Menstrual cycle-friendly therapy: An empowering approach

Menstruation isn’t the problem - it’s the solution. Discover more about the power of cyclical living.

In a world dominated by fast-paced, “productivity”-driven values, where we’re expected to juggle careers, relationships, personal growth, and family while maintaining the illusion that we can do it all, we push ourselves to keep going, even when our bodies and minds are clearly saying, "I can’t do this anymore." The result? Anxiety, hopelessness, meaninglessness, burnout, feelings of being overwhelmed, and a general sense of low self-esteem and disconnection from ourselves.

But what if there was another way? What if we could embrace a different kind of productivity, one that is rooted in the natural ebb and flow of our energy, creativity, and emotions? What if we could pay attention and learn from the wisdom of our own bodies, the natural world, and tap into a more sustainable way of being?

For many, the menstrual cycle is seen as a disruption or inconvenience, an interruption to the constant push for more. However, the menstrual cycle holds deep wisdom, and when understood and embraced, it can become a powerful tool for personal growth, resilience, and self-awareness.

This is where Menstrual Cycle-Friendly Therapy (MCFT) comes in.

MCFT is a therapeutic approach that encourages both therapists and clients alike to be aware of, track, explore, and honour the natural rhythms of the menstrual cycle. Instead of working against the hormonal transitions and phases of our bodies, MCFT encourages us to surrender into these cycles, supporting our mental health and well-being in a way that nurtures and embodies our cyclical nature.

Understanding the menstrual cycle and its impact on well-being

The menstrual cycle isn’t just about menstruation; it’s a four-phase process that governs not only your physical health but also your mental, emotional, and energetic states. These phases include:

1. Menstrual phase: This phase, when you're bleeding, is a time of natural rest and introspection. Energy levels are typically lower, and you may feel more reflective, sensitive, and in need of quiet. This is not a time to force productivity but rather a time to honour your body’s need for rest.

2. Follicular phase: After menstruation, energy starts to rise. You may feel more creative, enthusiastic, and ready to take on new challenges. It’s a time of renewal and fresh starts, and your mind is often at its sharpest.

3. Ovulatory phase: This is when you're most outwardly focused and sociable. Your energy peaks, and you may feel more confident and assertive. It’s a great time for collaboration and taking action.

4. Luteal phase: As the cycle begins to wind down, you may feel more introspective, sensitive, and attuned to your and others’ emotions. Energy tends to dip, and it’s often a time when self-care and emotional healing are most needed.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, battling anxiety, or struggling with low self-esteem or burnout, understanding and aligning with these phases can be incredibly empowering. The key is to track and recognise when you're at your most energetic and when you need to step back and rest.

The power of cyclical living

In a society that constantly pushes for more, we often feel guilty for needing rest or for not being able to keep up with the demands of work, family, or social obligations. With cyclically living, we shift away from constant, relentless work to a more sustainable and compassionate approach.

Instead of viewing rest as laziness or unproductive, we begin to understand that rest is an essential part of living. By working in harmony with the phases of your cycle, you can avoid the burnout that comes from pushing yourself too hard during low-energy phases. When aligning your goals and responsibilities with the natural ebb and flow of your cycle, you can reduce the pressure you place on yourself, leading to less overwhelm, less anxiety, and a deeper sense of peace and accomplishment.

Menstrual cycle-friendly therapy: A supportive approach for confidence and self-worth

As a therapist, I understand that women often feel disconnected from their bodies, their cycles, and their own needs, especially when juggling the demands of daily life. Many women struggle with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem because they feel out of sync with their own natural rhythms.

MCFT adapts the therapeutic approach to recognise and support the natural fluctuations of the menstrual cycle. By acknowledging the impact that your cycle has on your emotional and mental state, we can create a more personalised and compassionate therapy experience.

When we integrate cyclical awareness into the therapeutic journey, it helps us to become more attuned to our body and emotions, providing a deeper understanding of why you may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected from your Self.

In therapy, we can explore how the different phases of your cycle influence your mood, confidence, and ability to cope with stress. This approach helps you acknowledge your body's needs, whether it's leaning into rest during your menstrual phase or harnessing your creativity during the follicular phase.

By acknowledging these rhythms, we move away from a "one-size-fits-all" approach and move toward a more individualised, compassionate method of therapy that embraces all aspects of our common humanity.

I'm here for you... and so is your menstrual cycle: How menstrual cycle-friendly therapy helps

Embracing your menstrual cycle as part of your journey isn’t just about understanding your body - it’s about reclaiming your life from the chaos of endless productivity. It’s about trusting yourself, your body, and the natural and innate rhythms that are there to guide and support us throughout our lives. It’s about acknowledging that rest is just as important as action, and as cliché as it may feel – you can’t keep pouring from an empty cup.

Through MCFT and the practice of cyclical living, you can start to find your inner anchor, reduce the anxiety and overwhelm through grounding, and move forward with more clarity and confidence. Your cycle will become a dear and deeply trusted friend. You’ll realise that you don’t have to keep up with society’s relentless pace. You can embrace your natural flow, knowing that in doing so, you’ll find the strength and resilience to create a life that’s more fulfilling and sustainable for you.

In the end, it’s not about doing more - it’s about doing more of what matters, with intention, compassion, and awareness. It’s about working with your body, not against it. And when you do, you’ll discover the innate source within you, waiting to be unleashed. 

It is not about throwing ourselves away and striving to become something better. You are not broken. MCFT, and subsequently healing, begin when we befriend who we already are.