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Susan Nofsiger Social Worker Mom Helps Mothers-To-Be By Heather Krier Susan Nofsiger is a Boulder area licensed clinical social worker who works primarily with pregnant women and new mothers with postpartum issues. She has a master’s degree from the University of Denver, is married, and is herself a fairly new mother.  Being a new mother isn’t easy. Drawing from her personal experiences, Nofsiger targets the issues that confront new mothers. She’s started support groups for women in various stages of pregnancy: the Birth Circle, Mother’s Circle, and Second Time Mother’s Group. All target different stages of motherhood. Nofsiger started the Birth Circle support group for any woman who is pregnant. This is an ongoing group and moms-to-be can join at any time. The group deals with the fears of pregnancy, career and relationship changes, and any concerns that expectant mothers might have. Nofsiger’s goal is to provide a place to share experiences that some women otherwise might not have. The Mother’s Circle meets on a regular basis for eight to ten weeks with the same mothers in attendance each time. Nofsiger said, “There is a level of trust that is developed between these women who meet to share concerns, tell stories and show pictures of their new babies. Quite a comradeship is built up between these women and many go on meeting together after the class formally ends.” The small group setting provides insight into problem solving, practical concerns, what to do when their babies get sick and most importantly, postpartum depression and how to deal with it. These shared experiences demonstrate that there is normalcy in their sometimes hectic and stress-filled lives. The final group Nofsiger created is the Second Time Mother’s Group. While dealing with similar issues as the other groups, Second Time Mom’s main focus is on how to deal with issues created when there is a newborn and a toddler in the family. Outside of her support groups, Nofsiger meets with women who have postpartum concerns such as depression, relationships and anxieties. She’s also a resource for women who need referrals about the birthing community, help after birth and yoga/Lamaze classes. The goal for her practice is to offer a place to share experiences and offer support for new mothers. Her personal philosophy is, “I want to help new mothers get in touch with what feels right as a new parent, I’m not here to tell women what to do because there are many different ways to parent a child. New mothers don’t need someone to tell them what to do, they need support for the process of becoming a parent.” When asked why she decided to start these support groups, Nofsiger remarked, “I love helping people. Having a baby is scary and full of surprises, I found that there was a need for this kind of support in the Boulder area. I’ve been through it myself, so I understand what these women are going through.” Nofsiger enjoys working with these women and finds it fulfilling and enjoyable at the same time. When she has time to relax, she likes to read, take walks, garden, bake, and spend time with her family. Above all, Nofsiger truly enjoys what she does. She provides support for women who might not be able to find it anywhere else and she learns a great deal in the process. For new or expecting mothers, Susan Nofsiger can be reached at 303-579-2646. |
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Paula Martin, Niwot Counselor By Ron Goodman “I have worked in the field of counseling for more than 20 years,” Paula Martin explained, “and I try not to be an adviser. Rather, I find it most successful to help them find the answers for themselves–their answers, not mine.” Paula explained that her approach is to extend as much acceptance, respect and human warmth as she possibly can to her clients. “I’m not an authority figure for my patients. I help them discover what they feel. Then, they don’t become dependent on me.” I asked her how she handles people she simply doesn’t like. “I have to work on myself; that’s a problem for me not the patient. I look for things I can respect in others. People are often doing their best with what they have.” Paula lives and sees clients in her home in Cottonwood Park West. Her son, Lloyd, a high school junior, recently moved to Denver to live with his father. “The three of us are very close,” Paula explained. “We talk almost every day on the telephone, and we get together once a week. It was just the right time for Lloyd to live with his dad. Family is the most important thing to me personally; we are so close to each other.” Paula recently completed a three-year course in counseling psychology at Lesley University in Denver. She is now a candidate for licensed professional counselor in Colorado. She works with individuals, couples, families and significant others. “People often lose track of who they are, how they relate to the world,” Paula commented. “They fall back on parental expectations, not who they are at a higher level.” She opened her home office about a year and a half ago. “I love this community and my home,” she said, “and I’m happy to be practicing in Niwot. I think of myself as a resource in the community.” Paula Martin is available by appointment only, week days from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Her office telephone number is 303-652-0303. |
Posted January 2001