pregnancy, birth, and your mood

Did you know that you can have a mood disorder and not feel depressed?

The perinatal experience - from pregnancy through childbirth to the months following birth - is an emotionally explosive time.  While many people are familiar with the idea of postpartum depression (take my short postpartum depression quiz), it's important to understand that depression is just one example of the wide variety of emotional states which can accompany pregnancy and birth.  Nearly 20% of women will experience some form of perinatal mood disorder, ranging from persistent intrusive thoughts to anxiety to insomnia.  These intense emotional changes can be compounded by experiences with infant loss, fertility issues, past traumatic experiences, and relationship difficulties.

While medication is often an important tool in achieving successful outcomes, research has found that behavioural therapy is at least as effective as medication, and in some cases has better outcomes than medication alone.  This makes behavioural therapy a particularly important resource for new or expectant mothers who might be wary of taking medications while pregnant or nursing.

I'm eager to connect with people who are struggling with perinatal mental health concerns, and I'm confident that together we can work together to build a therapeutic alliance which focuses on brightening your present and empowering your future.

why teletherapy?

Teletherapy is the future of therapy, as it offers unprecedented flexibility, convenience, and comfort.  Teletherapy eliminates the hassle and time commitment of transportation, and allows you to maximize the productive use of your time, all from where you're most comfortable.  Since I'm based in the United States, I can easily accommodate odd schedules that fit your life, such as early mornings or late evenings after work.

how do i start?

Email or call me (+1.413.214.4587) to schedule a teletherapy appointment today.  If you'd like to learn more about me, click through to the rest of my site here, or view my profile on Psychology Today.