Perinatal Therapy
The choice to start a family can bring A LOT to the surface. And that’s true whether you’re exploring the idea of kids with your partner, parenting a young child, undergoing a challenging fertility process, or coming to terms with not having kids. It’s a big transition! And one you shouldn’t have to navigate without support.
As a certified perinatal therapist, we can talk through anything that falls within the “the baby decision” period. This can be what raising kids looks like for your family, conception, loss, pregnancy, changes to your body, the postpartum period – you name it. I’ll provide a space for support and skills you can use to navigate this change.
Areas of Expertise
Prenatal and Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders
You may expect a transition in your mood during pregnancy or postpartum – but did you realize Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders impact up to 10% of dads and 25% of mothers at some point in the perinatal period (the prenatal and postpartum period)? While these symptoms can occur in the prenatal phase of pregnancy for a significant percentage of women, the weeks or months after bringing a new baby into the family can be overwhelming. Biological predispositions, chemical imbalances, and hormonal shifts paired with the very real transition to parenthood can become symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety.
If you're struggling with some of the symptoms – anxiety, depression, or mood swings at any point of the prenatal or postpartum journey – perinatal therapy can be a supportive space to explore and manage these emotions. Expect a non-judgmental exploration of the phase you are in right now, along with potential treatments for postpartum disorders. I'll help you return to yourself so you're in a better place to experience more of the joyful parts of parenthood.
The Baby "Decision" (trying to conceive, first child, second child, and beyond)
When I talk about "the baby decision," I'm talking about everything that goes into your family planning. Whether to have children, when to have them, or whether you want to grow your little family. If you have already been trying to conceive, the journey itself may be longer or more difficult than anticipated causing additional doubts or concerns. It's extremely common to experience some ambivalence or uncertainty here – especially when it comes to balancing practical concerns with a desire for kids. Together, we can delve into your genuine wants and concerns so you can make the decision that feels best for you and your family.
Navigating Loss
About one in four pregnancies will result in a loss, often unexpectedly and without a clear cause. Sometimes, ending a pregnancy is necessary due to medical or personal reasons. Coping with pregnancy loss brings both emotional and physical difficulties, which can result in feelings of depression, isolation, anger, guilt, or even PTSD-like symptoms. By working together, we can address and support the many emotions that arise during this challenging period.
Addressing Infertility
Whether you're trying for your first child or your fourth, getting pregnant can sometimes take longer and be harder than you expect. If you're under 35 and have been trying for over a year, or over 35 and trying for over six months, you might hear the daunting term "infertility." The cycle of hope and disappointment each month can lead to anxiety, depression, grief, and feelings of isolation. These emotions may increase if you're undergoing medical fertility treatments. I am here to support you as you navigate the emotional challenges of infertility and the journey to conceive.
Body Image After Baby
We may think our bodies will bounce right back after a pregnancy, but that's not always the case. And even if we can consciously acknowledge all it's been through, we might struggle with the person we see in the mirror.
Let's talk about the ups and downs of post-baby body. The goal will be exploring how to feel comfortable in your skin through confidence and self-acceptance at any shape or size.
Still have questions?
You can think of therapy as a [super worthwhile!] investment in you. But even if you believe it’s going to be worth it, any investment takes some consideration.
Take a look at our rates and FAQs to determine if PNW Perinatal Therapy is the right fit for you.