A Mother Apart
Healing Guide & Support Resources
For post-screening support and further engagement
Directed by Laurie Townshend | Produced by Alison Duke, Ngardy Conteh George, Justine Pimlott. Co-production OYA Media Group & the NFB, NFB Distribution
If you are in immediate danger or crisis, please call your local emergency number.
If you need emotional support, the following hotlines and community resources can help connect you with culturally relevant care.
“A Mother Apart” is an emotionally layered film that explores the deep impacts of mothering, estrangement, abandonment, and survival in the face of systemic and interpersonal trauma. We recognize that the themes in this documentary may be activating for some viewers, particularly those with lived experiences related to:
- Parental abandonment
- Emotional neglect
- Sexual assault and harassment
- Depression and mental health challenges
- The complexities of motherhood and intergenerational trauma
Below is a curated list of resources—ranging from books to mental health services and community organizations—that may offer guidance, support, or a path forward.
Reading & Reflection
“Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents” by Lindsay C. Gibson
- A practical guide to understanding and healing from emotionally unavailable or neglectful parenting. Offers tools for setting boundaries and finding emotional independence.
“Mother Hunger: How Adult Daughters Can Understand and Heal from Lost Nurturance, Protection, and Guidance” by Kelly McDaniel
- Explores the impact of inadequate mothering and how it affects women’s sense of self, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.
“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk
- Groundbreaking work on how trauma is stored in the body and pathways to healing through both talk therapy and somatic approaches.
“Crossfire: A Litany for Survival: Poems 1998-2019” by Staceyann Chin
- A collection of poems by Staceyann Chin that compiles her work, often described as feminist, activist-driven, and LGBTQ+-Caribbean. The poems are known for their rhythmic and propulsive quality, often using a lack of punctuation to create a sense of urgency and flow, and they frequently explore themes of anger, sexuality, and survival.
Mental Health & Therapy Resources
Women’s Health in Women’s Hands (Toronto-based)
- Culturally appropriate primary healthcare for Black women and women of colour. Also offers mental health support.
- whiwh.ca
Black Youth Helpline (Canada-wide)
- National helpline supporting Black youth and families. Offers culturally relevant referrals and support.
- 1-833-294-8650 | blackyouth.ca
Talk 4 Healing (Canada-wide – For Indigenous Women)
- A 24/7, confidential help line for Indigenous women.
- 1-855-554-HEAL (4325) | talk4healing.com
Assaulted Women’s Helpline (Canada-wide)
- Crisis support and resources for women experiencing violence or trauma.
- 1-866-863-0511 | awhl.org
Wellness Together Canada
- Free mental health and substance use support, including live counselling and self-guided programs.
- wellnesstogether.ca
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.)
- 24/7 crisis service for anyone in emotional distress.
- Call or text 988 | 988lifeline.org
My Child Helpline (Eastern Caribbean)
- App-based and telephone support for children and adolescents across several Caribbean islands (Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines)
- mychildhelpline.org
Jamaica Mental Health Advocacy Network (JAMHAN) (Jamaica)
- Community organization focused on education, awareness, and advocacy around mental-health issues in Jamaica. Offers referrals and online resources.
- jamhan.org
Community & Peer Support
Sheena’s Place (Toronto-based)
- Support groups for people affected by eating disorders and body image issues, often tied to mothering and self-worth.
- sheenasplace.org
Sistering
- Multi-service agency for at-risk, socially isolated women and trans people. Includes mental health and housing support.
- sistering.org
MotherWit Doula Care & Postpartum Support
- For those dealing with postpartum depression or mothering trauma—resources for new moms and birth trauma survivors.
- motherwit.ca
Survivor-led Healing Circles
- Connect with local organizations or sexual assault crisis centres to find community-based support circles.
Additional Tools & Approaches
Mindfulness & Somatic Healing
- Practices like breathwork, yoga, and somatic experiencing can help ground emotions and trauma stored in the body. Look for trauma-informed practitioners.
Grief & Loss Counseling
- Many feelings around abandonment or estrangement can mirror grief. Consider individual or group therapy focused on grief recovery.
Creative Expression & Art Therapy
- Encourage journaling, collage-making, or attending workshops that offer a creative outlet to process the emotional weight of the film.
Want to Talk or Share?
OYA Media Group and the “A Mother Apart” team are committed to continuing the conversation. For community screenings, healing circles, or facilitated discussions, please contact info@oyamediagroup.com
