Pregnancy and Postpartum

This is a period that is filled with uncertainty, fear, regret, shame and guilt. The most important thing to remember is that the feelings that you are having, someone else is having them too and it is OKAY! You can experience a peace of mind in this period, and my goal is to show you how. My approach is to help clients heal through these processes with cutting edge techniques and processing emotions associated with pregnancy and postpartum within a safe space.

I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health to provide psychotherapy

I am a Perinatal Mental Health Treatment Specialist, PMH-C. I support clients during pregnancy and postpartum by providing specialized therapeutic interventions. I address issues like perinatal mood disorders, birth trauma, and adjustment difficulties, offering tailored support to promote emotional well-being, bonding, and adjustment to parenthood. Through individualized care, I will help you navigate the challenges of the perinatal period.

I am a mother of two, and after my first baby I struggled with postpartum depression for months. I was so stubborn denying it, that it almost destroyed my marriage. Luckily, I got help and things got better. If you are pregnant, or just had your baby, or even years after having your baby and still struggling with "getting back to your normal self", please, connect with me! I know how lonely, difficult, and beautiful becoming a mother is! And you don't need to travel the path alone! I can help!

A not so well-known fact is that postpartum depression is the most common complication of pregnancy. You may feel very much alone and lost in your new role as a mother, but the reality is that many new moms experience very intense emotions in the weeks and months after giving birth. You expected to be overjoyed as you brought your new baby home and instead you feel exhausted, overwhelmed and cannot seem to stop crying.

I was in active practice as a labor and delivery nurse for 20 years, from 2000 to 2020. This experience along with my training in clinical psychology has allowed me to understand challenges within the peripartum period from a unique perspective. I can assist with mood disorders, pregnancy loss/grief, infertility, and birth trauma, and I am an advocate for women's healthcare across the board.

In addition to my mental health clinical training and experience, I am a trained birth and postpartum doula. I bring this experience into our session to further support birthing persons during pregnancy and the postpartum period. I specialize in helping those experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety and postpartum rage.

My interest in the field of perinatal mental health began in 2021 after my son was born. I began training in perinatal mood disorders in 2022 through Postpartum Support International. I became certified in 2023. I have worked with clients through preconception, pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.

Given approximately 10-20% of birthing parents and many non-birthing parents are affected by Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), it's of the utmost importance to support parents during such a major transition in their lives. I've trained with Postpartum Support International, completed a year internship in a perinatal mental health clinic, and attend ongoing trainings in order to best guide parents in preventing and treating PMADs. I enjoy working with nontraditional families.

Therapy is a place dedicated entirely to you, to help you prioritize your life so that things can start to feel more manageable. It's a place where you can say out loud the things you might not have been comfortable saying to others for fear of shame and/or guilt. It's ultimately a place where you can gain confidence in your skills as a parent and your identity not just as a parent but as a human being, set healthy expectations with others and yourself, and take a break without feeling guilty.

No matter what, becoming a parent is life changing. With that change can come joy and also loss. Postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD can look much different before, during, and after pregnancy. I am trained and prepared to help you identify these sneaky symptoms and help you live the full life you desire as a parent and just as you.

Life transitions can be difficult, and preparing for the arrival of a child are no different. Even in the best of circumstances, a new addition to your family can spark difficulties. Physical, emotional and financial stress can take a toll, and so many women feel stress about what they “should” be doing. From a birth plan, to breastfeeding, to parenting styles and new family dynamics, there is so much pressure to do things the right way. I am here to help you follow your own compass, trust your

We treat Perinatal/Postpartum/Maternal OCD, providing moms-to-be and new moms who are suffering with OCD symptoms effective treatment. We offer treatment for both maternal themes, such as an intense fear of harming or contaminating your infant, as well as any other subtype of OCD during pregnancy and postpartum. Should any OCD symptoms persist after the perinatal period, we continue to provide care to our clients throughout the entirety of their OCD treatment journey.

In counseling, I address the emotional well-being of individuals following childbirth. I recognize the potential for postpartum depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders that can arise during this time. Postpartum counseling offers a safe space to discuss the challenges of adjusting to new roles, changing dynamics, sleep deprivation, and the overwhelming emotions that can accompany early parenthood.

I spent the first part of my career working exclusively with children, which included a large amount of caregiver support, and led me to seek more specialization to support new parents (partners included) during such a vulnerable life chapter. I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health by Postpartum Support International, and have collaborative relationships with various members of the local birthing community (doulas, midwives, lactation consultants).

Following my own journey to parenthood, my passion is helping women and men with the hardships that can arise when building a family. I have more than 15 years of experience, specializing in helping clients coping with infertility, pregnancy loss, and postpartum issues. I completed the 10-month Fertility Counseling Postgraduate Course with Sharon Covington, MSW and Dr. Linda Applegarth, EdD and am certified in perinatal mental health (PMH-C) by Postpartum Support International.

Too often parents don't have the help they need when welcoming a child to their family. Whether you are coming as an individual of couple you will get essential support from me.

I have a passion for peripartum moms and dads. I co-founded the Pregnancy and Postpartum Health Alliance of Texas (PPHA) in 2010 and have worked diligently to ensure that moms and dads can easily find high-quality, affordable services in the Austin area. I developed and managed the Doula Voucher Program for PPHA, and was inspired to train as a doula . I currently manage the PPHA Psychiatric Voucher program. I worked with Postpartum Support International for 4 years as the Austin Coordinator.

I have a certificate in Maternal Mental Health.