Infertility

1 in 8 couples have difficulty getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. Experiencing any type of infertility can feel like riding an emotional rollercoaster…it can bring up guilt, anger, shame, anxiety and oftentimes put strain on a relationship. Through the process, men and women frequently feel vastly different emotions and often process their emotions differently, so it is normal during the infertility process to experience emotional distance in a relationship. The ironic part is that both partners likely need support more than ever…so through the process of counseling, couples can strengthen their connection and build healthy communication around a difficult topic.

The feelings of powerlessness and anxiety about the future can be paralyzing. Most relationships are affected during infertility…whether it be well-meaning friends and family asking questions, or making insensitive comments…it is very common during infertility to experience the desire to isolate. How do you know if you may benefit from counseling? Perhaps you are confused about what your reproductive options are…if you are noticing infertility is hurting your relationship…if infertility is taking over your life…if you are considering a child-free life…or if you just need more support navigating the emotional landmine

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of great transition. Your body is changing, your hormones are shifting, and you are preparing to take on many new responsibilities as a mother. You want this to be a time of great joy and excitement. However, many women are surprised by the range of different emotions they feel.

For some women, including those with a history of infertility or pregnancy loss, or who are experiencing medical complications, pregnancy can be a time of great anxiety. Pregnancy can also bring up old memories or feelings from your past. Some women feel sad or depressed during their pregnancy. Getting help for these issues can help you and your baby prenatally, andcan often reduce the chance of problems in the postpartum period.

Being a New Mom is Hard

After having a baby, many women struggle with identity shifts and attachment concerns. It is also common to experience a loss of independence, relationship changes, isolation, questions about returning to work, body image issues, and a wide range of emotional highs and lows. New moms need to feel supported during this time. I am here to help with these and other complicated issues that often accompany the transition to parenthood.

Many new mothers (1 in 7) will suffer from a postpartum mood or anxiety disorder within a year of giving birth. Often, women who experience postpartum mood disorders are aware that something is wrong. However, postpartum depression or anxiety symptoms often leave them feeling ashamed, confused, and alone. As an expert in postpartum mental health, I will partner with you to understand your experience and to help you feel better quickly. I treat a wide range of reproductive mental health issues that develop during and after pregnancy, including depression, generalized anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder. These disorders are very treatable and with help, you can feel well again.

Postpartum Counseling Can Help

You want nothing more than to bond with your new baby. This should be a happy time. Yet, sometimes it feels more like a dark period in your life. You are filled with anxiety or sadness that you can’t fully explain. It can feel lonely. The good news is that therapy can help. Through counseling, you can process your emotions, develop new coping strategies, and begin to connect with your baby. I specialize in working with moms who feel overwhelmed by the transition to parenthood. I understand the unique stressors that come during the postpartum period, and I know how to help you feel well.

Couples in the Perinatal Period

Regardless or whether you or your partner feels anxious or depressed, as a couple you may experience shifts in your relationship during pregnancy and the transition to parenthood. With all of the stresses new parents face, it is not surprising that many couples say they feel less connected and less happy in their marriage or relationship right after having a baby. 

As a couples counselor, I help new parents communicate and work through their difficulties. I also help them develop ways to stay connected and strong as they navigate the new world of parenthood as a team.