‘Perinatal’ is the period of time during pregnancy and 7 days after birth. ‘Postpartum’ is most recently defined as the next 18 months.
For many people the decision to have children or not is a complicated one. Then conception can be challenging. Next, the hormones of pregnancy or stress of adopting. And finally, PARENTING! Whoa! Being supported during these stages of life is beneficial to your health, the health of your relationship(s), and the health of your (future) child. I am here for all of it, whether you are the birthing parent or not.
Some statistics (*from postpartum.net):
estimated 15-21% of pregnant people experience moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety or depression
about 21% experience moderate to severe depression after childbirth. symptoms may include: feelings of anger, fear, guilt; lack of interest in the baby; appetite & sleep disturbances; difficulty concentrating, making decisions; thoughts of harming self or baby
around 9% experience PTSD following childbirth
up to 11% of new mothers have Perinatal Panic Disorder; 11% develop Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; of those who had Bipolar Disorder prior to pregnancy, 70% experience Perinatal Bipolar Disorder; Postpartum Psychosis occurs in 1-2 of every 1,000 deliveries, and is associated with a 5% suicide rate and 4% infanticide rate
about 10% of the non-birthing partner(s) experience depression, anxiety, or mood disorders
Individual
Life can be challenging at any age and stage. There are events and time periods that expectedly increase stress, and then there are surprises. Individual sessions can provide a safe and unbiased place to foster your self-exploration and growth.
Couples therapy can offer the extra support needed to handle difficult times in a relationship. It's a tool to improve overall strength and happiness. I work with a variety of partner types: dating, married, poly/non-monogamous, LGBTQIA+, as well as those who are ending their romantic relationship and want support through the transition.
Some define family with bloodlines and family trees, others consider their closest friends family. No matter the shape, size, or content the truth is: we all have them. At best, family members support and encourage each other. At worst? Let's save that for the therapy room...
Relational therapy is great for a variety of situations. Sessions may include: parent(s) and child(ren); siblings; grandparents and parents; biological and adopted parents; caregivers; co-workers; and/or close friends. These sessions can help when we desire more from our network. Improving and maintaining positive relationships is one way to increase the size and strength of our support systems. Just as there are many different types of families, there are a myriad of ways to form a family session. We will work to improve the whole system by respecting each member and working with everyone's qualities.
4th Trimester Planning Workshop
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Nesting A group for pregnant and adopting people to plan their 4th trimester. Using Kestrel Gates’ postpartum planning workbook Build Your Nest, we will explore your goals for the sensitive time period when baby joins your family, known as postpartum or the 4th trimester. We will discuss various aspects of this stage and come up with specific plans & resources to support your family. See the Nesting page or reach out to me with other questions and to find out about upcoming dates. Available in-person and virtually. Open to people all over the world!
New Mom Group
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Becoming A nurturing 6 week group for new moms and their babies, ages 0 - 5mo. A safe, compassionate space to explore motherhood and all that encompasses. See the Becoming page or reach out to me with other questions and to find out about upcoming dates. An in-person group for Austinites.
RETAIN Parental Leave Coaching
RETAIN Parental Leave Coaching is a specialized program designed to support individuals and couples as they navigate the challenges and transitions associated with taking a parental leave. This coaching program aims to empower new parents with valuable tools, strategies, and resources to effectively manage their personal and professional lives during this transformative time. The focus of RETAIN parental leave coaching is on helping individuals and couples establish a healthy work-life balance, identify and manage their unique stressors, foster effective communication with their partners and employers, and build resilience to cope with the emotional and practical demands of parenthood. With the guidance and support of experienced coaches, this program equips new parents and their managers with the necessary skills and knowledge to make their parental leave a positive and fulfilling experience for both themselves and their families.
CRM
The Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM) is a powerful therapeutic approach that integrates various modalities to facilitate healing and growth for individuals who have experienced trauma. Developed by Lisa Schwarz, CRM recognizes that trauma impacts the mind, body, and spirit, and thus requires a comprehensive approach to address its effects. This innovative model combines elements from neuroscience, attachment theory, and somatic psychology to provide a holistic framework for healing. By utilizing techniques such as guided imagery, bilateral stimulation, and resourcing, CRM aims to help clients process and integrate traumatic memories and emotions, while also promoting a sense of safety, connection, and self-empowerment. Through its compassionate and collaborative approach, CRM offers individuals the opportunity to resolve their trauma, restore balance, and regain a sense of wholeness and well-being.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) may be an appropriate psychotherapy model for some people and situations when traditional talk therapy isn't enough. To learn more about EMDR, check out these FAQ pages: EMDRIA and EMDRII.
I use attachment focused EMDR to help work through traumas and encourage deeper attachment work. EMDR can be useful for PTSD, grief (past or imminent), anxiety, panic attacks, recurring dreams, stress reduction, performance anxiety, phobias, disturbing experiences & memories, and even for enhancing performance.
