I CAN HELP YOU IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING WITH :

​​

• preparing physically, emotionally, and relationally for baby

• feeling anxious, depressed, or having scary thoughts

• finding if difficult to bond with your baby during the postpartum period

• feeling worried or uncertain around becoming a parent, giving birth, or your changing body during pregnancy and postpartum

• transitioning to becoming a parent;

• making decisions about returning to paid employment/career

• finding a healthy career/home balance

​

TRANSITIONING TO BECOMING A PARENT

​

Adjusting to pregnancy and the birth or adoption of a child is one of the most life-changing, identity-altering experiences one can have. It can bring an immense amount of joy as well as a lot of questions and uncertainty around your new role in life, whether you're adjusting to your first child or your fifth. If you're like most parents, you're encountering many new considerations and role negotiations within your family, extended family, circle of friends, and larger community. Likely the way you view yourself and your own body is changing in significant ways as well. I believe that parenting decisions such as where and how you give birth, how you choose to feed your baby, where your baby sleeps, who cares for your child, how you teach and guide your children, and how you choose to spend time as a family are deeply personal decisions. Whatever you choose to explore over the course of our time together, please be reassured it will be done so in a supportive environment that is free of judgment. 

​

WHEN YOU DON'T FEEL THE WAY YOU HAD HOPED

​

When the birth or adoption of a child is accompanied by troubling emotions, sensations, or thoughts, it can be hard to find the courage to speak up and seek help. You may feel so terribly you think no one else has thoughts about themselves or their babies like you do. You may start to believe your thoughts are too awful or "crazy" for anyone to understand. You may not feel bonded to your child and avoid telling someone your darkest or scariest thoughts for fear they will think you're crazy. 

 

Please know you are not alone. This is not your fault. You are a good parent and with the right kind of help, you will be well again. 

 

Based on a 2013 study, some advocates in the field put estimates around 900,000 women each year (1 in 5) affected by postpartum mood or anxiety problems - women just like you. Women who have endured pregnancy loss can experience significant symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression and anxiety as well, yet struggle to find validation for their feelings of grief and loss. Research also indicates that 10% of fathers will be affected themselves by postpartum depression or anxiety in the first year and are at higher risk if their partner is suffering from a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder. 

 

Please know that you can feel well again and there is no shame in reaching out for help. I provide supportive, solution-focused counseling for those who need to find help in dealing with anxiety, grief & loss, difficulty bonding with baby, sleep deprivation, traumatic flashbacks, self-doubt, panic, shame & guilt, and depression that can occur during pregnancy, after a pregnancy loss, postpartum, or during the first few years of your child's life. You can recover and I can help. I am a LGBTQ-affirming counselor and enjoy working with lesbian and gender non-conforming parents as well. 

​

​

​​