Women’s Wellness Support
Pregnancy Yoga
Parenting Support
Gatherings for modern women & mothers
Welcome to The Gathering Place, a safe haven for women seeking meaningful connections, empowerment, and personal growth. Founded by an experienced Occupational Therapist and Yoga/Meditation Teacher, The Gathering Place was born out of a deep understanding of the transformative power of shared experiences and connections.
The Gathering Place is a community-driven initiative designed to provide a nurturing space where women can come together, find solace, and be supported in their journeys of self-discovery and well-being. Our in-real-life Gatherings are tailored especially for women who are longing for a safe space to be truly heard, seen, and uplifted.
If you're a woman searching for a place where you can explore personal growth and transformation, surrounded by like-minded souls, The Gathering Place is for you. Whether you're navigating the challenges of motherhood or simply seeking a supportive community, our Gatherings are open to women from diverse backgrounds and skill sets.
At The Gathering Place, we support women to gather not only with each other, but also within themselves.
It's a place to be seen, heard, and unashamedly - ourselves. I invite you to join us on this transformative journey of change & growth, where we support and uplift one another as we navigate life's beautiful and challenging moments.
Whether you're a sleep-deprived new mum, are struggling with physical or pelvic health issues, or a woman who is feeling different or a bit lost on your journey -
I see you. You are worthy of support.
Hi, I’m Hollie, the founder of The Gathering Place - an Occupational Therapist, Yoga Teacher, and Mother of 2. I’ve been supporting people from all walks of life through life transitions for 16 years. The combination of those years and my own self-discovery & healing has shaped the essence of this empowering community, where women can find support, growth, and transformation.
Almost a decade ago, I faced burnout as an Occupational Therapist, feeling disconnected from my body and uncertain about my path ahead. Amidst my desire to start a family with my husband, I encountered challenges that overshadowed the joy I “should” have felt.
My journey to self-reclamation was far from easy; it involved traversing through pregnancy challenges, miscarriages, relationship counseling, and the ebb and flow of friendships. Throughout these trials, I realized the need to gather myself, pause, rest, and come home - both physically and emotionally. To pause and explore my identity. Who was I now? On a whim I signed up for a Yoga teacher training. Reconnecting inward by moving my body and getting out of my head, allowed me to connect with and embrace my feelings fully. I felt alive and invigorated. Another pregnancy came unexpectedly, however I felt aligned, strong and centered.
Then, like so many, my journey to motherhood brought new challenges. The transition into motherhood was (and continues to be) equally transformative and overwhelming, testing me and stretching my identity, my being in ways I couldn't have imagined. After my first pregnancy loss, I wanted to learn everything I could about this transformation and be as prepared as I could. And so began this journey - learning about matrescence and experimenting and gathering about women’s health, matrescence, motherhood studies and embracing the changes in my own occupational identity, finding balance, and regaining a sense of awareness.
Embracing my own (r)evolution. Sharing spaces and experiences with other women, I’ve gathered lots of practical strategies and knowledge to help you cope with the demands of motherhood, whilst also supporting emotional growth as a woman. What I’ve learnt it’s that the rites of passage in womanhood aren’t always easy, in fact they aren’t supposed to be. We are supposed to stretch and grow, evolve and change. However we aren’t supposed to do it alone. Women need women. We need to hear stories from other women, to help us navigate our way through our own experiences, transformations and revolutions.
We need a place where we can share, support, be witnessed, and honoured - a sacred space for women to gather and grow. A place for all women to embrace their unique identity with confidence and purpose.
The Gathering Place is the culmination of my dedication to empowering individuals on their unique journeys of well-being. It's a testament to the power of collective wisdom and the strength that arises when women gather and share their stories.
Melissa J -
“Thank you so much Hollie, I’ve gained lots of insights and confidence to speak to my mother about what she can do to help me and how I would like her to involve her with my son. It was a great conversation that ended with a hug, a forehead kiss and telling her she’s proud of me. Leaps and Bounds. I can’t thank you enough”
Michelle R -
“A very heartfelt thankyou for the amazing classes. I’ll be recommending you to every pregnant Mum! I found your classes really balanced, strengthening and calming… You’re really good at what you do! Thanks again.. ”
Upcoming Gatherings
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Connect for Birth: Half day Workshop - 2 March
FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
Led by Frances Boothroyd ( Midwife and Yoga Teacher) and Hollie Swanton (Perinatal/Women’s Health OT & Yoga Teacher) this 3hr experiential workshop will support you to;
Understand how to experience safety and connection with your body and baby, during pregnancy + postpartum.
Reduce fear around birth & educate you about birth physiology
Gain practical tools to prepare your mindset (no matter what type of birth you are preparing for) and;
Experience a deeply soothing movement practice that will connect your mind and body, regulate your nervous system, promoting labour hormones, relaxation and mindfulness.
$68 per person.
Refreshments and Resources provided.
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Mindful Pregnancy Yoga TUESDAYS 5.45 - 7pm
FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
Incorporating pelvic floor integration & functional movement with traditional yoga in a smart, safe and supported sequence.
A practice deeper than strengthening only the physical body, this class will shift you into a relaxed & informed state of mind, teaching you breathing & relaxation techniques.
$25 per class
5 class pass $100 (get one class free!)
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Rest. Reflect. Reset. (Finding Calm in the Chaos) - 23 March
FOR ALL WOMEN
Over 3.5 hours, together we will;
- Engage in a 1 hour movement practice to support safety and connection within our nervous system, mind and body.
- Use creative activities to reflect where you are experiencing difficulties or ease within your motherhood or womanhood journey is at present.
- Connect with like minded women to create community.
- Get set to reset your perspectives on challenges and develop new ways to navigate your motherhood or womanhood journey.
$68 per person, includes resources, take home workbook & light afternoon tea refreshments.
Babes in arms welcome (non-crawlers)