Time to Pause
A support group for mothers of trans-identifying children
You love your child. You have questions. Both can coexist.
The Time to Pause peer support group is a confidential, respectful, and non-judgmental space for mothers of children and young people who identify as transgender, non-binary or gender diverse.
Many parents find themselves holding complex, sometimes conflicting emotions as they try to love and support their child while also feeling concern, uncertainty, or grief. This group exists to ensure you do not have to carry those feelings alone.
The Time to Pause group offers:
- A safe place to express concerns about medical pathways such as puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical interventions
- Space to share grief, fear, anger, confusion, or frustration if and when those feelings arise
- Peer connection with other mothers who understand the emotional complexity of this journey
- Gentle discussion of ways to maintain and strengthen a positive, loving relationship with your child, even amid disagreement or uncertainty
- Validation of your role as a parent who is doing her best in a difficult and emotionally charged situation
Group overview
This is a supportive space just for mothers and other female caregivers.
Parent-led and peer-based
Confidential and respectful
Care, reflection and connection
Facilitator
The group will be facilitated by Amber Redish a Brighton based counsellor and EMDR therapist.
Amber has 25 years experience of counselling, mediation, parent support and groupwork in various settings; including within local and rural charities and the public sector.
For the past six years she has worked solely as a counsellor in private practice; specialising in supporting autistic and neurodiverse adults, couples, and young people.
Amber Redish
Counsellor and EMDR therapist
Time to Pause FAQs
Are stepmothers and grandmothers welcome?
Yes. Stepmothers and grandmothers who are actively involved in a child or young person’s life are welcome to attend.
Why a women-only group?
Women often carry strong social and cultural messages about setting aside their own needs and feelings to centre the feelings of others. The group is intentionally designed to support mothers, recognising that women may experience and process these challenges in distinct ways and may benefit from a dedicated space with other mothers.
Is this a place to debate or persuade others?
No. This space is focused on care, reflection, and connection, not debate, advocacy, or persuasion. All discussions are expected to remain respectful and supportive.
Is this group therapy?
No. While the group is guided by therapeutic principles, it is not group therapy. It is a peer-led support space. If you are experiencing acute emotional distress, individual counselling or therapy may be more appropriate.
How big is the group?
We have limited the group size to a maximum of 10 women to allow warmth and connection.
Is this group ongoing?
This initial group is being run as a pilot. If there is sufficient interest, a regular, closed peer-support group will be offered.
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