postpartum therapist san diego

POSTPARTUM THERAPY SD

Being a new parent is full of both joys and challenges. It can be incredibly overwhelming to navigate all of the changes and emotions that come with the transition of being a new parent.

You deserve to be met with grace, support, and compassion during this time. Working with a postpartum therapist in San Diego (or in your area) can give you the space you need to make sense of your new role as a parent. 

Many new parents feel pressure to have it all figured out. Maybe you've read all the parenting books, tried to keep up with all the recommendations from your doctors, and even  chatted with other parents about what to expect. Shouldn't that mean you know what you're doing? Not necessarily.

As mental health professionals (and fellow humans), we're here to meet you with compassion during this tender time. It's okay to feel uncertain as you navigate this new experience of becoming a parent–but you don’t have to navigate it alone. You deserve support in this big life transition.

We're honored to hold space for new parents who struggle with mental illness (including postpartum depression) or who simply need a space to process all of the emotions that come along with parenthood. Connect with us today to learn more about how we can help.

Our therapists are here to meet you with compassion, kindness, and curiosity. Our goal is to make therapy a safe space for you to heal from your traumatic birth, take care of your mental health, and feel like yourself again.

We know that reaching out for support after experiencing a traumatic event can be extremely difficult. Our team is available for complimentary 15-minute phone consultations to address any questions or concerns you have about starting therapy. We encourage you to connect with us to start making meaningful change today.

postpartum concerns

postpartum concerns

OUR APPROACH TO TREATING POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

 Our priority is to make sure you know you're not alone. Many new parents struggle with mental health (including postpartum depression) and adjusting to parenthood in general. We take a warm, collaborative approach to help you feel heard and connected in your postpartum journey.

Our team of therapists in San Diego take the time to truly get to know you. Though we all have extensive clinical training and experience, we recognize that each person is uniquely different. We recognize you as the expert of your own experience, and we want to hear your story.

When you choose to share space with us, you'll leave feeling validated and empowered. We help new parents make sense of their postpartum journey, their new role, and all of the changes that come along with parenthood. Together, we'll create meaning and understanding of this new chapter in your life.

talk therapy approaches we use

Our San Diego postpartum therapists create a customized experience with each client. Here are a few examples of the types of treatment our team offers.

ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY (ACT)

The goal of ACT is to help us remember that our emotions are a natural part of the human experience. We’re all wired for emotions like sadness, anger, guilt, fear, and even anxiety. ACT is an evidence-based practice that can support you in developing a new relationship with your emotions and provides direction in re-aligning with your personal goals and values.

NARRATIVE THERAPY

In narrative therapy, we explore the stories we have about who we are. By understanding how you conceptualize yourself and where these stories come from, we can create helpful shifts in your internal narratives. This can help you make meaning of your experiences.

INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS (IFS) THERAPY

We all have different "parts" of ourselves: our brave parts, our anxious parts, our protective parts, and more. IFS therapy can help you gain insight into all of your parts and find empowering ways to heal painful emotions and reconnect with a sturdy sense of self.

EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING (EMDR) THERAPY

Using EMDR can help change the way that your brain reacts to traumatic memories. In the process of EMDR, you  identify your triggers and tap into your body’s natural healing process to support rewiring, which can be incredibly empowering in your healing journey.

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT)

CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on the link between thoughts (cognitions) and actions (behaviors). The idea is that changing your thoughts can change how you feel and act, and vice versa. This can help you feel more in control of your mind, emotions, and life.

STRENGTHS-BASED APPROACH

When using a strengths-based approach to therapy, we identify the assets that you already have. The goal is to build on the strengths and inner wisdom you possess and apply them to new challenges, including adjusting to life as a new parent.

EXAMPLES OF BIRTH TRAUMA

Again, each person has a unique reaction to different circumstances. With that being said, there are some common scenarios that can be traumatic for new parents. Click next to learn about a few examples of what a traumatic birth could look like.

STILLBIRTH OR INFANT LOSS

There are no words to describe the pain of stillbirth or infant loss. You had so many hopes and dreams for your baby, and the layers of grief and loss are intense. It's important to look out for trauma related symptoms after having this experience.

The heartbreak, anger, sadness, and other negative emotions that come along with infant loss are like no other. Your life will be forever changed by this experience, and you deserve support as you navigate through it.

LABOR COMPLICATIONS

Unexpected medical issues can be scary, especially for a new parent. Any experience of a medical emergency, especially when you have a baby involved, can be terrifying. It can disrupt your sense of safety and leave you feeling helpless.

On top of that, having your birth experience go differently than planned can be extremely upsetting, disappointing, and even traumatic for some people. Many new parents devote a significant amount of time and effort to their birth plan, so any disruptions can make you feel like your world has been turned upside down.

BABY SPENDING TIME IN THE NICU

Any parent knows that watching your child experience difficulties, especially medical problems, can be heart wrenching. Having your baby spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is no different.

Many new parents feel totally helpless if their baby requires intensive medical care. You might even blame yourself for the situation, even if you logically know it's not your fault. This experience can come with incredibly complicated emotions.

POOR MEDICAL CARE

Having a negative experience with your medical team can also lead to birth trauma. Birth is a vulnerable time in your life, and being mistreated (purposely or not) can have a profound impact.

It can also be scary entrusting your health (and the health of your baby) with strangers. While you're familiar with your own doctor, there are tons of different medical providers you may come into contact with during your birth experience.

faqs about postpartum therapy in san diego

It's natural to have questions before starting postpartum depression therapy. We've done our best to answer some of the most commonly asked questions. However, you can also reach out to us directly to discuss any specific concerns you may have.

  • There's no definitive answer to the questions of whether or not you need postpartum depression therapy. We believe that any new parent can benefit from getting support for their mental health, so we encourage you to try therapy if you're interested.

    We recommend working closely with your medical providers as you navigate postpartum depression or other postpartum issues. Your doctor can provide suggestions and treatment options to go alongside your work in therapy.

    Many people choose to reach out for support when their postpartum depression symptoms make it difficult to get through the day. However, you don't need to wait until things get too hard to handle. We're here to support you no matter where you are in your postpartum mental health journey.

    It's important to remember that therapy can also help you fully embrace the joys of new parenthood. Even if you don't have postpartum depression or anxiety, you can work with a mental health therapist to help you navigate your new role as a parent.

  • Trying to find a postpartum depression (ppd) therapist can seem like a daunting task, especially if you're struggling with your mental health. However, there are several different resources to help you get connected.

    Postpartum support international has a therapist directory that can help you find a qualified therapist near you. It lists different types of providers and allows you to search for therapists who offer online therapy.

    The San Diego postpartum health alliance also provides a directory that can help you get connected to postpartum professionals near you. Beyond providing information about ppd therapists, it also has resources for health professionals and psychiatrists.

    While it's important to find a therapist who has training in ppd treatment, it's also essential to find someone you connect with. Our postpartum therapists in san diego offer complimentary consultations so you can get a sense of whether we'll be a good fit for each other.

  • Therapy is a powerful tool in your postpartum healing. However, it's certainly not the only way to get support. We encourage our clients to build their support network as much as possible so you can feel empowered both inside and outside of our sessions.

    Many new parents enjoy group therapy in addition to individual therapy. Hearing about other parents' experiences can be incredibly validating. If formal group therapy isn't your thing, you could also consider joining a PPD support group to connect with other parents. Support groups can help new parents remember that they are not alone.

    Working with your medical provider is also a key part of PPD treatment. Depending on your situation, your provider may prescribe medication to help treat your symptoms. This is a decision for you and your doctor, and it can be a helpful addition to therapy for many people.

    Online therapy, support groups, group therapy, and medication are just a few examples of how you can get support as a new parent. In my podcast, Holding Space, I cover topics like parenting and postpartum wellness with experts from all over the world.

Many people imagine an instant bond with their new baby and hope for a smooth transition into parenthood. While it can be sad, frustrating, and overwhelming to have a difficult postpartum experience, know that you're not alone. Experiencing a connected, present, and supported postpartum can seem far-off for many, but with help it is possible.

feel empowered as a new parent with the help of a postpartum therapist in san diego

You can learn to embrace your role as a new mom (or dad), heal from postpartum depression and anxiety, and process the changes that come with this new chapter in your life.We want to acknowledge how hard asking for help can be. The postpartum period is a tender time, and admitting we are struggling is incredibly vulnerable. However, you don't have to suffer alone or in silence.

Our team of postpartum therapists in San Diego are here to meet you with kindness and acceptance. We believe that therapy can and should be two things: safe and productive. If you're ready to get the support you deserve, we encourage you to connect with us. We look forward to hearing from you and sharing in your postpartum recovery.

POSTPARTUM THERAPY IN SAN DIEGO

Our team of therapists are here to lend a compassionate listening ear and offer evidence-based strategies to support you in processing your birth and feeling present again. We'd be honored to navigate this journey with you, and we're looking forward to hearing from you. Reach out today to get started.