The Relationship Side of Parenthood: Mental Load, Emotional Load & Invisible Labour
2026-06-17 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual – by Elite Counselling & Consulting
REGISTRATION CLOSED – this workshop will be offered again! Email kosman@elitec-c.com to be notified the next time this workshop is offered.

Many couples struggle with feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsupported during pregnancy and postpartum, often without fully understanding why. This workshop explores the invisible cognitive and emotional responsibilities many parents carry, how these dynamics can impact relationships over time, and ways couples can begin moving toward greater awareness, support, and teamwork.
Participants will explore:

Mental load and cognitive overload
Emotional load and emotional caregiving
Invisible labour within relationships and parenting
Default parent dynamics
The impact of chronic overwhelm on connection and communication
Practical ways to reduce relational strain and improve teamwork

This workshop is designed to increase awareness, reduce defensiveness, and help remove relational blind spots without shame or blame.
REGISTER HERE
About the Series
The Relationship Side of Parenthood is a 3-part virtual psychoeducational workshop series exploring the emotional and relational impact of pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood.
Each workshop focuses on a different aspect of relationship wellness and connection during this season of life. Participants are welcome to register for one workshop or attend the full series depending on their interests and needs.
Workshops are designed to feel compassionate, practical, non-blaming, and emotionally supportive while offering meaningful insight and tools for couples navigating stress, disconnection, resentment, overwhelm, and reconnection after becoming parents.
Registration Information – Registration Closed

$29 per workshop (HST included)
Registration fee covers individual or couple attendance
If attending as a couple, each participant must complete their own consent form prior to the workshop
For couples at any stage of parenthood
Workshops are educational in nature and are not therapy or crisis services
As a non-therpeutic group fee may not be covered under extended health benefits, you may need check with insurance provider

About the Facilitator
Kameela Osman, MSW, RSW, is the Clinical Director of Elite Counselling & Consulting and one of the first Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) professionals in Canada. She has extensive experience supporting individuals and couples including those navigating pregnancy, postpartum mental health, relationship challenges, emotional disconnection, identity shifts, and the transition into parenthood.
Drawing from both her perinatal mental health and couples therapy background, Kameela approaches this work through a compassionate, relational, trauma-informed, and culturally aware lens, helping couples better understand one another and reconnect during one of life’s biggest transitions.

Beyond Birth: The Emotional and Relational Transition to Parenthood
2026-09-23 19:00 - 20:30
Beyond Birth: The Emotional and Relational Transition to Parenthood
Birth is often described as a life-changing experience, yet many parents find themselves unprepared for the emotional and relational changes that can follow. While there is significant focus on preparing for labour, delivery, and caring for a newborn, far less attention is given to the transition into parenthood itself.
If you’ve ever wondered why you don’t feel like yourself anymore, why your relationship feels different, why the mental load feels overwhelming, or why parenthood feels harder than you expected, you are not alone.
Beyond Birth is a 90-minute virtual psychoeducational workshop designed to help expectant and new parents better understand the emotional realities of becoming a parent. Together, we will explore common experiences that can emerge during pregnancy, postpartum, and the early years of parenting, including identity shifts, changing relationships, emotional overwhelm, guilt, resentment, grief for what has changed, and the invisible labour that often accompanies caregiving.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the transition to parenthood, learn practical strategies to support emotional wellbeing, and discover why many of these experiences are more common than they may realize.
REGISTER HERE

What Will Be Covered?
Understanding the Transition to Parenthood

Why parenthood is one of life’s biggest identity shifts
Common emotional responses during pregnancy and postpartum
Expectations versus reality in early parenthood

Identity, Relationships, and Mental Load

Why many parents feel disconnected from themselves after having a baby
How relationships often change after becoming parents
Understanding mental load, invisible labour, and emotional overwhelm
Navigating guilt, resentment, and self-doubt

Supporting Emotional Wellbeing

Building realistic expectations for parenthood
The role of self-compassion and support systems
Recognizing when additional support may be helpful

Who Is This Workshop For?
This workshop is designed for:

Expectant parents
New parents
Parents navigating the first few years of parenthood
Individuals seeking support with the emotional and relational transition to parenthood

Whether you are preparing for your first child, adjusting to life with a new baby, or finding your footing in the early years of parenting, this workshop offers education, reflection, and practical insights to help you navigate this important life transition.
REGISTER HERE
About the Facilitator
Kameela Osman, MSW, RSW, PMH-C, EMDR-C, is a registered social worker and the the founder of Elite Counselling & Consulting. She has nearly 20 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and parents. As a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional, she is passionate about helping parents navigate the emotional realities of pregnancy, postpartum, and the transition to parenthood. Learn more about Kameela here

Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to feel overwhelmed after becoming a parent?
Yes. Many parents experience overwhelm, emotional exhaustion, self-doubt, and difficulty adjusting to new responsibilities during pregnancy and postpartum.
Why does my relationship feel different after having a baby?
The transition to parenthood often brings changes in roles, responsibilities, communication patterns, intimacy, and expectations. These changes can create stress even within healthy relationships.
Why don’t I feel like myself after becoming a parent?
Many parents experience significant identity shifts as they adjust to new responsibilities, changing priorities, and evolving relationships. This is a common part of the transition to parenthood.
Is this therapy?
No. This workshop is psychoeducational in nature and is designed to provide information, insights, and practical strategies. It is not therapy, counselling, or a substitute for individualized mental health care.

Mom Wellness Group- Mom Guilt: Understanding It and Moving Through It
2026-10-19 13:00 - 14:00
Mom Wellness Group: Mom Guilt – Understanding It and Moving Through It
Monday, October 19, 2026 | 7:00–8:00 PM
Free Virtual Group | Registration Required
Many mothers carry guilt. Guilt about working or staying home. Guilt about setting boundaries or taking time for themselves. Guilt about feeling overwhelmed, losing patience, or wondering if they are doing enough.
Join us for this month’s Mom Wellness Group as we explore Mom Guilt: Understanding It and Moving Through It. Through conversation, reflection, and psychoeducation, we’ll discuss why guilt is such a common experience in motherhood and how we can begin to respond to ourselves with greater self-compassion.
This free virtual gathering is designed to provide a welcoming environment where moms can connect with others who understand the challenges and joys of motherhood. Whether you’re navigating pregnancy, postpartum, raising young children, or parenting through different stages of life, you are welcome here.
During this session, we’ll explore:

Understanding why mom guilt is so common
Recognizing unrealistic expectations and societal pressures
Identifying unhelpful self-talk and perfectionistic standards
Practicing self-compassion and flexibility in motherhood
Connecting with other moms in a supportive and understanding space

The Mom Wellness Group is educational and supportive in nature and is not group therapy. Participation in discussions is always optional, and attendees are encouraged to engage at a level that feels comfortable.
Event Details
Date: Monday, October 19, 2026
Time: 7:00–8:00 PM
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Cost: Free
Registration is required for each session, REGISTER HERE. Moms are welcome to attend the topics that resonate most with them.
We look forward to connecting with you.

Mom Wellness Group: Managing Holiday Expectations as a Mom
2026-11-16 13:00 - 14:00
Mom Wellness Group: Managing Holiday Expectations as a Mom
Monday, November 16, 2026 | 7:00–8:00 PM
Free Virtual Group | Registration Required
The holiday season can bring joy and connection, but it can also bring increased responsibilities, family expectations, financial pressures, and the feeling that you need to create a “perfect” experience for everyone around you.
Join us for this month’s Mom Wellness Group as we explore Managing Holiday Expectations as a Mom. Through conversation, reflection, and psychoeducation, we’ll discuss ways to navigate the holiday season with greater intention, flexibility, and self-compassion.
This free virtual gathering is designed to provide a welcoming environment where moms can connect with others who understand the challenges and joys of motherhood. Whether you’re navigating pregnancy, postpartum, raising young children, or parenting through different stages of life, you are welcome here.
During this session, we’ll explore:

Recognizing the pressures and expectations that often accompany the holiday season
Identifying what matters most to you and your family during this time of year
Exploring boundaries that support your well-being
Letting go of perfectionism and unrealistic standards
Finding moments of rest, joy, and connection amidst the busyness of the season
Connecting with other moms in a supportive and understanding space

The Mom Wellness Group is educational and supportive in nature and is not group therapy. Participation in discussions is always optional, and attendees are encouraged to engage at a level that feels comfortable.
Event Details
Date: Monday, November 16, 2026
Time: 7:00–8:00 PM
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Cost: Free
Registration is required for each session, REGISTER HERE. Moms are welcome to attend the topics that resonate most with them.
We look forward to connecting with you.
