On Friday, May 9, 2025, four Yale Child Study Center (YCSC) faculty members welcomed approximately 20 participants at a parent retreat titled “Practicing Unconditional Love: An Open Dialogue on Parenthood” in Westport, Conn. With dinner and childcare provided, attendees engaged in authentic discussions about parental aspirations, good enough parenting, self-compassion, and self-care.
The retreat was co-facilitated by YCSC Westport clinicians Ayotunde Ayobello, MD; Jackie Britt-Friedman, PsyD; and Tamique Ridgard Peters, PhD; along with Christine Cha, PhD; YCSC associate professor and core faculty member at Yale Center for Brain & Mind Health.
Hosted by Christ & Holy Trinity Church, the event was made possible by Father John Betit and Reverend Dylan Mello, who envisioned creating a supportive space for parents to engage in conversations about the complicated experiences surrounding parenthood today.
Britt-Friedman commented, “The day was full of lively group discussions, laughter, and connection,” noting that it culminated with a hands-on activity involving a “wellness pizza” tool developed by Ayobello to help individuals chart their own path to enhancing wellness.
YCSC Westport is a satellite office located at 125 Kings Highway North that opened in late 2024. In addition to evidenced-based mental health treatments, diagnostic and psychiatric evaluations, and medication management for children birth to 18, YCSC Westport providers offer school consultations and presentations for educational and parent communities.
For information about available behavioral health services for families and children, or presentation offerings—including parent education, professional development, and school or community trainings—reach out via e-mail or call the Westport office at 203-785-7379.