fertility journey+pregnancy+postpartumVirtual Therapy Support for Pregnancy and Postpartum | Serving San Francisco, CA and California statewide
YOUR emotional wellness MATTERS.Becoming a mom can be a wonderful experience. But it isn’t always easy…
If it seems like you’re losing yourself along the way to becoming a parent, if you feel overwhelmed by what you’re going through, or struggling with a sense of loneliness and isolation, you’re not alone. Problems with mood and anxiety are the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) affect up to 1 in 5 birthing people.
Whether you're having trouble adjusting to a whole new identity during early parenthood, struggling with sadness or depression that won’t go away, or having scary thoughts and constant worry, perinatal counseling and therapy can help you navigate the unexpected from pre-conception through pregnancy and postpartum.
Signs You May Benefit from Perinatal or Postpartum Therapy
During pregnancy and postpartum, women face so many changes. Adjusting to life with a new baby can cause unexpected challenges, and problems with depression and anxiety.
Feeling disconnected
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Feeling anger, guilt or panic as a new mom
Unable to sleep even when your baby sleeps
Having unwanted thoughts that scare you
Sadness or depressed mood that won't go away
Feeling that your baby would be better off without you
Struggling with identity as a mom
If you recognize some of these symptoms in yourself, you're not alone. Depression and anxiety are extremely common during pregnancy and postpartum, even if this isn't your first pregnancy.
When to seek Pregnancy or Postpartum Therapy
TAKING CARE OF YOUNew moms do better with support.
Taking care of your emotional and psychological health is every bit as important as other kinds of preparation and support you need and deserve during the family building years.
I’m a Certified Perinatal Mental Healthcare Specialist, offering therapy that allows you to be open and honest about all of your feelings and experiences-no matter what they are. Postpartum depression and anxiety are treatable, and with the right kind of help you’ll feel more like yourself, more confident and at ease as you adjust to your role as a parent.
LGBTQIA+
Assessment and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (perinatal/postpartum depression, perinatal/postpartum anxiety, PTSD)
Maternal/Postpartum Rage
Developing a self-care plan for childbirth, pregnancy and postpartum
Processing your birth story
Having your baby stay in the NICU(even a short stay)
Infertility, miscarriage/pregnancy loss
Using an egg donor/ART
Returning to work
Changes in how you feel about yourself and your identity
Early childhood experiences, including issues related to any history of trauma or abuse
Relationships with your own parents
Strengthening your relationship with your spouse/partner
Traumatic experiences during pregnancy and delivery
Issues I can help you with:
-
Process your story (IVF/ART, losses, birth trauma, death of a baby) so that you can talk about your experiences without the same level of distress
Overcome avoidance, be able to look at your photos, hear about others’ birth stories, or see babies or pregnant people and not be overwhelmed with painful feelings and memories-and most of all, feel more bonded to your baby
Build your confidence by addressing fears, concerns, or unresolved trauma to prepare for another round of fertility treatment, pregnancy or labor and delivery
Stop the cycle of worry by learning how to manage intrusive thoughts, calm your mind and body
Set boundaries that support you and your family at every stage of family building
Cultivate self-compassion for what you’ve been through and the challenges you’re currently facing
Learn coping skills to help you understand and manage your emotions as you navigate fertility, pregnancy and postpartum
Feel more connected to your body, your sense of identity, and the people most important to you
Find more ease and confidence in your parenting
-
If you're struggling with anxiety, your experience is not unusual. Anxiety is the most common problem affecting women’s mental and emotional well being. And due to so many changes during and after pregnancy, women become even more vulnerable to serious problems with anxiety during the transition to parenthood.
When you’re struggling with anxiety, you may be feeling:
constantly on edge, like something bad is about to happen
panic
your body is full of adrenaline, and you’re unable to relax and breath normally
worried for reasons you can't understand, imagining worst case scenarios
unable to focus enough to get things done
physical tension, racing heart, nausea/stomach distress, shallow breathing, tight chest
scary/disturbing intrusive thoughts, usually about harm coming to the baby
sleep disturbance due to worried thoughts or behaviors, such as frequently feeling the need to check on the baby throughout the night
avoiding certain situations or activities, such as driving or leaving the house
concern about being alone with the baby
Anxiety is treatable. Even if you’re feeling stuck or confused, therapy for anxiety can help.
Hi there, I’m Holly Evans.
Has your journey into parenthood been complicated and hard? You’re in the right place.
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), specializing in trauma recovery and perinatal mental health. I offer EMDR and trauma focused therapies to support people who’re facing struggles with depression, anxiety and the effects of trauma during the perinatal period (from trying to conceive and fertility journey, through pregnancy and postpartum).
Sessions are available online to residents of California.
LGBTQ+ affirming
LET’S TALKSchedule a free 20-minute consultation.
I’d love to talk to you about how I can help.
