Starting and Growing Your Family
In my eyes mamas are warriors! You have to be able to move flexibly through the twists and turns of mama life while leaning into your strengths. But, even warriors face a wide range of challenges including overwhelming feelings of mom shame, trauma, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), NICU stays and birth trauma. Becoming a parent can be unbalancing and bring up emotions, trauma, and sensations in ways you weren’t prepared for. You may think you have lost yourself in the mist but there is hope, you WILL find yourself again.
Pregnancy
Oftentimes we hear about mamas and birthing parents seeking therapy after the baby arrives. This unfortunately, creates a missed opportunity for those who are pregnant to better prepare for life when baby does arrive. Therapy during pregnancy provides an opportunity for mamas and birthing parents to work through life traumas, fears, worries, sadness, and other strong emotions that may come up. One area of focus that I have found especially important is around processing of childhood experiences that were either traumatic or not ideal. This is especially important during pregnancy because as we become parents ourselves, our mind and body become reconnected with the way we were raised. Often individuals with traumatic childhoods will begin to have intense emotional or somatic reactions that need processing.
Please also consider signing up for The Birth Trauma Reduction Plan a 12wk embodied birthing preparation program that I facilitated with a drama therapist and a doula.
Infertility
Infertility can bring about a range of emotions, from frustration and disappointment to profound grief and stress. It can put a strain on relationships, create concerns about self-worth, and cause distress while navigating decisions related to fertility treatments or alternative paths to parenthood. These complex emotions impact your mental well-being and can make day to day experiences much more difficult and draining. Whether you are beginning fertility treatments, considering options, or taking a break to focus on emotional well-being, I am here to help you navigate the emotional and psychological whiplash of infertility.
Postpartum
Often times parents experience an unexpected period of grief and loss after the birth of a child. We feel like we have lost ourselves or are so uncertain of who we are not. It's common for parents to experience a range of emotions during this period, including feelings of overwhelm, sadness, anxiety, or self-doubt. Some experience PMADs (perinatal mood and anxiety disorders) such as postpartum depression, anxiety, or OCD. Whether you're a first-time parent or adding to your family can help you explore and manage the changes in identity, relationships, and lifestyle that often accompany the postpartum period. If you find yourself grappling with the complexities of postpartum life, reaching out for therapeutic support can be a transformative and empowering decision.
Reproduction Trauma and Loss
Birth and reproductive trauma live on a spectrum and are unique to each parent. The pain of it can reverberate through the lives of parents for many years, leaving emotional scars that impact not only the immediate post-trauma period but also the broader landscape of parenthood. Whether it's grappling with the aftermath of a distressing birth experience or navigating the complexities of fertility-related setbacks, the emotional toll can linger, manifesting as anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress. This enduring impact on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being underscores the importance of seeking therapeutic support. Therapy provides a dedicated space for individuals to explore and process the lingering effects of trauma, offering coping strategies, emotional validation, and a pathway towards healing. By addressing these deep-seated emotions in a supportive therapeutic setting, parents can find empowerment, resilience, and a renewed sense of self, facilitating their ability to navigate the complexities of parenthood with strength and emotional well-being.
