Courtney Utz (she/her)

When I talk with clients about depression, I emphasize that it is not a choice or a character flaw—it’s an internal battle that can be hard for others to see or fully understand. So many people living with depression carry a heavy load of guilt or shame, believing they “should” be able to snap out of it. But I often remind them that we would never blame someone for having asthma or shame a person for needing treatment for cancer. Depression deserves that same compassion.

In my work as a perinatal counselor, I support individuals navigating depression, anxiety, and the emotional complexities of pregnancy and new parenthood. I view these struggles not as personal failures, but as natural responses to stress, past wounds, and the intense pressure to “hold it all together.” Using an attachment-based approach, I help clients understand the deeper needs beneath their pain—often a longing for safety, connection, and reassurance.

I view anxiety as the body and mind’s way of trying to keep us safe—even when it sounds a false alarm. Past experiences, temperament, or simply how our nervous system is wired can make us more sensitive to perceived danger. Instead of dismissing it with phrases like “just relax,” I work with clients to explore where their anxiety comes from and what it’s trying to protect. Together, we learn to respond with compassion and develop tools that help the body feel safe again.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps us notice how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence one another. When our minds get stuck in unhelpful patterns, CBT teaches us how to gently question those thoughts and choose more balanced ways of responding. It’s less about “thinking positive” and more about thinking clearly, so we can feel better and cope more confidently. I often describe it as building a toolbox for your mind—practical skills you can use in everyday life.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is all about learning how to manage big emotions without feeling overwhelmed by them. It blends practical skills like mindfulness, healthy communication, and distress tolerance to help you stay grounded even when life feels chaotic. Rather than forcing change or judging your reactions, DBT teaches you to hold two truths at once: I can accept myself as I am, and I can still grow. It’s a gentle yet powerful way to build resilience, regulate emotions, and feel mor

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on how our relationships and connections affect our emotional well-being. When we’re going through stress, loss, conflict, or life transitions, it often shows up in how we relate to others—and how we feel about ourselves. IPT helps identify patterns in communication and connection, and gently guides us toward healthier, more supportive interactions. It’s not about blaming anyone, but about building stronger relationships, expressing needs more clearly, and fee