Why I’m Voting YES on Prop 1: A Perinatal Mental Health Counselor’s Perspective
I’ve spent more than five years sitting with women through some of the most vulnerable times in their lives: trying to conceive, pregnancy, birth, loss, and the tough, beautiful, overwhelming months after a baby arrives. I hold a perinatal mental health certification (PMH-C) because I believe this job deserves specialized, compassionate care.
What I Want You to Know About Postpartum Psychosis
If you've been following the news lately, you've probably heard about the Lindsay Clancy trial. It ended in a mistrial this month, after the jury couldn't agree on a verdict. The case has put a spotlight on something I think about every single day in my work: postpartum psychosis.
How Outdoor Play Supports Emotional and Physical Development
Summer can be a difficult time for children, with no school and less structured routines. It’s easy for kids to pick up the iPad and spend countless hours in front of a screen.
Understanding your Attachment Style to Strengthen Relationships
Attachment theory is based off the idea that the connection formed between young children and their caretakers defines the attachment style they have as an adult. The attachment styles are split into four categories: Secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized.
Managing Mom Guilt: Setting Boundaries Without the Shame
From a counseling perspective, mom guilt is one of the most common themes that shows up in my office. It often presents quietly—through anxiety, burnout, irritability, or a persistent feeling of never doing enough.
Providing Care and Support in a Time That Can Hold Such Polarizing Emotions
Antepartum, pregnancy, and postpartum are seasons often painted with society’s rose-colored glasses.
“Newborn Sleep Tips: How to Help Your Baby (and You) Sleep Better”
Raise your hand if, during your pregnancy, someone told you to “enjoy your sleep while you can because once the baby comes, you won’t sleep.” Me too!
Breaking the Silence: Navigating Maternal Mental Health Wellbeing
I have the honor of helping women by understanding, supporting, and empowering them as they navigate the complexities of motherhood.
Let’s Talk About Burnout
“exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration: to cause to fail, wear out, or become exhausted especially from overwork or overuse.”
Why Counseling?
Over the years as a mental health counselor, I have often heard from individuals “I am not in a crisis so I don't need counseling” or “I don’t want to take a spot from someone who really needs it”.
We are on a Break
I am often asked by clients how they can create a healthy relationship with their social media and mental health. Devoting several hours a day to social media is not uncommon, guilty here too.
Don’t let COVID-19 be your Grinch
Holidays are already a time of high stress, then sprinkle in Coronavirus, and we have ourselves a Bad Moms Christmas Special.
I Don’t Like the 12-Week Rule
When we increase conversations surrounding taboo topics, we increase the understanding and awareness about the complexity of real-life situations.
Words Are Powerful
The saying goes, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”, however they do. Words are powerful and they are thought-provoking, both negatively and positively, especially when having crucial conversations. So how do we clearly communicate our perspective, hear and acknowledge the other’s perspective, and maintain respect when having crucial conversations?
To the 2020 HS Seniors.
I do not know what this experience was like but I am hurting for your loss. Senior nights, state competitions, spring sports, prom night, graduation, and so much more was taken away from you all because of COVID-19.
Coping During COVID-19
It is okay to not feel okay during this time. The uncomfortable thoughts and emotions that are impacting us all can feel very overwhelming.
