Workshops and Gatherings
The Power of Women Coming Together
Women's circles and workshops for connection, reflection and support, in Sydney and online.
I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing many times the power of women coming together to share their experiences, questions and learnings. My intention with these gatherings is to provide a gentle and supportive space for women to feel heard, seen and valued in the different seasons of their life.
I’m Elise, a psychotherapist, coach and matrescence facilitator, working with women in Sydney and online. We are social beings, after all, and I’ve come to believe that steadiness and resilience are things we build in community, not alone.
Workshops and Gatherings
For all women
Women’s Circles
Maybe you’ve been holding a lot lately: work, family, the invisible load that so often falls to women. A circle isn’t therapy, and it isn’t a support group in the clinical sense, though at times it can feel like both. A circle is a facilitated space where women can pause, listen, reflect and share, without needing to be anything other than themselves for a couple of hours.
If this feels like you, I invite you to come and dive into a bubble of calm and self-reflection. A place to pause, connect and recharge. An opportunity to engage in nourishing conversations with like-minded women on topics related to your physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing.
If there’s a bigger life transition sitting underneath the everyday for you right now, this can be a gentle place to start.
For mums-to-be
The Birth of a Mother workshop
Most of what we prepare for before birth is about the baby: the nursery, the hospital bag, the birth plan. Almost none of it is about you, the mother you’re becoming. This workshop exists to fill that gap.
This is a half-day workshop for expecting mothers who want to know how to manage the first few months after giving birth and learn how to get the support they will need to take care of themselves… not just the baby!
The Birth of a Mother Workshop will help you leave pregnancy with a plan not only for your baby’s first months, but for your own. It pairs well with understanding matrescence, the psychological transition every woman moves through on her way to becoming a mother.
For mothers at any stage of motherhood
Mama Rising Circles
Motherhood doesn’t ask something of you once and then leave you be. It keeps asking in new ways as your children grow, and you change alongside them. And doing this alone can feel hard.
So, I’m inviting you to embark on a nourishing adventure of self-discovery with like-minded mothers. Discover six nourishing steps to help you navigate womanhood and motherhood with more ease and confidence. A journey to understand how motherhood is changing you, and meet those changes with greater understanding and self-trust.
These circles are for whichever stage of motherhood you’re in now, not only the early, obvious one. Motherhood continues to change us, and sometimes those changes overlap with other transitions happening in our lives.
For some women, this stage of motherhood also coincides with perimenopause or menopause. If that’s part of what you’re navigating, you can also explore my support for women through perimenopause and menopause.
How I Hold These Spaces
My work draws on training in counselling and psychotherapy, coaching, and matrescence-informed practice. In a circle, I hold the space rather than lead from the front. I ask the questions that help clarity surface, and I let the women in the room do a great deal of the work for one another.
I’m a PACFA-registered counsellor, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and an accredited Mama Rising Facilitator. You can read more about my approach on my about page.
What Women Have Shared
It was truly a special experience to talk freely and openly with other women. I found it very nourishing and surprising just how much we all resonated with each other’s experiences.
A Few Questions Women Ask Me
Do I need to have done therapy before to come to a circle?
Not at all, just come as you are.
I’m not sure which circle is right for me.
Women’s Circles are open to any woman wanting connection and reflection. The Birth of a Mother is for expecting mothers preparing for postpartum. Mama Rising Circles are ongoing for mothers at any stage. If you’re still not sure, please reach out, and we’ll work it out together.
What actually happens in a circle?
Each gathering is a little different, but you can expect a gentle structure that may include guided reflection, conversation, grounding practices, journalling and additional resources. There is space to listen as well as share, and you won’t be expected to say more than feels comfortable.
Is what I share confidential?
Confidentiality is an important part of the circle. At the beginning, I ask everyone to treat what is shared with care and not repeat another woman’s story outside the group. Because this is a shared space, I cannot guarantee the actions of every participant, but that expectation is made clear from the outset.
Where are the gatherings held, and what do they cost?
The format, location and cost vary between offerings. You’ll find the latest information on the individual Women’s Circles, Birth of a Mother and Mama Rising pages. If dates have not yet been announced, you can register your interest or join the relevant waitlist.
I feel nervous about opening up in a group. Is that normal?
When is the next one?
Send me a message via my contact form to ask questions or register your interest.
I live and work on the unceeded land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. I bow to the wisdom of the custodians and their elders, past present and emerging.
Copyright © 2020-2026 Elise Clement | Designed by Sommer Studio