Therapy for Parents
Parenthood can be so many things all at once: rewarding AND challenging, beautiful AND messy, joyous AND overwhelming, and so much more. There are endless messages about the “best” way to be a parent at all steps of the journey. When the transition to parenthood isn’t quite what we expect, our inner critics become especially loud, and feelings of inadequacy and shame may become central to our experience.
Many parents fear that opening up about their struggles will only lead to being judged and further misunderstood by others. However, ultimately, when we dare to be vulnerable and ask for help, we model for our children to do the same. I seek to help parents navigate parenthood in their unique way, gain confidence in their parent role, reclaim their sexuality, reconnect with their partner(s), and deconstruct unrealistic dominant culture narratives related to parenting.
The following types of therapy are offered:
Therapy for moms and birthing parents
Therapy for dads and non-birthing parents
Relational therapy for parents & soon-to-be parents
Relevant training: Seleni Institute Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders and Perinatal Loss and Grief, Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy, Perinatal Mental Health Certification in progress
Therapy for New Moms & Birthing Parents
As many as 1 in 7 moms and birthing parents experience postpartum depression and/or anxiety, and that statistic is only based on reported cases. You may feel like being a mother is not what you expected and hold yourself to unrealistic standards as a mother. During a time when you thought you would feel unwavering bliss, you may feel immense sadness and/or anxiety. You may feel overwhelmed by the physical, psychological, and emotional demands of being a mom. You may feel isolated in your experience, wondering why your experience is so much different than you expected. You may compare yourself to others, which only intensifies feelings of isolation and shame. You may question who you are now and fear that you won’t be able to find yourself again. You may even experience intrusive thoughts that scare you. Whatever your experience may be, I am here to support you so that this season of your life is more manageable and enjoyable. You are not alone.
Common Concerns for New Moms & Birthing Parents
Anxiety and/or depression during pregnancy
Postpartum depression
Postpartum anxiety
Traumatic birth
Body image issues
Breastfeeding and feeding concerns
Reclaiming/redefining one’s sexual identity as a mother
Balancing multiple roles (i.e., mother, partner, daughter, professional, friend)
Grieving pre-pregnancy/baby identity
Individual Therapy During Pregnancy
Child-birthing individuals can also benefit from individual therapy during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time of introspection as one prepares for parenthood and support through therapy can ease fears regarding childbirth, the postpartum period, and beyond. You may feel apprehensive to share your fears with others due to the cultural expectations that you’ll naturally adapt to the mother role. You may feel overwhelmed by others’ opinions about the best way to approach childbirth and feeding your baby. I provide a nonjudgmental and warm space in which to explore your experience of pregnancy, which is so different for each person.
Therapy for New Dads & Non-Birthing Parents
Dads and non-birthing parents also experience challenges, including peripartum mood disorders, during the transition to parenthood. Nearly 1 in 10 dads develop postpartum mood disorders, which is incredibly stigmatized. You may feel like your struggles aren’t valid because you didn’t carry your child throughout pregnancy or give birth, but that is far from true. You may feel insecure as a father and fear that you are not cut out for the role. You may miss your life before becoming a parent and need space to grieve the loss of your previous relationship with your partner. You are not alone.
Therapy for Parents Throughout the
Parenting Journey
Challenges as parents don’t magically disappear after the first year. Whether your child(ren) are toddlers or adolescents, being a parent is hard. The fears may have changed, but the unrealistic standards you hold yourself to have persisted. You may be overwhelmed by societal expectations for yourself as a parent and struggle to juggle your many roles, whether you stay at home, work, or do a little bit of both. It may not feel feasible or acceptable to make time for yourself and/or your partner. You may be wondering when and if parenting will become easier and come more naturally to you. As our children begin to face challenges in life, we may take on their challenges as our own. I am here to support you in the ever-changing landscape of the parenting journey at whatever stage you encounter.
Relational Therapy for Soon-to-be Parents & Parents
During pregnancy, you may have fears about how having a baby might change your relationship with your partner. How will you find time for each other and will you be able to participate in activities that brought you close in the past? What will your sex life be like? Will you agree on parenting styles and discipline? Will you fight more? Will your partner like the type of parent you are? Will becoming a parent change you and the way you and your partner relate to each other? Expectant couples have many questions as they draw closer to becoming a family of three (or more). Parents may grieve the loss of their pre-baby relationship and the support of a therapist during this time can help relationships navigate the rebirth of their relationship as parents. Relational therapy can help couples prepare for the transition to parenthood in a proactive way.
After a baby is born and as children age, parents will also benefit from giving their relationship the same tender loving care they provide to their child(ren). Relational therapy can help parents approach parenting as a team, empathize with their partner’s experience, learn co-regulation skills, and prioritize emotional and physical intimacy. Parenthood doesn’t have to be a death sentence for relationships and couples can redefine what it means to be a partner and parent in a way that works for them.
“There is no such thing as a perfect parent. So, just be a real one.”
— Sue Atkins
