In this conversation, Helen interviews Ruth Sze, an art therapist and marriage and family therapist, about her work with postpartum moms. Ruth shares her personal journey of becoming a mom and going back to school to pursue her passion for art therapy.

Takeaways

Art therapy can be a powerful tool for expressing subconscious needs and emotions.
The postpartum period can be a time of joy, but also loneliness, grief, and guilt.
Creating a safe space for moms to share their experiences and process their emotions is crucial.
Mindfulness and self-compassion are important for healing intergenerational trauma and building resilience. Mom guilt can be a significant barrier to self-care and personal fulfillment.
It is important for moms to challenge societal expectations and define their own version of a good mom.
Finding time for self-care requires intentional time blocking and prioritization.
Art therapy can support mindfulness, emotional expression, and reflection in the journey of self-discovery and understanding.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction of Ruth and Her Work
03:18 Focus on Postpartum Population
06:25 Ruth's Journey to Grad School
11:40 Ruth's Experience as a New Mom in Grad School
17:38 Structure of the Postpartum Mom Group
22:40 Healing Intergenerational Trauma
29:33 Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
36:33 Struggles with Having Fun
37:40 The Impact of Mom Guilt
39:39 Exploring the Idea of a Good Mom
41:01 Navigating Guilt and Shame
42:32 Finding Time for Self-Care
43:29 Overcoming the 'I Don't Know What to Do' Barrier
46:39 Incorporating Art Therapy into the Practice
51:05 The Experience of Being a Third Culture Kid
57:38 Using Art as a Form of Expression and Understanding

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