Pregnancy & Postpartum

Online therapy for women across New York State

Therapy for every step of the way

Whether you planned your pregnancy or were surprised, this doesn’t feel like the dream of motherhood you were sold. It certainly isn’t what you saw from TV shows and movies and it definitely wasn’t what your friends and family described it to be. Of course, you’ve felt sad before but this time things feel very different:

You didn’t imagine yourself struggling to connect with your pregnancy or baby.

No one told you just how lonely you would feel (because everyone always asks about baby but rarely about mom).

On top of it all, you never expected to feel like a ‘bad mom’.

This doesn’t feel like “the most magical time of your life”

Whether you’re pregnant, recently given birth, or gave birth five years ago, you may be struggling and you deserve relief. Therapy may be for you if:

  • You’re struggling to feel like your old self again despite having a healthy pregnancy or baby

  • Feeling low, anxious, or fearful has become your new normal

  • You’re the first in your friend group or family to have a baby and no one seems to understand your experience

  • Childbirth didn’t go as you imagined and you’re struggling with anger, guilt, and resentment

  • It’s hard to feel excited or joy when thinking about your pregnancy or baby

  • You have visions or dreams about harming yourself or your baby and you aren’t sure why

  • …and more

This isn’t just the ‘Baby Blues’:

Many of my clients came to me because they couldn’t make sense of what was happening to them or why. Why couldn’t they shake this feeling? They tried their best to “fake it” but never actually made it. And even my clients who were privileged with helpful friends, family members, resources, and a caring partner, judged themselves for not fulfilling some unrealistic expectation of parenthood (here’s to you, hyper-curated and ultra-positive social media influencer family accounts). You may be experiencing a perinatal (or postpartum) mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD). Perinatal (during pregnancy and the first four weeks after childbirth) and postpartum (up to one-year post-birth) challenges are more common than you think. In fact, PMAD’s affect roughly 20% of women and up to 70% of Black women and women of color. And it doesn’t stop at perinatal and postpartum anxiety or depression. It also includes bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and psychosis. Get to know the signs and symptoms of each PMAD that I treat.

Aren’t changes to be expected with pregnancy and after baby?

While there is an expected window of adjustment before and after baby, symptoms that get in the way of living your life may be indicative of a PMAD. For example:

  •  Is getting out of bed or trusting someone else to watch baby so hard that you haven’t showered in a while?

  • Are you struggling to focus at work, making unusual mistakes, or receiving negative feedback/evaluations?

  •  Have you avoided people or places so much that leaving your home is an overwhelming thought?

Ongoing changes, or symptoms, that get in the way of how you typically live life indicate that it’s time to get support. You don’t have to figure it out on your own or have the answer. I can help.

You Don’t Have To Figure It Out On Your Own: Choose Lavender Therapy

My Goal

I know this picture of motherhood wasn’t in your plans. My goal is to support you through the thoughts, feelings, and patterns that have kept you feeling lost and confused throughout your motherhood journey. Let’s reimagine what parenthood could look like when you feel seen, heard, and valued.

My Process

Your unique experiences and perspectives will guide our sessions. Together, we will understand your current needs, establish goals for treatment, and use evidence-based techniques (e.g., CBT and psychodynamic therapy) to address your PMAD.

My Promise

I am committed to providing a compassionate and non-judgmental space for you to express yourself and strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for women of all backgrounds, cultures, and identities.

Invest in you today. Your future self will thank you. Schedule your free 15-minute virtual consultation.