Psychotherapy for Maternal Well-Being, PLLC

06/07/2023

29/06/2023

Perhaps you've wondered if you are a "perfectionist". This is by no means an exhaustive list of what perfectionism is, but I see these issues come up often in motherhood and parenting.

We can be overly-focused on our own achievements as a parent, our children's achievements, or expect yourself to be productive in any open time window of your day.

Anxiety, guilt and shame go hand in hand with perfectionistic thinking. There is a deep need to prove oneself that manifests in perfectionistic behavior, and then shame when expectations are not met.

If you find yourself quick to judge others, it's likely because you judge yourself quickly and intensely too.

If you are struggling with this, therapy can help address troublesome belief systems, which can lead to less anxiety and more enjoyment of your life. ❤️

27/06/2023

You know that feeling of anxiety you get when you want to tell someone "no" and it may disappoint them? Let's think of all the situations in parenthood that require boundaries in our relationships. Visitors after baby is born, attending family events, grandparents caring for your child! children, others commenting on your parenting. We could avoid setting any boundaries in these situations, but we'll likely end up resentful, exhausted and crabby.
Boundaries are hard to
set, but it gets easier to do so the more you practice!

19/06/2023

https://podcast.pivotalapproach.com/2017804/13065627

Take a listen to my interview with Brett Nikula with Pivotal Approach about my work and my thoughts on motherhood!

08/06/2023

Your anxious thought is like a rope; the anxious "part" of your brain is trying to get you to pick up the rope and play a good 'ol game of tug-of-war. What happens when we tug-of-war with someone stronger than us? We hold on for dear life, probably eventually falling over and losing the game.

If we engage and entertain our anxious thoughts, they grow stronger and we continue an unhealthy "relationship" with our thoughts.

What would happen if we didn't pick up the rope in the first place?

You can find a therapist that uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy strategies (like me!) to learn more about "not picking up the rope" and change your relationship with your anxiety. It's really possible! Save this post for later😊

06/06/2023

If you've been wondering what the difference is between intrusive worry thoughts rooted in anxiety, and "common" worry thoughts, let's chat 😁

Intrusive thoughts are very common among most new moms, and the majority will experience them. We want to pay attention to the level of distress or discomfort the thoughts cause, and if they are impacting how a mom is functioning day-to-day. So, high distress over the thoughts, and seeing the thoughts cause behavior changes, are red flags for postpartum anxiety.

For example, if you are having repetitive thoughts about your baby dying of SIDS during the night, not sleeping as a result, and checking on your baby hourly, you need more support and should talk to a professional.

17/05/2023

I’ve got a brief webinar on mental health in motherhood; DM me if you know a group of moms that may benefit from this info!

17/04/2023

I've heard many moms express that a "good mom" goes "above and beyond" when it comes to their child-for example, this might look like feeling anxious about anyone else caring for your child. Worry is normal in parenthood but feeling excessive worry is not, nor does it "prove" to yourself or anyone else you love your child.

You deserve to parent and love without fear and anxiety.

04/04/2023

Two good ones. Especially for those with anxiety and perfectionism in parenting😊

Cribsheet by Emily Oster

The Informed Parent by Tara Haelle and Emily Willingham, PhD

It's always a balance between enough information and too much when it comes to anxiety and to parenting. If you're struggling with this, therapy and support can help! Book a consultation- link in bio.

03/04/2023

Anxiety during the postpartum period is often over-looked and less understood than postpartum depression. Some common signs are:

➡ unwanted, repetitive worries about harm coming to your baby, or worries you would harm your baby
➡ panic attacks (intense onset of physical symptoms like increased heart rate, hyperventilating, dizziness)
➡repetitive behavior done to control your worry, and difficulty stopping this behavior (checking on your baby excessively, washing/sanitizing excessively, etc)

With proper help you will feel better-check out my website for more information and to schedule a free consult. Link in bio.

Mental Health Support for Moms