The journey to become and being a parent can be two of the most challenging experiences in one’s life. Even if everything goes perfectly, it is still stressful.

But unfortunately, not everyone who wants to be a parent has an easy journey getting there. Infertility treatments are stressful and can be traumatic, creating ongoing changes in ones body, emotions, sexuality and relationships.

Pregnancy represents a huge upcoming change and with it fear of what life will be like with a, or another, baby. It can also dredge up fears based in your family of origin and traumas from the past.

Additionally, the postpartum period comes with sleeplessness, imposter syndrome, fear of harm coming to your baby, changes in the connection you experience with your spouse or partner. You may have a lot of support, or feel like you have very little, from partner, friends, and family. Social supports, experiences during your journey, and your own body chemisty all play a role in how you navigate this time.

Finally, if you’ve experienced a traumatic birth or the terrible loss of your child, during or after pregnancy, the pain and fear can be unimaginable. Perhaps you are currently feeling numb or you are intensely aware of all your feelings and fearing the worst case scenario.

You may notice more arguing with your partner, feel down or helpless, crying at the thought of getting up yet again, feeling touched out, unable to wind down from anxiety and feeling to need to keep checking to make sure everything is safe. You may also notice yourself longing more for your partner but feeling like they are distancing themselves from you.

Personally, I have been through my own struggles with all of these areas and once I made it to the other side (as much as that is possible as a parent) I realized how much others in this position need support and understanding to work through their own journey. I work with individual partners and couples, to help you make these transitions and work through the anxiety, depression or trauma that you may experience as part or throughout your journey.

This can be a very lonely time, even with lots of people around you, and seeing a psychologist experienced in infertility and perinatal challenges and loss can help you feel more connected to yourself, your baby, your friends, and your partner.

Have questions about counseling, fees, etc?
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I work with the birthing and non-birthing partners, the couple as a whole, and parents who have gone through surrogacy or adoption. I am an intimacy positive, affirming therapist that works with all relationships and families.