for solo relaxation or connecting with friends while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. For moms seeking a child-free zone to recharge or connect with fellow adults, this botanical paradise has you covered. Whether it's wandering through the charming Japanese Garden, finding a serene bench tucked away in a picturesque corner, or taking a tour, the Missouri Botanical Garden provides a delightful escape for moms in need of rejuvenation. By observing the diversity within the garden's landscapes, one can reflect on the multifaceted nature of our inner world, recognizing the managers, firefighters, and exiles within us.
Fit4Mom
Fit4Mom provides a unique space for moms like us to break a sweat, connect with other incredible women, and prioritize our well-being. No judgment, no pressure – just a tribe of strong, supportive mamas cheering each other on. It's not just about fitness; it's about reclaiming a bit of "me-time" and finding strength in solidarity.
Whether you're a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the workout waters, Fit4Mom has a place for you. The best part? It's not just a workout; it's a chance to recharge, to be part of a community that understands the beautiful chaos of motherhood. So, if you're ready to sweat, laugh, and embrace the journey with a group of inspiring women, Fit4Mom might just be the missing piece to your self-care puzzle They offer specialized workouts like Stroller Strides, Fit4Baby, and Bodywell, each targeting specific aspects of physical health.
Fit-Flavors
Fit-Flavors offers a streamlined solution for women doing all the roles: mother, daughter, sister, wife, friend, boss, employee - whoever! Fit-Flavors in the St. Louis area provide nutritious meals that cater to different dietary needs without compromising on taste. Did I mention they are fresh and not frozen? For women juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, this spot is a convenient lifeline—a go-to for flavorful, ready-to-eat meals that save precious time in the kitchen. The beauty lies in the convenience of grabbing a meal that's not only delicious but also aligns with personal health goals. Whether it's managing a packed schedule or ensuring healthy eating amid a hectic day, Fit-Flavors offers a reliable solution that resonates with the lifestyle of St. Louis moms on the move.
Maypop Coffee and Garden Shop
For those of us who cherish our caffeine rituals and have a soft spot for plants, Maypop is an absolute gem. It's a place where you can indulge in your favorite espresso or a carefully crafted latte while surrounded by an array of beautiful plants and greenery. Picture yourself nestled in a cozy corner, sipping your brew amidst shelves adorned with an assortment of succulents, ferns, and other plant treasures. It's more than just enjoying a cup of coffee; it's an experience that nurtures both your love for coffee and your affinity for the green world.
Whether it's a hurried visit during a packed day or a brief respite during your busy routine, Maypop offers a tranquil pause, providing moms with a moment of solace. It's a space where you can enjoy a quality coffee while surrounded by nature's beauty.
How Do I Start IFS Therapy?
Starting IFS therapy is straightforward. It begins with a simple step—reaching out to me! You can take the first step toward understanding your internal world and nurturing a healthier relationship with yourself. Starting IFS therapy can be a game-changer for moms juggling the rollercoaster of life. It's like discovering a secret treasure map to navigate your emotions and understand yourself better. You'll gain techniques to untangle those knots of stress, find calm amidst the chaos, and create harmony within. IFS Therapy is not just about solving problems; it's about rewriting the conversations you have with yourself, making peace with those inner critics, and building a more compassionate relationship with your being.
If you’re curious and asking “what is the success rate of IFS?”, seeing progress in IFS therapy isn't just about the therapy sessions—it's about noticing changes in your everyday life. These places with resources for self-care become more than just locations; they're like a mirror to your internal growth. As you walk through the garden, join a workout, or choose a healthy meal, you might start connecting how your body feels with what's going on in your heart and mind. Gradually, you'll notice how your self-talk changes, becoming kinder and more understanding, just like in IFS therapy. These spots aren't just spaces; they're milestones in your journey towards self-care and understanding.
How Do I Access Myself in IFS?
The big question in this work becomes “What is the internal family system?” IFS work is like diving into a rich family history, except this time, the family is all within you. Picture yourself as a diverse family unit, with each emotion, thought, and behavior as a unique family member. These ‘family members’ are what we call ‘parts’ in IFS - and they are like the various characters in your life’s narrative, each with its distinct role and intention. By working with an IFS counselor, you’ll learn how to differentiate when you are blended with a part vs being connected to your core Self or self-energy and learn how to make more space for self-energy when you need it. When visiting these different places whether it be the Missouri Botanical Garden or the Maypop Garden and Coffee Shop, you can take the time to reflect on your various parts and how they influence you.
Can You Do IFS Without a Therapist?
Can the IFS Therapy journey be navigated alone? Can I do IFS Therapy on myself? Understanding the 6 F's, 8 C's, and 5 P's of IFS provides a solid framework for self-discovery, however, embarking on this therapeutic journey independently may still feel confusing or overwhelming. So while the IFS model encourages self-guided exploration, initiating this process frequently involves starting with a therapist. The Cs (Curiosity, Compassion, Calmness, Clarity, Creativity, Courage, Connectedness, and Confidence) and Ps (Playfulness, Patience, Presence, Perspective, and Persistence) serve as guiding principles, and the F’s (Find, Focus, Flesh Out, Feel Towards, Befriend, and Fears) are the steps to work with the parts you identify in your system. However, partnering with a skilled therapist initially is often crucial because it’s one thing to understand the concepts intellectually, and another to engage with our parts experientially. Working with a therapist often makes the latter more possible. It's a gradual journey that evolves from therapist-supported exploration to a more self-directed path as one becomes more familiar with the process.
Ready to unravel the gift that curiosity holds amid conflict? Join me on a journey to cultivate a curiosity-driven approach that not only defuses tension but also fosters genuine healing.
Where To Start With IFS Therapy
How do I start IFS? The journey commences by noticing and then acknowledging the existence of various parts within oneself and cultivating curiosity about their roles and intentions. This initial step is like starting an intimate conversation with the different aspects of your inner world. Understanding that each part carries a purpose, even if it's not immediately apparent, allows for a compassionate and open-minded exploration.
Later on, your work will involve helping tender parts heal from old wounds. The healing steps within IFS require time and dedication. Embracing patience allows individuals to navigate their internal landscape at their own pace, acknowledging the complexities and layers within. As one engages in therapy, developing self-compassion becomes an anchor. It's about befriending the parts that might seem challenging or even adversarial. This step involves softening one's stance toward these aspects, understanding that they too have good intentions, albeit sometimes in a misguided or protective manner.
However, first and most importantly, the place to start is in, establishing a trusting relationship with an experienced IFS therapist - ideally, one who has completed, at a minimum, level 1 training through the IFS Institute. They serve as a guiding light, assisting in navigating the twists and turns of IFS while offering valuable insights and support.
Embracing Self-Discovery: Unveiling Your Inner Compass with IFS Therapy
There lies an opportunity for profound understanding and transformation when working with an IFS counselor in St. Louis, MO. When you develop a nurturing relationship with these parts, you're opening the door to healing and empowerment. Good Woman Therapy allows for a compassionate exploration of the various parts within you. Each step, from acknowledging the presence of these parts to fostering patience and self-compassion, is a testament to your commitment to personal growth. It's about recognizing that within every struggle, every moment of overwhelm, there lies an opportunity for profound understanding and transformation.
