Pregnancy and Postpartum

I have special training and experience working within maternal mental health. It is my honor to witness your transition to parenthood. Not only are you giving birth to a human being, you're also giving birth to yourself as a parent. This identify shift and new role can be challenging as you find your way and what works best for you and your family. Clients of mine have overcome birth trauma, perinatal and postpartum anxiety and mood disorders, guilt/shame, and delayed bonding and attachment.

Therapy is a place dedicated entirely to you, to help you prioritize your life so that things can start to feel more manageable. It's a place where you can say out loud the things you might not have been comfortable saying to others for fear of shame and/or guilt. It's ultimately a place where you can gain confidence in your skills as a parent and your identity not just as a parent but as a human being, set healthy expectations with others and yourself, and take a break without feeling guilty.

I have several certifications and trainings in perinatal and postpartum mood issues, including the certificate training from Postpartum Support International. I have also trained with Karen Kleiman of the Postpartum Stress Center. My practice is also closely connected to Boston OBGYN, a leading group of physicians for women affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston.

The perinatal period - from pregnancy through one year postpartum - is a time when we are at higher risk for significant mood impairment. A long-awaited pregnancy can lead to anxiety and depression in expectant parents. A history of pregnancy losses results in a white knuckle ride during subsequent pregnancies. Processing your experiences and developing coping skills can help improve your experience of pregnancy, birth, and new parenthood.

I have specialized training in reproductive mental health and have supported many clients though their own or a parter's pregnancy and on into parenthood. I also offer support for fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, and abortion.

Becoming a mother might be one of the most hardest but transformative experiences of our lives. Nothing can really prepare you for all the changes that you experience, the challenges that arise but the immense love you have for your child. There are moments of pure joy, but also ones that test every part of your being. There are moments of, I can’t do this anymore. Am I the only feeling this? Why don’t I feel the same anymore. Know, Mama, you are not alone.

I have a certificate in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International.

Postpartum Support International training

All parts of the perinatal, postpartum and parenting journey are, shall we say, interesting, and sometimes those experiences become much more intense than we ever expected! Let's acknowledge this path can be anytime from considering having a kid through adjusting to parenthood with your third (or more!). So many challenges are found along the way, sometimes needing more support than you readily have available. Whatever your story is, I am prepared to walk alongside you on your perinatal path.

Please see my website for additional details. https://www.balancedmindpsych.com/women-and-maternal-health

Being a mom is HARD! I support women in this new chapter of life navigate the beauty and the struggle of parenthood. Show up just as you are (showered or not!) to find your space space to let it all out. I’m a mom too and will help you learn practical coping skills, develop realistic self care strategies, and improve your communication skills to care for your own needs.

I have completed training with Postpartum Support International to treat perinatal mood disorders. My treatment style is strengths focused, relationship centered and action based. This means we will first focus on helping you feel safe and understood in therapy, finding ways to engage your support system to support you in ways that actually feel helpful and focusing on specific things you can do with your thoughts and behaviors to feel better.

I work with mothers and their families who are experiencing adjustment difficulties, may have a perinatal mood disorder, want to prevent postpartum depression and anxiety, struggle with infertility or grief and loss, feel disconnected from their infant, or are overwhelmed with parenting a toddler.

I have extensive experience supporting parents, expecting parents, and grieving parents during this unique period of life. I have advanced training in the treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders through Postpartum Support International and completed subspecialty training in Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health at University of Denver. I wrote my dissertation on the body image concerns that often arise during the perinatal period. I have trained in OB/GYN, NICU, and community clinics.

Through specialized trainings in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including OCD, I hope to support you through every stage of parenthood from family planning to toddlerhood.

I have advanced training in perinatal mood disorders, anxiety, and loss. I have attained my Perinatal Mental Health Certificate. Postpartum Support International awards therapists with this certificate after completing training in perinatal mental health, working with perinatal clients for at least two years, and passing an exam. Perinatal means from conception to the first year after birth. I also work with new moms past that first year.

Given approximately 10-20% of birthing parents and many non-birthing parents are affected by Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), it's of the utmost importance to support parents during such a major transition in their lives. I've trained with Postpartum Support International, completed a year internship in a perinatal mental health clinic, and attend ongoing trainings in order to best guide parents in preventing and treating PMADs. I enjoy working with nontraditional families.

You’ve got a little one now. Congratulations! This new season of life is full of complex feelings of joy, fear and loss. Perhaps, life post partum just isn’t what you thought it would be. Maybe your past childhood trauma (that you worked so hard on in therapy) has popped back up again in light of now being a parent yourself. Having a space to be honest about these feelings and experiences can help you be the parent you want to be.