Pre and Postpartum Depression and Anxiety Therapy

Counseling for New and Expecting Moms

Provided by Ellie Messinger-Adams

Becoming a mom may not always be as straightforward as others make it seem. With the birth of a child, there is also the birth of a mother.  There are many unexpected twists and turns along the way and you may not always feel prepared. Your feelings during pregnancy and in early motherhood may surprise you. Postpartum depression and maternal hormonal changes can bring about some unsettling thoughts and feelings.

You may be feeling:

• Depressed most days 

• Shame, guilt or feelings of failure

• Panicked or scared a majority of the time

• Rapid, frequent mood swings

• More tired than normal

You may be experiencing:

• Loss of interest in things you normally enjoy

• Unusual or unhealthy eating habits

• Gaining or losing weight

• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

• A lack of concentration or the ability to make decisions

You may be:

• Struggling to bond with your baby

• Thinking about hurting yourself or your baby

• Thinking about suicide

In addition to joy and renewal, becoming a mom can bring grief, sadness, fear. Some women experience trauma, depression feeling your life is unraveling. If this is you, and your journey was not straight and narrow, it may be time for outside support. 

The path to motherhood may not be as you expected. Whether you come to motherhood through adoption, surrogacy or pregnancy, you may feel betrayed by your own experience. 

Even contributions from well-meaning family members and friends can cause feelings of inadequacy and failure to emerge.  Adding more fuel to the fire is the influence of the ever-present social media .

If you find yourself struggling with these feelings, I’m here to help. 

As a therapist who specializes in postpartum depression and maternal mental health, I know the highs and lows motherhood can bring. Together we will work to find your voice as a mother.  I help my clients to adjust to the changes pregnancy and motherhood bring, process the anxiety and depression that can go hand and hand with new motherhood and help you discover the powerful, resilient women that you are inside. 

During our work, I will get to know you. I will provide encouragement as we unpack your experiences and expectations. I will be an ear to listen as you talk through your journey, and be your guide as you grow into the mama warrior you are within.  

Moms Group Counseling

If you are finding yourself lonely and craving the experience of other mothers, we will be offering the below groups:

1. Moms with children 0-2yr

2. Pregnant moms

Pregnant moms: I invite you to join me and other pregnant moms in finding nurturing and creating community. In this group we will aim to both create a community where all moms can come together to support each other and create a safe space to share the truths about pregnancy and motherhood. This is not a place where you will have to sugar coat the truth but rather this is a place to be REAL. As the group facilitator and therapist I will support all members in this process and help to facilitate conversation, growth, and healing. This does not have to be your first pregnancy, all are welcome.

Moms with children 0-2yr:  I invite you to join me and other moms with children under the age of 2 in finding nurturing and creating community. In this group we will aim to both create a community where moms can come together to support each other and create a safe space to share our truths about motherhood. This is not a place where you will have to sugar coat the truth but rather is a place to be REAL. As the group facilitator and therapist I will support all members in this process and help to facilitate conversation, growth, and healing.

Postpartum depression and anxiety Issues addressed in group

• Disconnection with growing baby

• Anxiety Related to Pregnancy and Birth

• Infertility and treatments

• Traumatic birth experience

• Breastfeeding and feeding journeys

• Feeling unfit or unprepared

• Shame and guilt 

• Postpartum depression

• Loss of co-parent/partner

• Adoption and surrogacy

Counseling for Couples Becoming Parents

Everyone comes into parenting in their own unique ways.

Whether you are on this journey alone or with a partner the deciding and planning process alone can bring up many unexpected emotions and feelings. The birth of a baby can be a tremendous stressor on a relationship.  Some couples wonder if their relationship will be able to survive this new adventure they have started or are wanting to start. Parents and those planning may also feel betrayed by their own expectations and the expectations of those around them.

Those this journey can bring joy, excitement and renewal becoming a parent can also bring loss, grief, sadness, fear, trauma and unraveling. For those whose journey was not a straight and narrow path we may feel alone in our pain wondering where to turn. 

Each member of a pregnant couple has an idea of what parenthood ‘should’ look like, and often, these versions don’t quite match up. 

Many couples have benefited from preparing for their baby by making the time to explore each other’s expectations for the transition to parenthood prior to delivery.  Intentionally choosing to prepare for the upcoming changes, together, can make a tremendous difference in the early stages of the couples transition.  

Some couples may be experiencing:

• Frequent arguing

• Fighting over who is doing too much or not enough

• No or very little sex due to mom feeling ‘touched out’

• Feeling lonely and disconnected from your partner

• Arguing over the ‘right’ way to do things

If this sounds familiar, it’s time to find help.  Our children learn how to be in relationships by watching their parents relate to each other.  Committing to create a more healthy relationship sets your child up to look for and know the signs of a healthy relationship.  

As a therapist woman and parent myself I know what this journey can be and understand the pain it can bring. Through developing a strong therapeutic relationship with my individual and couples clients, I help you to pick up the pieces and discover the powerful parents that you are inside.

Once you find a way to let go of what you expected parenthood to be and accept the wonderful parent you are, I will help you thrive, individually and as a couple. I will provide encouragement for you as you process the journey to parenthood, an ear to listen when you feel overwhelmed, and be your guide as you purposefully grow into parenthood.

Let’s start now.