FAQs

What can I expect from counseling?

We will meet for 60 minutes our first session, and 50-55 minutes for weekly followup sessions to start. I want to learn more about who you are, and what you are struggling or feeling dissatisfied with. I would also like to explore your strengths and build upon those, particularly in the areas you would like to change. We will collaborate to come up with a plan that will help alleviate your symptoms, improve coping and connect with yourself and the relationships you value.

What is Perinatal Mental Health?

Perinatal mental health is a woman’s mental health during the pregnancy and postpartum period. While many women experience mild mood shifts during pregnancy and postpartum (for example, the “Baby Blues” – learn more here) approximately 15-20% of women experience more significant symptoms of depression and anxiety during pregnancy and up to 12 months after giving birth (Postpartum Support International, PSI). Many characterize Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) as “postpartum depression” however there are several forms, including:

• Depression during pregnancy & postpartum
• Anxiety during pregnancy & postpartum
• Pregnancy or Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar Mood Disorders
• Postpartum Psychosis

With treatment you can prevent symptoms from worsening and you can fully recover. You are not alone and with help you can be well. To learn more about the different forms of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), including risk factors and treatment options, please refer to the Resources page.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.

Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.

My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?

If you are concerned about your relationship, and you would both like to work with me, I would initially work with both of you together. After this work, if one of you would like to continue in individual sessions, I could work with only one of you. It is not helpful to move from individual into couple’s work with the same therapist because of potential trust issues.

 

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