PERINATAL THERAPY

Pregnancy, Conception & Postpartum Support in San Francisco

Currently in the US postpartum depression affects approximately 1 in 7 new parents and the resources available to support this common diagnosis are in short supply. So often pregnancy from preconception to birth, and the postpartum period, is portrayed in our society as a joyous, seamless experience. While this life changing time can be rich in positive emotions, it is also a time of sadness, confusion, and most commonly overwhelm and anxiety. The societal narrative around this phase of life often omits the tremendous pressure that is placed upon families, including those struggling with primary and secondary infertility. Continually new and expecting families are left to face countless hurdles without adequate emotional support.

Many birthing and non-birthing partners report a hesitancy to reach out for help until the moment of crisis because of an internalized sense of shame or guilt over their feelings and are at risk of not seeking care because of societal stigmas. In our practice we aim to dismantle the stigmas around perinatal mood and anxiety disorders by providing expertly curated clinical support that is delivered with empathy and care in an environment free of judgment.

Making space to nurture your emotional well-being now, creates the foundation that allows you to supportedly move forward.

Our clinicians have expertise in the area of IVF, a medicalized fertility process that provides families with hope and renewed options when faced with various challengs during the conception journey, but IVF also comes with a unique set of physical and emotional hurtles. Through indivualized and group therapy options, our practice creates a space to delve deeper into those difficult topics that are commonly shared amongst those who have undergone IVF.

Our perinatal therapy services aim to support birthing and non-birthing clients from preconception through the postpartum period and beyond. The wholly awesome responsibility of becoming a parent is interwoven not only with your unique conception, pregnancy, and birth experience, but also brings to light certain aspects of how you yourself were parented. In session your therapist can help you safely navigate these complex feelings and move towards relief and understanding. Our therapists provide a supportive space to explore your emotions, strengthen your relationship, and build resilience. Research has shown that maternal mental health therapy can lead to improved outcomes for both parents and infants, including reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety (Dennis & Dowswell, 2013). Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders encompass a number of symptoms that can look different for everyone including but not limited to depressed mood and severe mood swings, excessive worry and panic, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, feelings of worthlessness and shame, hopelessness, difficulty bonding with your newborn, insomnia or excessive exhaustion and loss of energy, and recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

Through the therapeutic process, we’ll work together to support you on your journey.

Our clinicians are parents and have a lived experience of the extreme ups and downs that often accompany the transition from being a single individual, to becoming a parent. This wholly awesome responsibility is interwoven not only with your unique conception, pregnancy, and birth experience, but also brings to light certain aspects of how you yourself were parented. In session your therapist can help you safely navigate these complex feelings and move towards relief and understanding.

Our perinatal therapy services offer support to birthing and non-birthing clients from preconception through the postpartum period and beyond. Our therapists provide a supportive space to explore your emotions, strengthen your relationship, and build resilience. Research has shown that maternal mental health therapy can lead to improved outcomes for both parents and infants, including reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety (Dennis & Dowswell, 2013). Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders encompass a number of symptoms that can look different for everyone including but not limited to depressed mood and severe mood swings, excessive worry and panic, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, feelings of worthlessness and shame, hopelessness, difficulty bonding with your newborn, insomnia or excessive exhaustion and loss of energy, and recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

Therapy for New and Expecting Dads and Non-Birthing Partners

In the US today 1 out of 10 new fathers will experience symptoms of postpartum depression. If you’re a new or expecting dad, embarking on the journey of fatherhood can bring a mix of excitement, uncertainty, overwhelm, and isolation. In the cases when a birthing partner develops postpartum depression, 50% of the time the male or non-birthing partner will develop it as well. While postpartum depression for women often presents as feelings of intense sadness and overwhelm, postpartum depression in men is more often seen in increased rates of anger and irritability, social withdrawal, addictive behaviors, and physical discomfort. Mothers often report that their partner suddenly appears “checked-out” or distant and this is often confused for a lack of interest in parenting versus symptoms of depression. Societal gender-bias also play a large role in men underreporting their symptoms and not seeking help, leading to an even greater risk of marital disharmony and prolonged symptoms of postpartum depression for both birthing and non-birthing partners.

Therapy offers a supportive and nonjudgmental space to explore your thoughts, fears, and hopes as you navigate this transformative time in your life. You can address the unique challenges and transitions you may be experiencing from adjusting to your new role as a parent to managing stress and relationship dynamics. Many non-birthing partners express feeling left out or forgotten as the mother-infant bond first develops and strengthens. Men can also experience depressive symptoms in response to missing the sexual relationship they experienced with their partner prior to parenthood.

Therapy can provide a space where you can process this grief in a shame-free confidential space.

With compassionate guidance and practical strategies, you’ll gain the confidence and resilience needed to embrace parenthood with clarity and purpose.

Learn about our other services

Individual Therapy

All you need is a reliable internet connection to join our video visits. Whether you're using a computer, tablet, or smartphone, staying connected is easy and hassle-free.

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Couples Therapy

Use whatever device works best for you – a laptop, tablet, or your smartphone. Our video conferencing platforms are compatible with most devices, so you can join sessions from the comfort of your own space. Make sure you have the program downloaded before your first appointment.

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