Services
Areas of specialization
I have a special interest in helping people navigate the transition through pregnancy, the postpartum period, infertility, pregnancy loss, relationship challenges, and adjustments to parenthood. I help women and men alike to build the support and skills needed to take better care of themselves and their families.
I use an integrated approach that combines analytic insight with cognitive-behavioral techniques. My therapeutic style is empathetic, direct, open, and interactive (mixed with some humor). I strive to create a supportive and collaborative space which empowers you to make meaningful and lasting changes in your life. I'm compassionate and adapt the treatment to the client's needs.
Perinatal mood disorders and Reproductive Mental Health
Roughly 1 million people a year struggle with a perinatal (during and after pregnancy) or mood disorders. For example, postpartum depression is the most common complication of childbirth, putting thousands of families at risk each year.
Maternal mental health disorders like depression and anxiety impact 15-20% of women during pregnancy and the postpartum period (1 year after birth). That's 1 in 7 pregnancies.
Did you know that Dads can suffer from postpartum depression and anxiety too? Through therapy, I will help you develop skills and strategies to cope with your feelings, solve problems, set realistic goals and respond to situations in a positive way.
infertility
Getting pregnant may not always go as one expects or hopes. After 1 year of trying to conceive you may be classified as having infertility. What does that mean exactly? The cause of infertility may be difficult to determine but may include inadequate levels of certain hormones in both men and women, and trouble with ovulation in women. It can also be the voluntary decision to use donor eggs or sperm for same sex couples, single mother’s hoping to conceive independently, and/or genetic histories that motivate the decision to use donor eggs or sperm.
Many treatments significantly improve the chances of getting pregnant. They include hormone treatments, fertility drugs, and surgery. In addition, assisted reproduction uses various medical techniques to fertilize an egg. My goal is to help you explore your options, offer support, and provide resources.
depression and anxiety
Whether you experience chronic anxiety or depression, or are facing these issues for the first time, therapy can be helpful in resolving the sadness, worry, and anger that often dominates feelings of anxiety and depression.
Often, depression and anxiety grow from, or are made worse by, unsatisfying relationships, work stress, ongoing struggles to find work-life balance, problems with identity and self-worth, and other stressors of daily living. I can help you to explore these aspects of your life and create positive changes.
pregnancy loss
Losing a pregnancy or an infant can be one of the most emotionally devastating events a person can experience. You may have feelings of sadness, despair, guilt, anger, and disbelief. You may also feel isolated and alone. It can be difficult to talk about your loss, even with your partner, and those you are closest to.. Though well-meaning, your friends and family may not know how to comfort you or to help you express your grief. Whether your loss occurred early or late in your pregnancy, or during/after birth, your feelings are real and valid. Those feelings need to be expressed. My hope is provide a warm space to share your story. During this extremely vulnerable time, I will help you process your feelings and work through your grief. I will also help you to heal and to explore your options for moving forward
Parenting Challenges
As a parent we some how think we’re supposed to know it all? Comical really. The truth is having children and understanding how to parent are two totally different things. And, even if you have a good understanding of what it takes to be a good parent, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can avoid the challenges that often accompany it. To be honest, there is no such thing as a “perfect parent.” It’s a myth like a unicorn. Whether you’re struggling with the stress of discipline, redirection of undesirable behaviors our “perfect” angels display. Parenting is HARD. Plain and simple.
I’m in belief that “it takes a village to raise parents.” Therefore, engaging in parenting counseling can be extremely beneficial – not only for yourself, but for your children and your partner. My role is to be a neutral person to process though the obstacles, to normalize the experiences, and help be part of your “village” of guidance and support.
life transitions
Feeling stuck? Life throws us 100’s of curve balls in a lifetime. There happen to be four main areas of development that transitions can affect:
Emotional.
Physical.
Intellectual.
Physiological.
Whether you’re going through a relationship ending, getting married, getting divorced, having or adopting a child, starting a new job, attending school, experiencing significant financial gain or loss, buying or selling a home, health issues, moving, or loss of a loved one. As a trained LICSW it is my whole hearted believe that environmental stresses absolutely impact our mental health. Situational in nature, or exacerbating already present mental health challenges. We all need support through transitions.