Pregnancy and Postpartum Counseling  

Navigating the journey to parenthood…

Is easier said than done. Many people are the best parents well before their children arrive. However, adjusting to the many changes and new norms that come during this time can often be a complicated and emotional journey. As a therapist, I work to help my clients process and discuss the trials and tribulations that come while also helping them to strengthen their connections to themselves and others.

What Can Therapy Address?

A focus on perinatal mental health can discuss the various taboos of pregnancy and postpartum that our society doesn’t talk enough about. In addition therapy can address the blockers that create psychological distress that prevents you from moving forward in certain phases of your life. This distress can impede upon your enjoyment of the moment and the very things you’ve worked hard for.

Topics you can potentially address while working with me include:

Postpartum Depression Though many people talk primarily about depression after the birth of a child, this can also effect those who have experienced a pregnancy loss. Many moods can up after labor and delivery to include, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder. Working with a therapist can assist you in addressing the moods that come up during this time.

Perinatal Loss It’s difficult to fathom a birthing loss however, 10 - 15% of pregnancies end in loss and 1% of pregnancies result in stillbirth. Perinatal loss is something that effects many people and all too often is suffered in silence. When working with me I provide you with the space to process and discuss the pain associated with this loss and ways possibly to honor your loss, so that you can move forward.

Adjust to Changes Adjusting to pregnancy and a live birth is often larger than many can expect. Due to the many things that can come up as well as the lack of control you may feel, it can be difficult to adjust. In addition you may be in a space where you are consistently getting used to a new you. Therapy is a perfect place to manage your expectations and calibrate to your new life.

Perinatal Trauma From time to time trauma may come up in the process of becoming a parent. Whether it happens during the birthing process or at some other point, due to NICU stay, or even a pregnancy trauma, the effects can be lasting. It’s important to address and process trauma to prevent lasting effects. Work with me can include utilizing trauma modalities to help you reprocess events and create new pathways in the mind.

My Counseling Style

I have always gravitated to the person centered theoretical orientation. Meaning, I believe in the power of the warm empathetic regard where clients are heard and validated in whatever emotion they are currently experiencing. Having once utilized CBT for trauma, I enjoy discussing the concept of how thoughts can effect both emotions and behaviors. But I know people on their perinatal journey, often experience a disconnect from themselves and their bodies, the somatic theories work very well in helping individuals feel like themselves again. Currently I am trained in Brainspotting Phase 1 and Phase 2; and EMDR. I also utilize Gottman techniques for couples with bibliotherapy for deeper understanding and reconnection.

What this means is I help you navigate the emotional and psychological impact of the perinatal journey. Through talk therapy and advance theories that deal in trauma, I help you work through the trauma of body betrayal, disconnect, grief and loss, and the adjustment to parenthood. Through my services I help you tackle your mental health needs in this journey will providing a comfortable place for healing.