Jackie Bendell
MA, RCC
Call: 604.600.6167
for information or appointment
Counselling for Single Mom by Choice
You may have imagined becoming a parent for a long time, but not necessarily imagined doing it on your own. Or perhaps single motherhood by choice is something you've been thoughtfully considering for quite some time.
Considering becoming a single mother by choice can bring a wide range of thoughts, questions, and emotions. It can be an exciting possibility, but also a significant life decision that deserves time, reflection, and space to explore. Whether you're beginning to consider this path, actively navigating decisions about parenthood, or already raising a child on your own, counselling can offer an opportunity to explore your experiences and feel supported along the way.
As a counsellor and a single mom by choice myself, I bring both professional experience and personal understanding to this area of my work. My goal is to provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can explore your questions, work through uncertainty, and make decisions that feel right for you.
Considering Single Motherhood by Choice?
Choosing to pursue motherhood on your own can be an exciting and meaningful possibility. It can also bring up a lot to think about, both practically and emotionally. You may be considering questions about timing, fertility, finances, support systems, relationships, and what you imagine life might look like as a solo parent.
You might feel clear and confident about your decision while still having questions or moments of uncertainty. You may be navigating changing expectations about relationships and family, processing the difference between how you once imagined becoming a parent and the path you're now considering, or simply wanting space to talk through your thoughts with someone who will listen without judgment.
Counselling can offer an opportunity to explore what this decision means to you, make room for the emotions that come with it, and consider the hopes, questions, and practical realities ahead. Whether you are just beginning to consider this path or are already taking steps toward parenthood, you don't have to have everything figured out before reaching out.
Support for Single Mom's by Choice
Becoming a single parent by choice can be a meaningful and rewarding experience, but it can also bring challenges that are unique to navigating parenthood without a partner in the home. You may find yourself balancing the responsibilities of parenting, work, relationships, and your own wellbeing, sometimes with limited opportunities to step back and focus on yourself.
As your child grows, your experiences and needs may change. You might find yourself navigating questions about family structure, conversations about donor conception, relationships with extended family, or how to talk about your family's story with your child. You may also want space to explore your identity beyond motherhood, manage the demands of parenting, or work through feelings that are difficult to share with others.
Counselling offers a space to reflect on these experiences, explore challenges as they arise, and consider what support might be helpful at different stages of your journey.
A Personal and Professional Perspective
As a single mom by choice myself, I understand that this path can involve a unique combination of excitement, uncertainty, planning, and adjustment. My own experience has given me a personal appreciation for some of the questions and considerations that can come with choosing parenthood independently, as well as the joys and challenges of raising a child.
I also recognize that everyone's circumstances, decisions, and experiences are different. I don't assume that my journey will reflect yours. Instead, I bring my personal understanding alongside my professional counselling experience, with an openness and curiosity about what this experience means to you.
What Counselling Can Offer
Counselling can look different depending on where you are in your journey and what you need at the time. You might come to counselling with a specific decision or concern you want to work through, or you may simply want a space to talk openly about your experiences.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental. I believe you are the expert in your own life, and my role is to work alongside you as you explore your thoughts, feelings, and options. Together, we can make space for difficult emotions, consider different perspectives, and identify practical ways to support your wellbeing.
Whether you're exploring the possibility of becoming a single mother by choice or navigating the realities of parenting, counselling can provide a space where you don't have to manage everything on your own.
Getting Started
Whether you're just beginning to explore single motherhood by choice or have been parenting on your own for some time, you're welcome to reach out. You don't need to have a specific concern or know exactly what you want to work on before starting counselling.
If you'd like to learn more about my general counselling approach, you can visit my Adult Counselling page. When you're ready, I welcome you to get in touch to discuss whether counselling might be a good fit for you.