All services are provided through a HIPAA compliant telehealth platform
Therapy consists of weekly sessions which last about 50 minutes. After taking a history and clarifying a diagnosis, we will create a treatment plan. I will help guide you through this collaboration to identify your problem areas and goals.
I prioritize building the therapeutic relationship first. This is to create safety and shared treatment goals, the foundation for deeper work. My therapeutic style is focused, but flexible and engaging. I hope to provide a warm relationship and value humor and curiosity.
As a psychologist I wear many hats during therapy, from teaching skills to listening carefully for who you are, your personal narrative. Most clients find they are in need of both active skills building and insight and exploration at different times in therapy.
Psychotherapy for perinatal disorders has been proven highly effective for mothers, and also protective for baby's physical and mental development. I am certified in advanced level training in Maternal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International.
Perinatal psychotherapy is a specialized approach to psychotherapy for pregnant and postpartum mothers. Postpartum depression (a term used to describe many postpartum experiences including depression, anxiety, OCD, psychosis, and traumatic birth experiences) affects around 10-20% of mothers worldwide. There are biological, psychological, spiritual and social factors that contribute to the likelihood of this happening. Unfortunately, many mothers don't receive the services they need because their distress may not look like typical depression. For many mothers, intrusive thoughts, high anxiety, or overwhelming fears may be more dominant.
Becoming a mother is a tremendous transition that can bring historical issues to the surface. Mothers often struggle with their own unmet emotional needs from childhood. They may feel those emotional needs acutely, but not know what to do with them as they are being called into a parental role. There may be unconscious efforts to re-create, or, alternatively, to compensate for what happened in their own childhoods. Emotional vulnerability and new levels of dependency on others may be uncomfortable. Allowing for these needs and learning to communicate them in a clear and gracious way becomes paramount. We will work to identify what you need, how to meet those needs, and how to move forward when older needs cannot be met.
Identity crises, sometimes experienced as,"I was that person then, but who am I now?" are common during postpartum adjustment. This is a time of role transitions and redefining oneself. I see this crisis as a unique opportunity. With the right support, it is an opportunity for personal growth. Becoming a parent also invites us to master old issues that have been avoided. Like most adversity, the reward may not present itself immediately but will be experienced over time. A sense of purpose may emerge, and priorities can be rearranged.
Breastfeeding is another postpartum challenge that is often complicated by hopes and expectations. Exclusive breastfeeding may not be realistic for some mothers, and this can feel like failure. Therapy helps mothers identify their expectations, grieve losses, and come to the best resolution for themselves. I bring a background in lactation education and a non-judgmental stance to supporting clients through these decisions. In the end, it may not need to be an either-or decision.
I am committed to a personal practice of keeping up with clinical research, consultation, and essential self care that keeps me replenished for clinical work. I I enjoy spending time with my family, being close to nature and animals, and creative arts.