Perinatal Mental Health
Support for Pregnancy, Postpartum & the Transition to Parenthood
Many of us grow up with the message that becoming a parent is something we should instinctively want—and that once it happens, we'll naturally know what to do. For many people, the reality is far more complex.
The transition into parenthood can bring deep love and connection—while also bringing uncertainty, grief, fear, identity shifts, and emotional overwhelm. These experiences are common, especially for thoughtful, capable people who are used to managing life well. You don’t have to do this alone.
When you're sitting with your new baby, tired and alone at 2:47am — or 4:23am, because what is time during the postpartum stage anyway — and the thought creeps in: why is it this hard? It's easy in that moment to decide that something must be wrong with you. Many parents quietly spiral into self-doubt and self-criticism, or fear that something bad will happen, convinced they're not meant for this, or that everyone else is somehow doing it better. But struggling doesn't mean you're failing. It means you're human. These moments don't define who you are as a parent — and they don't have to define what comes next.
You can love your child deeply, struggle, and still be a good parent. These things can all be true.
As a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional (PMH-C) and parent myself, I provide specialized support for individuals and couples navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and the profound identity shifts that come with becoming a parent. Parenting is the hardest job you’ll ever do, and not one kid comes with a set of instructions. It’s ok to need or want support as you learn the ropes.
We all need that village. I’d be happy to be one of yours. Let’s talk.
I Help People With:
Understanding Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)
PMADs can look like:
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Persistent anxiety or panic attacks
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Depression or emotional numbness
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Intrusive or frightening thoughts
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Perfectionism or fear of making mistakes
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Irritability, rage, or emotional reactivity
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Compulsive or repetitive behaviors
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Difficulty sleeping even when baby sleeps
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Lack of interest in things you used to enjoy
Many parents struggle privately—appearing capable on the outside while feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or quietly falling apart inside.
How Therapy Can Help
There is often extensive preparation for pregnancy and birth—and very little support for what comes after. You may find yourself saying “I didn’t expect it would be like this.” Therapy provides a space to slow down, make sense of what's happening inside, and build a sustainable way forward.
In our work together, we'll focus on:
Processing the full range of emotions — Parenthood brings up everything—joy, grief, fear, resentment, love, overwhelm. We'll create space for all of it without judgment.
Reconnecting with yourself — You're not just a parent—you're still you. You don’t have to choose one over the other. We can work on integrating the person you’ve always been with the person you are becoming.
Regulate & Care for yourself in the hard moments — You'll learn tangible skills to calm yourself when overwhelmed and learn to trust in yourself again.
Processing trauma or difficult experiences— If you experienced birth trauma, pregnancy loss, or if your own childhood trauma is being activated, we can use EMDR to help you heal.
Strengthening relationships— Becoming a parent changes your relationship with your partner, your own parents, and your friends. We'll work on communication, boundaries, and building the support network you need.
Developing self-compassion — The perfectionism and self-judgment many parents carry only makes things harder. We'll work on seeing yourself realistically and treating yourself with kindness.
Building trust in yourself — You know your baby and yourself better than anyone else. Therapy helps you separate anxiety and doubt from intuition and trust your own judgment.
I believe that parenthood doesn't have to erase who you are. Struggling doesn't make you a bad parent. You deserve support that honors the full complexity of this experience.
You don't have to do this part alone. Reach out — support is here.
Resources
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
www.postpartum.net | 1-800-944-4773
Helpline, support groups, and educational resources for perinatal mental health
2020 Mom
Education and advocacy for maternal mental health