Freiburg Therapy

Postpartum Therapy

Maternal Mental Health

Whether you’re trying to conceive, are a mom-to-be or a new mom; it is not a walk in the park! Everyone needs and deserves support, especially when life is not quite what you’d imagined. Many women have very high expectations of themselves, and of what their life should look and feel like. Although the focus may be on the joy and excitement of this time, women often believe that they should feel happy and know exactly what to do. But it’s impossible to predict how life changes your relationships, and how you feel about yourself. Not to mention everyone’s experience is unique.

If you find yourself struggling or overwhelmed during this phase of your life, I know it can be very difficult to let anyone know how you really feel.

I understand you can go through stages in life that stir up old wounds, create identity challenges, and increase self-criticism. Trying to manage this stress can often lead to feeling overwhelmed and experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

It’s important to know that you are not alone in what you’re going through and these issues are very treatable with psychotherapy.  In fact, 1 in 5 women experience postpartum depression. But together we can find your way back to feeling more like yourself, able to meet these challenges and enjoy the pleasures of life again.

This can be an opportunity for growth, healing, self-exploration, developing an authentic sense of self, and creating a toolbox of skills that can improve your overall sense of well being. 

Can You Identify With Any of the Following?

  • You are experiencing stress that is overwhelming all areas of your life.
  • You can’t pinpoint it, but you know you’re not feeling like yourself.
  • You’re feeling more angry or guilty than usual.
  • You’ve been experiencing physical aches and pains (aside from some of the expected ones).
  • You’re concerned you aren’t or won’t be a good mom.
  • You would like to learn practical skills for juggling your day-to-day life.
  • You’ve been having trouble concentrating.

How To Support Maternal Mental health

The good news is this is temporary. I know you are hurting, and it can be hard to see how things can get better, but getting support through this time is crucial. For your health as well as your loved ones. I use techniques that have proven to be helpful in addressing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders; specifically Cognitive Behavioral Therapy paired with Mindfulness Based Approaches. While we work together, psycho-education is also provided and you are supported for the unique needs you bring to therapy. People have also found value in walk and talk therapy sessions, with or without little ones, which provides an opportunity to get some fresh air and perspective.

On a Personal Note

I am passionate about working with women experiencing postpartum disorders because I have been in those shoes. I understand what it is like to have a less than perfect labor and delivery, to grieve the life you once lived (or have difficulty navigating your new role), to have had various labor and delivery complications/traumas and relate to the questioning of whether you’re doing things “good enough”. I know firsthand the value of having a village and I consider it a privilege to be a support to you on your journey to wellness. 

You deserve to work with someone who can address the unique needs of postpartum women. With both lived experience and training to be a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Therapist you can be assured those needs are not only addressed but nurtured with care.