What I Treat

Perinatal Mood Concerns

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADS) are a spectrum of mood disorders that can occur from the time of conception through a year following childbirth. PMADS include depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and psychosis.

PMADS are more common than you may think!

Did you know...?

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders have been identified in women of every culture, age, income level and ethnicity.

1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men experience anxiety or depression during the perinatal period. It is estimated that these statistics are even higher than reported!

Symptoms can develop during pregnancy or within the first few days after childbirth, or months after childbirth

Screening and early intervention can protect the well-being of the parents, baby, and entire family.

Accessing the right diagnosis and treatment can have long-term positive impacts for you and your family. I have advanced training through Postpartum Support International (PSI) in diagnosing and treating PMADs in mothers, fathers, and caregivers. I offer tailored, evidence-based education, resources, treatment, and support. I primarily treat perinatal anxiety, depression, trauma, and OCD.

In addition to PMADs, I work with folks navigating fertility concerns, perinatal loss, birth trauma, past trauma triggered by perinatal experiences, adjustments and transitions occurring in parenthood, etc. I work with parents in all phases of parenthood, and have a special heart for supporting first-time parents.

Whether you are experiencing changes in your mood, reeling from a pregnancy or birth that didn't go as planned, dealing with fertility issues or loss, grappling with the identity shifts or role changes, or wondering what it means to be a good enough parent in a world full of expectations- I am here to meet you where you are.

Depression

Depression is more than just feeling sad. It can leave you feeling emotionally exhausted, disconnected from yourself or others, or unable to enjoy things that once mattered to you. You may find yourself moving through the day with a sense of heaviness, questioning your worth, withdrawing from people you love, or struggling to believe things can get better. For new and expecting parents, depression can also show up as guilt, irritability, numbness, or a constant sinking feeling that you are not the parent you hoped to be. Depression is not a reflection of your character or personal strength. It is very common, and it is very treatable!

I offer individualized, evidence-based treatment for depression. We will strengthen your coping skills to help you feel better and more functional. We may also work to understand factors that may be contributing to the depression or identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck.

Trauma

Trauma is not defined by the event itself, but rather by the ways in which the event continues to live with us and dominate our lives. People living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) often find that past experiences serve as a (distorted) lens through which they see themselves and the world. It can affect the experiences they approach and avoid, create changes in mood and arousal, and make their worlds smaller. Research shows that exposure to traumatic experiences can lead to long-term changes in the brain and body, and left untreated, can increase risk for chronic health conditions.

Fertility issues, pregnancy, birth, and parenthood can resurface past experiences in unexpected ways. You may notice heightened anxiety, hyper vigilance, intrusive memories, strong emotional reactions, or a sense of being overwhelmed that feels hard to explain. You may also be feeling numb or disconnected. For many, this can be connected to earlier traumatic life experiences—or to more recent events such as complicated pregnancies, loss, or medical or birth trauma.

I support folks navigating perinatal and other kinds of trauma, particularly when these experiences resurface during times of transition. I approach therapy with a trauma-informed lens, and offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain and body process and reintegrate distressing experiences.

Relationship Issues

Anxiety

Life Transitions or Adjustments

Anxiety can manifest in many ways—racing thoughts, persistent worry, trouble sleeping, panic attacks, physiological symptoms, or a constant sense of dread. You might find yourself stuck in “what if?” types of thought loops, constantly trying to anticipate potential problems, feeling on edge, or avoiding things that once felt manageable. Over time, anxiety can make our worlds feel smaller, and can disconnect us from people or things we care most about.

I offer tailored, evidence-based treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Health Anxiety. I also have a passion for supporting folks who may appear high-functioning or high-achieving on the outside, but internally struggle with perfectionism, constant worry, or feeling "not good enough."

Life Transitions and Adjustments

Even the most positive life transitions can come with uncertainty, stress, and overwhelm. Whether you are navigating a job change, the loss of a loved one, the beginning or end of a relationship, a move, becoming a parent, or simply finding yourself in an unfamiliar season of life, change can feel complicated. It is common to experience anxiety or depression, or other confusing experiences alongside these transitions.

In therapy, I provide a safe and supportive space for folks to process change, navigate uncertainty, and make decisions anchored in their values.

Anxiety