therapy: a journey of healing the mother wound

by KP Hays

** for them, i would do what she couldn't; for them, i would choose to heal **

therapy is a poetry collection full of honesty and raw emotion, exploring not only the complexity of childhood trauma and the mother wound, but how these traumas follow young girls into adulthood, and eventually into motherhood.

Written from the pain and angst of a broken child, adult, and mother, this six-part collection takes readers on a journey that begins in a childhood drowning in trauma, and ends in a motherhood full of love and hope.

Ultimately, these words are for the children who never felt they had a voice, and the adults who have spent years trying to figure out where the trauma ends, and where they start. While it’s true that the pain never truly leaves, healing offers a bittersweet kind of peace.

*Trigger warning*
this writing explores:
— childhood trauma
— physical abuse
— emotional abuse
— sexual assault
— self-harm
— suicidal thoughts
— post-partum depression
— post-partum anxiety

148 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2026

About the author

KP Hays is a Canadian author and poet, whose writing focuses on trauma, healing, and motherhood. Her work is deeply personal, sometimes universal, and forever passionate. K has always had an affinity for writing pretty words and delivering mic-drop one-liners, so she teaches English Language Arts during the day, and writes her heart out at night (and sometimes into the early morning too). She first delved into poetry as a pre-teen, often returning to writing in times of hardship and healing — a journey she’s still on today. Her debut poetry collection, therapy, is a culmination of decades of trauma, a festering mother wound, hard work, and deep passion, and she’s so excited to have it out in the world.

Find her on Instagram and Facebook!

Reviews

[Austin H · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very deep book, made me tear up several times. I love how you watch her age from infant to adult. The songs fit so well with the verses, I definitely recommend reading the verse then listening to the song while reading the lyrics. The songs make you understand a whole lot more of what the author is talking about and going through. Overall amazing book, totally recommend.

[Mariam Callaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an advanced copy of this collection, and it really stayed with me. It’s beautiful, emotional, and deeply intentional without feeling heavy just for the sake of being heavy. What I appreciated the most was that it doesn’t just sit in trauma; it heals through it. There’s a real sense of growth and trying to understand how pain gets carried forward, but also how it can stop with you. The poems feel connected in a way that gives the whole collection a strong emotional arc, rather than feeling like separate pieces placed together. This is a hopeful and moving collection about survival, healing, and choosing something different and better for the next generation.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poetry collection will take you on a journey no one should ever have to take! The trauma experienced by the author was immense and the growth that occurred is immeasurable.

While this was not an easy read for me, because of the emotions it brought up, I am grateful that she shared her story to bring to light what so many endure but keep to themselves. I am also so happy to read about her own journey as a mother and the joy her kids bring to her.

I am looking forward to read in g more of her work!

[Char Boulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of beta reading for the author on this one and damn... I don't think I've ever sobbed quite so hard while reading before. This collection truly is a journey as you follow the authors life through two phases, Trauma and Healing. Poetry is not something that I typically binge read but I could not put this one down. This is a must read collection from an Indie Author and Poet. I can't wait to follow her career as her debut collection has truly reignited a love of poetry for me!

[Trystan Raknerud · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book with a heavy emphasis on healing. The first sections of the book really showed the pain endured and I had to keep reading to make sure she came through on the other side. No spoilers but she does break through all the pain and anger with a sense of empowerment and healing/dealing with what life threw at her. A really great read!

[Cayli · Rating 5 out of 5]

KP asked me to read this as I have a soft spot for poetry, and all I can say is: wow. What a journey this one was. It reminds me of Jessica Jocelyn and Rose Brik (iykyk). So many tears and so many jaw-dropping lines. I truly love this book, and I can’t wait to read more from KP Hays!