Matrescence Education for Professionals
Develop expertise in matrescence and integrate new knowledge and skills to confidently provide matrescence-informed care in your practice.
You already care deeply about supporting mothers and now it’s time to feel confident doing it.
The Matrescence Practitioner Certification gives you the research, language, frameworks and credibility to guide mothers through the biggest transformation in their lives.
This isn’t just professional development,
it’s a profession.
The Matrescence Practitioner Certification
Formal matrescence education, designed and delivered by a psychologist, providing you with matrescence theory, frameworks, resources and evidence-based strategies so you can provide matrescence-informed care.
This comprehensive course provides opportunities to practice and develop your coaching and facilitation skills, to confidently apply theory in practice, and gain support and feedback from accredited supervisors so you can become qualified as a certified Matrescence Practitioner.
The next certification begins 1st March 2027.
Early enrolment will open in October 2026.
Join our mailing list below and be notified when enrolment opens!
FREE Matrescence Education Webinar
Tempted by our matrescence education?
Join psychologist Christina Bond for a free training in:
What matrescence really is through the lens of the latest research, developmental theory, and evolving psychological frameworks.
Matrescence-informed care: Learn how to understand and treat distress from a matrescence-informed care model, instead of a pathological lens.
Practical tools to help you apply matrescence theory with mothers so they can make sense of their experiences.
Wednesday 23rd September, 12pm NZT. Replays available for those who register.
Supporting mothers is your passion. I get it - it’s mine too.
Hi, I’m Christina Bond. Psychologist, Mother and Leading Matrescence Educator.
Utilising 15 years’ experience working in the mental health sector and five years clinical experience as a psychologist and mother of two under five, I developed the Matrescence Education Learning Series as a foundation for all mother-supporting professionals.
As an emerging concept, academic research on matrescence remains limited. To bridge this gap, I have drawn together and integrated research from matrescence scholars, psychology, developmental theory, attachment theory, neuroscience, identity theory, motherhood studies, adult learning and life transitions, offering you cutting-edge models and frameworks to understand and apply the concept of matrescence.
My hope is that this information becomes the foundation of all training for those working with mothers and babies - no matter what discipline. All professionals can benefit families by providing matrescence-informed care.
My qualifications:
Postgraduate diploma in psychological practice (PGDipPP)
Masters in Science (Emotional Regulation)
Masters in Business Management
Honours in Psychology (First class)
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences
Postgraduate Diploma in Not-For-Profit Management
Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Education
Trained in CBT, ACT and EMDR
As well as extensive professional development annually.
When I’m not with my children, you’ll most often find me here, in my office, working towards a world where every parent is adequately supported through their transition to parenthood and beyond.
My deep motivation is lifelong psychological wellbeing, which starts in infancy. My work will be done when every infant grows up with a secure attachment, knowing they are loved and safe and are set up with the foundation for lifelong wellbeing.
In order to achieve this I’ve devoted my career to equipping professionals with the core knowledge and tools they need to transform how we support mothers and families, because when we truly understand matrescence, everything changes.
I also love supporting mothers and women themselves to lead lives they truly and deeply love!
“You won’t come out of this the same person who started. That’s the nature of matrescence work, it shifts how you see mothers, how you support them, and often, how you see yourself too.”
Matrescence education that bridges the gap between passion and confident practice
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Evidence-based Frameworks
Evidence based frameworks to apply matrescence theory with confidence in your practice.
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Practical Resources
Practical tools and coaching skills that equip you to provide transformative support.
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Recognised Certification
Recognised certification to build your own viable, fulfilling career as a Matrescence Practitioner.
This evidence-based, self-paced, online certification is designed for those who work with, or aspire to work with, mothers.
Our current matrescence practitioners include:
Occupational therapists
Social workers
Doulas
Counsellors
Midwifes
Health Professionals
Holistic Sleep Coaches
Therapists
Psychologists
This course is for you if you want to:
Deepen your knowledge about matrescence, learning the most up-to-date research and theory.
Enhance your coaching skills to improve the wellbeing of mothers.
Receive matrescence tools, frameworks, models and resources to easily apply matrescence knowledge.
Enhance rapport and outcomes for the mothers you work with.
Connect with other professionals who share a passion for the work you do
Have a desire to be a certified matrescence practitioner.
Who’s the Matrescence Practitioner Certification suitable for?
This course deepens your professional practice, but more than that, it reconnects you to why you started this work in the first place.
Most students tell us it changed how they work and how they live.
During this certification you will:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of what contributes to perinatal distress and wellbeing and how to validate, empower and enhance wellbeing and health outcomes as mothers navigate matrescence.
Learn unique matrescence frameworks to help mothers navigate matrescence with resilience.
Bust myths and misconceptions and replace them with evidence-based knowledge.
Receive key research summarised for you to easily utilise and communicate in your practice.
Learn how to apply your knowledge confidently to support mothers in their parenting, strengthen their identity, meet their own needs and live in alignment with their values.
Full Curriculum Details for 2027
The full course details can be viewed in our matrescence education curriculum booklet.
This PDF showcases all of the key features, call dates and the key topics included.
Remember to express your interest too, to receive exclusive bonuses via email and be notified when enrolments open.
If you’re curious whether the course is right for don’t hesitate to get in touch with Christina.
Matrescence Education Course Features
What’s included?
This isn’t just professional development. It’s a full-circle journey of learning, unlearning, reconnecting, and becoming the kind of practitioner you wish you had — the one that mothers need most.
Curriculum designed for busy professionals
Bite-sized, research-backed video, audio and PDF content you can watch, listen or read anytime, anywhere. Learn at your pace, in your rhythm.Live coaching calls with Christina
Real-time support, conversation, and connection, plus recordings if you can’t make it live.Unique matrescence frameworks
Supporting you to deeply understand the concept of matrescence and apply frameworks to help mothers navigate matrescence in groups, 1:1s, or for your own self-reflection.Practitioner resource booklet
Exercises, models, plan templates, and client tools all yours to use and adapt.Individualised feedback
Personalised feedback and reflective questions to support your learning journey.Private practitioner community
A village of like-hearted professionals, because we aren’t meant to do this alone.Certification as a Matrescence Practitioner
Listed on our website and annual registration is available too.Evolving course curriculum
This is not a traditional static course. The course is regularly updated with new research, resources and tools to meet the changing needs of the environment in which we live. You will have access to all course additions for at least 12 months.Support from Christina
I genuinely and deeply care about the learning journey, both personally and professionally, of every single student who joins this course. Most professional relationships extend beyond the length of the course - this is not a one-time or one-sided exchange.
"The amount of content shared in the course exceeded my expectations, and I was especially impressed by the number of practical tools provided. The materials were clear and succinct but also comprehensive. The course has given me the confidence and inspiration I needed to expand my career in supporting mothers."
- Sarah, Matrescence Practitioner
Module overview
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This certification is made up of 10 modules, all pre-recorded in short lessons, so you can watch, listen and learn at your own pace.
There are live calls with Christina, held on Wednesdays and recorded for those who can't make it.There are brief action tasks/quizzes following each module, varying from 10-30 minutes to complete.
You will be provided with frameworks, models and other resources to use with your clients.
The course content can be consumed over a few days, spaced out over 12 months or any timeframe in between.
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Gain an in-depth and evidence-informed understanding of matrescence as the foundation for supporting mothers through one of life's most profound developmental transitions. You'll explore the history, theory and latest research on matrescence, alongside our unique models and frameworks that bring this complex process to life. Together, these tools help make sense of identity shifts, changing roles, emotional challenges and the ongoing process of becoming both a mother and a woman. You'll also learn how to use our unique Matrescence Map to help mothers understand where they are in their journey, normalise their experiences, and navigate matrescence with greater clarity, confidence and self-compassion.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
Understand the history, theory and developmental process of matrescence.
Confidently explain matrescence to mothers, families and other professionals.
Apply the Matrescence Practitioner models and Matrescence Map to help mothers make sense of their experiences and support meaningful growth.
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Develop the practical skills, frameworks and confidence needed to effectively support mothers through matrescence. This module bridges theory and practice, teaching you how to facilitate both one-to-one sessions and group programmes using our evidence-informed facilitation frameworks. You'll learn how to build safe, trusting therapeutic relationships using the NURTURE framework, guide meaningful coaching conversations through the NAVIGATE process, strengthen your communication and reflective listening skills, and confidently facilitate groups using adult learning principles and effective facilitation techniques. Together, these skills will enable you to support mothers with compassion, confidence and professionalism, regardless of the challenges or stage of matrescence they are navigating.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
Build safe, trusting relationships using the NURTURE framework.
Facilitate effective one-to-one coaching conversations using the NAVIGATE framework.
Confidently facilitate both individual and group matrescence education sessions.
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Deepen your understanding of the diverse challenges mothers may experience throughout matrescence and learn how to support them with confidence and compassion. This module explores the emotional, psychological, relational and societal factors that shape the maternal experience, helping you distinguish between expected developmental challenges and experiences that may require additional support. You'll gain an evidence-informed understanding of topics such as identity, mental load, emotional labour, perfectionism, relationships, anxiety, burnout, maternal mental health, career changes, and the impact of modern motherhood. By understanding the complexity of these experiences, you'll be better equipped to help mothers make sense of their challenges, reduce self-blame, and navigate motherhood with greater self-awareness and confidence.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
Identify the key emotional, psychological and societal factors influencing maternal wellbeing.
Recognise the underlying systemic and cultural influences contributing to maternal distress.
Apply evidence-informed strategies to support mothers through common challenges of matrescence.
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Develop a deeper understanding of the factors that influence maternal mental health, distress and infant wellbeing throughout matrescence. This module explores the foundations of maternal wellbeing, including self-compassion, emotional regulation, body care, cognitive reframing, understanding overwhelm, guilt, shame and accessing support. You'll also gain an evidence-informed understanding of infant development, attachment, co-regulation, temperament, the nervous system and biologically normal infant sleep, equipping you to better support both mother and baby. Together, these frameworks enable practitioners to promote realistic expectations, reduce self-blame, and support mothers towards greater wellbeing.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
Recognise the underlying drivers of maternal distress beyond surface symptoms.
Understand the core pillars that support maternal and infant wellbeing.
Apply compassionate, evidence-based strategies to support mothers experiencing common challenges throughout matrescence.
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Develop the knowledge, confidence and professional standards required to practise safely, ethically and within scope as a Certified Matrescence Practitioner. You'll explore the role and core competencies of a matrescence practitioner, professional boundaries, ethical decision-making, referral pathways, cultural competence and cultural safety. This module also supports your own professional growth through reflective practice, practitioner wellbeing and strategies for building a sustainable, values-aligned practice, ensuring you can provide safe, high-quality support to the mothers and families you work alongside.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
Practise safely and ethically within the scope of a Certified Matrescence Practitioner.
Apply professional standards, referral pathways and culturally safe practice.
Develop a reflective, sustainable approach to your ongoing professional growth.
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Knowledge alone doesn't create confident practitioners, practice does.
Research consistently demonstrates that professional competence is developed through active learning, deliberate practice, reflection and feedback, not through information alone. In a world where information is available at the touch of a button, professional development must go beyond education alone. That's why this certification has been intentionally designed not only to teach you the science of matrescence, but to support you in applying, practising and reflecting on your learning in ways that are proven to build deeper understanding, confidence and professional competence.
Throughout this module, you'll have the opportunity to observe real coaching and group facilitation sessions, practise applying the Matrescence Practitioner frameworks in realistic scenarios, and strengthen your communication, reflective listening and facilitation skills through a customised AI practice coach. Combined with guided reflection, live supervision and practical skill-building activities, you'll receive ongoing opportunities to refine your approach, integrate feedback and develop your own authentic facilitation style.
By the end of this module, you won't just understand matrescence, you'll feel confident facilitating meaningful conversations, supporting mothers through complex experiences, and applying your knowledge with professionalism, authenticity and skill.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
Apply your matrescence knowledge confidently through coaching and facilitation practice.
Strengthen your communication skills through guided feedback, reflection and deliberate practice.
Develop confidence and competence by observing, practising and refining your skills in realistic scenarios.
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A comprehensive practitioner guidebook including all models, frameworks, exercises, client resources, slides and speaking notes to deliver your own antenatal or postpartum groups and workshops for mothers. No need to start from scratch, you can use their resources immediately in your practice.
The Matrescence Practitioner Certification
Early Enrolment Investment: $3499NZD or 12 monthly payments of $292NZD.
The next cohort begins 1 March 2027. Early enrolment opens October 2026.
Express your interest now.
Founding Matrescence Practitioner: Stacey May
Stacey shares her experience as a certified matrescence practitioner graduate on our latest podcast episode.
“Whether or not you take this course and go into private practice or use it in your own professional development, you will take something away from this. This course gives you so much more than you pay for financially.”
Frequently asked questions
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The course is designed for those working or aspiring to work one-on-one or in groups with mothers who have young children, supporting them as they navigate matrescence.
Participants will extend their knowledge in matrescence and learn how to apply unique frameworks and processes in their work with clients.
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This training programme allows you to practice as a Matrescence Practitioner, as defined by the scope covered in module 5.
This certification is independent of any national training body such as NZQA, however the hours may count towards continuing professional development towards your profession.
This certification will lead to eligibility to work with and contract for Matrescence NZ.
In order to gain certification all course modules and action tasks must be completed, attendance at 2x training sessions and 2 sessions of supervision outside of the training programme completed.
Contact us if you have any questions.
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The pre-recorded course content is approximately 12-18 hours. Allow up to one additional hour for each action task.
There are also 3 training sessions, coaching calls and required client hours, all details can be found in the curriculum booklet.
The full certification can be completed in approximately 40-60 hours, depending on your learning style.
Participants will have 24 months to complete the course content to gain their certification, however can complete all required content within as little as 12 weeks.
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There are short action tasks related to each module. This is to enhance learning, application and retention, and ensure criteria for certification is met. There is no exam or formal assessment.
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No refunds are provided as all the course material is available immediately after you log in.
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You will have access to the recorded trainings and live discussions for 24 months.
The resources shared are yours to keep and use within your work indefinitely.
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See the curriculum booklet for the most recent training dates.
Testimonials from Certified Matrescence Practitioners
“Completing the Matrescence Practitioner Certification with Christina has been one of the most grounding and affirming professional experiences of my career. As both a clinician and a mom, I deeply appreciated the way the course was designed with real life in mind—delivered in bite-sized, accessible formats through videos, podcasts, and a beautifully structured workbook. It allowed me to engage meaningfully with the content, even amidst the realities of family life and a busy clinical caseload.
What stood out most was the depth and integrity of the material. Everything was evidence-based and thoughtfully curated, yet held within a compassionate and reflective space that encouraged genuine conversation—not just about the course topics, but about broader issues like neurodiversity, identity, and intersectionality. Christina has created a community where you feel truly seen, supported, and inspired to grow—both personally and professionally.
Despite being in a completely different time zone, joining from Ireland, I found myself getting up in the middle of the night to attend the live calls—something I wouldn’t normally do! But that speaks volumes about how enriching and valuable this space felt. Christina’s warmth, accessibility, and commitment to supporting her students through supervision and ongoing connection made this course so much more than professional development—it was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of matrescence and the way I support mothers in my own work.”
“Christina is an incredible leader and teacher that has created a safe, inviting and supportive space for practitioners wanting to support mothers in their matrescence journey.
It is clear that Christina is an experienced teacher and knows how to make the course as accessible to all. Christina has ingeniously created the content of the Matrescence Certification in three different formats - written, audio and video! Christina and the team at Matrescence NZ have put in extensive effort to set all participants in the course up for success!
Christina’s approachability, humility and compassion is clear throughout every interaction I had with her - via email, instagram or when she is leading the course online. Christina is open and receptive to all feedback and is willing to go the extra mile for her participants, while also role modelling excellent boundaries of self care and centring her children.
The weekly and fortnightly classes online were always warm, engaging and interesting, and gave me the beautiful experience of being part of a team of like minded practitioners.
Finally the biggest part caught my attention and kept me engaged in the Matrescence NZ certification - Christina’s powerful and profound message - that a mother struggling is an environmental issue or a lack of support.
I am proud to promote The Matrescence NZ Certification.”
Matrescence NZ leads the way in matrescence education
Our practitioner training goes beyond theory equipping professionals with practical, evidence-based tools to truly support mothers through one of life’s biggest transformations. This is more than professional development, it’s a movement to change the way we care for mothers.
We started the Matrescence Practitioner Certification because professionals were asking for matrescence theory, tools and how to apply them with confidence. So we created a training that bridges passion and profession, and provides mothers with the support they deserve.
Testimonials from founding Matrescence Practitioners
“During the course I was able to fully explore all concepts and knowledge around the transitions that come with motherhood and learn supportive strategies to help shift these transitions from challenges to being transformational opportunities. This course has enabled me to also process through my own matrescence journey and I have gained so much understanding and peace for my own journey too. This course has exceeded my expectations regarding the depth of knowledge and wisdom around matrescence.
Everyone working with mothers would gain so much from this course, from broadening their wisdom and understanding of the matrescence process to also being given the skills and tools to support mothers and parents throughout their own unique journeys.”
“Before starting this course I had knowledge about the changes experienced during my own journey of matrescence, but found it hard to know if these were similar experiences to other women and how to support mothers in a way that was meaningful to them as individuals. Since finishing the course, I feel more confident to deliver support to mothers that fits for their own journey, and be assured in my normalising and validation of this that I have the research and evidence behind me. I found the course to be insightful both personally and professionally, and it has given me tools I can use to work with mothers with compassion, warmth and science!”
Founding Matrescence Practitioner Graduates
Claire’s highlights from the Matrescence Practitioner Certification, as an experienced counsellor, shifting into perinatal support.
Hear how Chantelle van Niekerk, mother of 5, experienced both personal and professional transformation through the certifcaition.
Podcast: Matrescence for Practitioners
For those who feel the pull to support mothers - because motherhood was never meant to be walked alone.
Whether you’re a coach, therapist, midwife or simply someone passionate about maternal wellbeing, this is where we reclaim the missing piece in maternal care.
Join Christina Bond (registered psychologist) as she dives into all things matrescence, and discusses how you can use matrescence knowledge to support mothers navigate the most profound identity shift of their lives.
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In this first episode, I introduce myself - Christina Bond, a registered psychologist specialising in matrescence and maternal mental health - and share the story behind why I started Matrescence NZ.
Motherhood was never meant to be walked alone, yet so many mothers are navigating this massive identity shift without the support they need. In this episode, I take you through how this work became my passion.
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In this episode, we’re diving into what it truly means to be a Matrescence Practitioner. This role isn’t about fixing mothers or giving them more advice. It’s about helping them uncover the deeper layers of their experience, validate their emotions, and find their own path through the transformation of motherhood.
I’ll briefly share my personal matrescence journey and explain how a Matrescence Practitioner could have completely changed my experience—how having someone to guide me through the guilt, the frustration, and the overwhelming expectations could have made all the difference.
If you feel called to support mothers in a deeper way, this episode is for you.
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In this episode, we dive into matrescence—the powerful, complex, and often overlooked transition to and through motherhood. I’ll explain why matrescence is more than just a hormonal shift or an emotional adjustment—it’s a profound identity transformation that deserves recognition, validation, and support.
If you’ve ever witnessed a mother feel like she's losing herself in motherhood, or if you’ve been searching for language to describe what you’re seeing this episode is for you.
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Why are so many mothers struggling and blaming themselves? And why do so many practitioners feel called to support them but don’t know how to do it effectively?
In this episode, we explore why the world needs more Matrescence Practitioners. From the loss of generational wisdom to the overwhelming pressure to “do it all,” mothers today are navigating a monumental identity shift without adequate support. We’ll talk about how patriarchy, modern technology, and societal expectations are creating impossible standards for mothers—and how Matrescence Practitioners are leading a movement to change that.
If you’re feeling pulled toward this work and want to understand why it matters, this episode is for you.
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Thinking about starting your own private practice as a Matrescence Practitioner but worried it might not work out? In this episode, Christina shares the real fears, the big dreams, and the practical truths of starting a purpose-led business. If you’re craving more freedom, flexibility, and fulfilment in your work, this is your reminder: what if it does work out?