Introduction to Matrescence: OT perspective on the transition to motherhood
This interactive workshop introduces OTs to matrescence, the complex occupational transition into motherhood. Learn how to embed matrescence informed approaches into your existing role and enhance your ability to recognise and respond to the occupational, emotional and systemic dimensions of motherhood in everyday practice.
Program Overview
This interactive 90 min session introduces occupational therapists to the concept of matrescence - the biopsychosocialspiritual and occupational transition of motherhood - and explores how this process can be understood and supported across the lifespan.
Participants will apply occupational therapy frameworks to examine how identity, environment and societal factors shape maternal wellbeing. The session provides a foundational introduction to matrescence that equips therapists with practical strategies and reflective tools to begin embedding matrescence informed principles within their practice.
Attendees will engage in guided reflective practice and planning exercises to connect theory to application, enhancing their ability to recognise and respond to the occupational, emotional and systemic dimensions of motherhood in everyday practice.
Learning Objectives:
1. Define and describe matrescence as a biopsychosocialspiritual and occupational transition, across the lifespan.
2. Apply occupational and bioecological frameworks to understand how environments and identities shape motherhood experience
3. Identify the occupational nature of perinatal mental health, including risk, protection and opportunities for OT intervention
4. Examine societal and culture influences on motherhood and the systemic factors that affect participation
5. Identify practical opportunities to embed matrescence informed approaches within your existing occupational therapy role
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This session is designed for occupational therapists across all practice areas who wish to deepen their understanding of the transition to motherhood through an occupational, lifespan, and systems lens. It is suitable for OTs working in mental health, community, rehabilitation, paediatrics, and women’s or perinatal health, including those who already support mothers and families but wish to broaden their framework to include matrescence-informed, identity-focused, and lifespan approaches. It will also benefit OTs in supervision, education and leadership roles seeking an introduction to these concepts to inform service design, supervision and workforce capability.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
DATE:
Monday 23rd February 2026
TIME:
12:00pm | NSW | ACT | VIC | TAS |
11:30am | SA |
11:00am | QLD |
10:30am | NT |
9:00am | WA |
This session will run for approximately 90 minutes
Please login to Zoom 10 minutes before the scheduled presentation time
CPD HOURS:
Total CPD claimable workshop hours: 90 minutes
Please allow 48 hours for your CPD Certificate to be loaded in your CPD Tracker after course completion.
RECORDING ACCESS:
This session WILL NOT BE RECORDED as it is an interactive workshop. Participants will receive course materials online in their OTA account.
REGISTRATION FEES & INCLUSIONS
EARLY BIRD FEES: Register on or before 12th January 2026
OTA Member: $54
Student New Graduate: $49
Non Member: $70
(All pricing is inclusive of GST)
STANDARD FEES: Book on or after 13th January 2026
OTA Member: $60
Student / New Graduate: $54
Non Member: $78
(All pricing is inclusive of GST)
*Registrations close at 11:55pm AEDT on 19th February 2026
Members must be logged in with username and password in order to register at the member rate.
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DISCLAIMER
All information is correct at the time of publication. OTA reserves the right to alter or delete items from the CPD calendar as required, and takes no responsibility for any errors, omissions and changes.
All workshop resources including copies of the presentation, along with all supporting documents and links are not for distribution and are the property of the presenter.
An OTA staff member or representative may be photographing this event for use in OTA publications and/ or on OTA social media sites. If you do not wish to be photographed, or have your image published please make this known to the OTA representative at your course or contact OTA on 1300 682 878 or at info@otaus.com.au
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Terms and Conditions including OTA’s refund and cancellation policy are available here
CONTACT US
Please email info@otaus.com.au or phone 1300 682 878
Presented By
Hollie Swanton
Hollie Swanton is an Occupational Therapist with 18 years’ experience, including the past decade specialising in women’s, pelvic, and perinatal health. Hollie works in private practice, where she offers in-person therapy, supervision, and professional development for OTs. Her therapeutic work spans matrescence-informed care, including perinatal and maternal mental health pelvic and sexual wellbeing, menstrual health, eating disorders, neurodivergent support, and relationship-focused care. Hollie’s practice and teaching are grounded in matrescence-informed occupational therapy, integrating trauma-informed, sensory, and body-based approaches to support women’s identity, participation, and wellbeing across the lifespan. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Perinatal Mental Health and works within the Gidget Foundation Start Talking Program, providing telehealth therapy nationally. She convenes the National OT Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Special Interest Group and is passionate about helping to create pathways for all OTs to become better equipped to support mothers and families through meaningful, compassionate, and inclusive care.