Seleni Spotlight: Allison Peck, LMSW, MA, BBA, RYT
January 2021 - Allison Peck, LMSW, MA, BBA, RYT, has been working with pregnant women and new parents since 2012, after receiving her Masters of Arts in General Psychology from The New School for Social Research, and gaining experience at the Brief Psychotherapy Research Program at Beth Israel Hospital, New York City.
To kick off the new year, Seleni checked in with Allison on her thoughts for 2021, self care, and her upcoming workshop at the end of January (see more below).
What are you looking forward to most in 2021?
With a new calendar year, we can mark a line in the sand to plot our growth and reflect upon our current reality. The new year can also bring opportunity for inspiration and goal-setting for the future. Amidst the uncertainty, distress and global suffering in 2020, we've learned how much we don't need and the importance of harmonious relationships.
Personally, in 2021 I'd like to physically reconnect with loved ones and friends face to face, and I really want to travel internationally to see my family and celebrate some landmark birthdays. Physical expressions of warmth and connection, like greeting hugs and kisses with friends are sorely missed. The elbow bump or foot tap just isn't the same, but better than nothing.
Can you tell us more about your specialty areas and how you will focus on them this year?
I view clinical work through the scientific lens of neuroscience and Attachment Theory, and our fundamental biological drive to connect as social creatures. I especially enjoy working with couples, and young women, apart from expectant and new mothers.
In couples therapy, I love the interplay of the energy with three people "in the room" (on the telehealth session), how each of the individuals contribute to and shape the relationship, and the dynamic nature of the work. I was originally trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy and am currently gaining further education in the Gottman Method, which is fundamentally research driven.
With young women, I feel very rewarded to be able to ask questions that may release potential, bring healing and/or optimal clarity. Empowerment for both young women and couples brings me great fulfillment, as well as, of course, expectant and new mothers.
This year I will set aside some time to write more about each of these specialty areas and continue to work with these clients who inspire and challenge me.
How will the pandemic continue to affect mothers’ and families’ mental health in 2021?
We are all working through how we can co-exist, have babies, toddlers, work and help our children with schoolwork, often in small spaces, through the cold winter months of COVID restrictions. Stress, social isolation and lack of resources exacerbate mental health issues. In 2021 we will also see massive economic ramifications of the pandemic hit globally and a fundamental change in the collective consciousness in this new paradigm.
Mothers and families are dealing with uncertainty, loss, social isolation, insomnia, economic stress, lack of boundaries with work/life balance, grief, sedentarism and arising ennui. Importantly, strained family relationships are compounded when faced with these issues without support. Also, we wonder how our young children will be impacted by the lack of socialization and disruption to school routine.
Mothers are experiencing burnout and are three times more likely to feel pressure to relinquish their careers due to child care demands in COVID. Families are trying to find new solutions for a new reality, and the existing gender pay gap appears statistically to have amplified inequalities. This contributes further to the mental health effects on women and families.
What self-care practices do you recommend for the new year?
That is a great question.
With this massive shift requiring us to be within the four walls of our apartments over winter, what can we do? As the older, wiser caregivers for our families, we need to be the role model for the fundamental, foundational building blocks for sustainable mental health.
Sleep hygiene - ritually go to bed and get up at a routine time, and leave technology outside the room. Sleep is the foundation for a daily structure and crucial for wellbeing. Structure provides a framework for daily expectations and effective routines so our families can cope! Obviously expectant moms and new parents have physical symptoms, infants and other children in the mix, but prioritizing sleep, however the routine is modified, can be conscious. Sometimes talking about the issue, and problem solving with those around you can be beneficial.
Nutrition - feed ourselves a largely (preferably locally sourced) plant-based diet as much as possible, drink plenty of water and cut out substances such as alcohol, nicotine or any recreational drugs. Again, expectant parents should be led by their medical professionals for dietary recommendations.
Exercise for preferably 60 minutes, but at least 30 minutes, every day, if possible. Even mindful stretching and conscious breaths a few times in the course of the day will be helpful. If you don't get to exercise during the day, meditate, pray or say affirmations before bed while you brush your teeth. Ask friends if they can buddy up with you on zoom (share screen for your favorite workouts), so you are accountable. Walking is an under-rated activity for expectant parents and those with injuries, and perinatal yoga offerings can be molded to your personal needs. Don't forget kegels, before and after birth.
If you notice you're no longer on track, be kind to yourself! ASK for support from helpful sources and PLAN for success. Block it out in your calendar. Don't give up! Encourage yourself. Be your own best friend with encouraging and motivating self-talk.
Can you tell us about your upcoming workshop?
Tuesday, January 26, 2021 12.30-2pm, Anna Grossman of Hudson River Park Mamas will host a session, Ask the Therapist: What is Attachment Theory?
Designed for expectant and new parents, or anyone interested in understanding the nature of the bond between child and caregiver, this session will consider John Bowlby's Attachment Theory. Considered the most important theory of psychology, this biological motivation to connect is inherent within us all, and it carries into our intimate adult attachment relationships.
Key topics will include:
What is Attachment Theory?
How does my child connect to me?
How does this fit in with feeding my child?
How does this relate to my own identity, and development?
What does this mean for my spouse/partner?
Where does work/life balance fit in with attachment?
How does this relate to my toddler?
All are welcome. Here is the link to register, non-members $30, members $15-$25 (sliding scale).
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For more information about Allison Peck, learn more here.
