WHO SHOULD COME?

WE WELCOME ALL parents and caregivers AT ANY STAGE OF LIFE WHO DESIRE TO CONNECT WITH OTHER parents TO EXPLORE WHAT FREEDOM, REST, AND REGULATION COULD LOOK LIKE IN THE MIDST OF THEIR PARENTING JOURNEY.

HERE ARE A FEW SNAPSHOTS OF THE parents WHO FIND THEIR WAY TO UPSTREAM:

  • The parents who are seeking to make sense of their past, recognizing that they want to provide something different for their children, but not yet sure what that looks like. They are seeking healing and freedom from shame and confusion in her parenting journey.

  • The parent who is parenting in isolation, perhaps far from extended family, new to a community, pursuing a different kind of parenting from those around them, or without a co-parent.

  • The parent who is nurturing a child with intense emotional needs and behavioral episodes that can feel exhausting and draining.

  • The parent who is feeling burned out and stressed, managing many commitments and responsibilities and wondering how she can care for herself.

“The moment I arrived at Upstream and met the other women there, I knew I was in a hallowed space. Kelley and Ally are not only gifted in their work as counselors, their warmth, grace, humor, and wealth of information offered all of us the opportunity to be seen and know that being a good enough mother is what matters most. The rhythm of the retreat allowed for vulnerability, joy and laughter, camaraderie, healthy tears, and growth. I have made life-long friends who know me in a unique and sacred way.

”
— —Victoria, mother and artist
 

WHAT TOPICS WILL WE EXPLORE?

  • ATTACHMENT & re-parenting

  • SELF-REGULATION & stress

  • PARENTING with empathy & boundaries

  • trauma & the nervous system

  • christian spirituality & adult attachment

  • RESTFUL, CONNECTED PARENTING


"Upstream was a place for me to take off all the hats I wear, set aside the many responsibilities I carry, and to be cared for in ways I rarely experience. At home, I'm the provider, keeper of home and household, and 100% single parent.

At Upstream, I was given a safe space to rest and connect with myself and other moms. I was welcomed, fed, loved, and nurtured and I returned home feeling full and well. I left Upstream with new and deep friendships that I maintain to this day."

- Diane, mother of 2, entrepreneur