POSTPARTUM THERAPY
in Arlington, VA and Washington D.C.
Were You Hoping Motherhood Would Feel Different?
Maybe you imagined this chapter would be filled with treasured moments and happy tears—but instead, it feels like you're stumbling through a haze of exhaustion, frustration, and guilt. You might find yourself wondering, Am I even cut out for this?
Between sleepless nights, hormonal shifts, and the physical toll of childbirth, the line between who you were and who you’re becoming probably feels blurred. You want to enjoy these early moments, but instead you're stuck in your head—grappling with postpartum anxiety, depression, or a general sense of self-doubt that you’re hoping therapy can “fix.”
Without Support, Even Small Challenges Can Feel Overwhelming
If you don’t have a big family nearby or a reliable support network, caring for a newborn can be a daunting experience—and the loneliness brutal. Maybe you’re a high achiever, someone who’s always held it together, but now you’re running on empty. There's no time for yourself, your body feels unfamiliar, and your emotions are all over the place.
At the same time, you’re probably worried about taking time off work or how motherhood might affect your career trajectory. Or it could be you just feel off and can’t explain why—you just find yourself wondering, Shouldn’t I be happier than this? which only adds to the guilt.
Postpartum therapy is a place to untangle all of this. Although you might feel like you need to “fix” a part of yourself, you merely need space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with yourself because caring for your baby starts with caring for the person they depend on. When you’re given room to heal, rest, and feel like yourself again, everything else begins to follow.
Reach out with questions!
You're Not Alone—Postpartum Struggles Are Incredibly Common
Despite the joyful anticipation of having a baby, many new parents are surprised by how emotionally difficult the postpartum period can be. Exhaustion, irritability, mood swings, sleep disruption, and intrusive thoughts are often dismissed as “baby blues,” but for 1 in 7 mothers—and a surprising number of fathers too—these symptoms signal something deeper. (1)
Postpartum depression and anxiety are some of the most common complications of pregnancy and birth. And while hormones play a big role, they aren’t the only factor. The sheer life upheaval, identity shift, and pressure to instantly “bounce back” can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed.
For High Achievers, Parenting Can Feel Like Foreign Territory
Many parents in areas like Northern Virginia are high-functioning professionals—people who pride themselves on independence, efficiency, and problem-solving. But becoming a parent often means trading structure for chaos and self-reliance for seeking support.
Even if you have family nearby to help out, no one’s born with a manual for managing that emotional load, so the transition can be jarring. If parenting doesn’t come naturally at first, that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human—and adjusting to an entirely new rhythm of life.
If you’re feeling stuck, hopeless, or out of sync, postpartum therapy can offer guidance, compassion, and clarity. It’s not about fixing you—it’s about supporting your growth so you can meet the challenges of parenthood with greater ease and confidence.
How Postpartum Therapy Supports Bonding, Identity, and Emotional Balance
After childbirth, the surge of adrenaline fades—and what’s left can feel surprisingly heavy. Between disrupted sleep, physical recovery, feeding challenges, and the constant mental load of caring for a newborn, many parents find themselves running on empty.
In postpartum therapy, my role is to help you steady yourself during this transition. Together, we’ll focus on strengthening your bond with your baby while also reconnecting you with the parts of yourself that may feel distant or lost.
Equally important, therapy creates space for self-compassion. After all, missing your former independence, feeling unsure of yourself, or grieving the life you had before parenthood doesn’t make you a bad parent—it makes you human. Postpartum counseling can help you release unrealistic expectations, soften self-criticism, and approach motherhood with patience and confidence rather than perfectionism.
What Postpartum Therapy Sessions Typically Look Like
Our work usually begins with a thoughtful assessment of what you’re experiencing and what kind of support would feel most helpful right now. That may include practical problem-solving—such as navigating childcare, preparing for a return to work, or coordinating care with other providers—alongside emotional support. As trust builds, postpartum therapy may also involve exploring past experiences or unresolved trauma that can surface during early parenthood.
Many clients are relieved to learn that therapy for postpartum depression and/or anxiety is often short-term. While everyone’s timeline is different, once we identify patterns and create a customized treatment plan, clients often begin to experience a greater sense of clarity, confidence, and peace. For many parents, even early sessions provide hope and relief.
My Thoughtful, Personalized Approach To Postpartum Counseling
I received my training as a postpartum therapist through Postpartum Support International and Postpartum Support Virginia where I’m a preferred provider. In my work, I often integrate the Path to Wellness model into sessions, a holistic approach to therapy that looks at how postpartum challenges affect sleep, nourishment, relationships, emotional health, and support systems—not just mood alone.
I’ll also draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you identify unhelpful beliefs and replace them with more flexible, supportive ways of thinking. That could mean repairing how you see yourself, challenging patterns of unhealthy self-reliance, or identifying the origins of self-doubt.
Beyond training, I bring both clinical experience and personal understanding to my role as a postpartum counselor. As a mother myself, I completely understand how vulnerable this season can be. From a professional perspective, I’ve worked with new mothers in individual sessions, group settings, and at four different hospitals over the course of my career.
So wherever you find yourself, whatever you are going through, I want to help you feel more grounded, more connected, and more confident as you settle into your new life with your baby.
Wondering If Postpartum Therapy Is Really Necessary?
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It’s easy to downplay postpartum symptoms, especially when there are good days sprinkled in. But postpartum depression and anxiety can ebb and flow, making it hard to recognize when things are actually getting worse.
Just because you’re functioning doesn’t mean you’re thriving—and you deserve to feel better than “just getting by.” Reaching out for postpartum depression therapy doesn’t mean your symptoms are severe; it simply means you’re paying attention to your well-being and want to take care of yourself so things don’t get any worse.
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Please don’t worry—your baby is more than welcome in our sessions. Crying, feeding, diaper changes—it’s all part of the package. In fact, having your little one with you can give me a clearer picture of your current stressors, routines, and relationship dynamics. You won’t be judged or shushed here—this is a space built with moms and babies in mind.
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Most people are relieved to learn that postpartum therapy is often a short-term process. While every parent’s journey is different, our goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and emotionally connected in as little time as possible. Some parents feel clearer after just a few sessions. And if you need longer-term postpartum counseling, that’s perfectly okay too. You deserve ongoing support, however long it takes.
Let’s Make This Chapter Feel More Like Your Story
If adjusting to life with your newborn has left you feeling overwhelmed, untethered, or emotionally worn out, working with a postpartum therapist could make all the difference. You don’t have to figure this out on your own. I’m here to support you in finding peace, confidence, and joy in this new season of life.
Reach out through the contact page or call 703-485-7475 to schedule a free consultation. I look forward to hearing from you.
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Postpartum Therapy in Arlington, VA
1530 Wilson Blvd #520, Arlington, VA 22209
Postpartum Therapy in Washington, D.C.
4315 50th St NW, Washington, DC 20016