Lauren Shapiro is a writer with a Master’s degree in Creative Writing (UKZN, 2006, cum laude) and many years’ experience as a freelance journalist with a special interest in women’s issues. In 2012, while pregnant with her third child, Lauren suffered from severe PND (Peri-Natal Distress), requiring hospitalisation and psychiatric intervention. After a long and hard recovery process, Lauren became committed to sharing her story to help other families circumnavigate this awful yet preventable illness. Her book Through the Window: How I Beat PND, which details the experience, is endorsed by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG). Lauren is also a founding member and board member of Mums Support Network, a Durban-based PBO whose meetings, online presence and events give support and encouragement to women who are struggling with the transition to motherhood. Lauren has appeared in print, online, on radio and television, spoken at schools, hospitals and mothers’ groups, given webinars, and participated in conferences, festivals and advocacy events. She lives in Durban with her husband and three children.
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Theory): Fusion vs Defusion and Avoidance vs Acceptance