Individual Therapy

Types

Family Planning

I am not sure I want to have kids.

I am scared to have children, all the what if’s go through my mind.

I am thinking about growing my family and I want to prepare as best as possible.

It’s okay to question, to slow down, to ask yourself if this is what we want or this is something we have been told to want. It’s completely normal to feel anxious or uncertain about making permanent life decisions. When you hear yourself saying ‘I should do…’ or ‘I shouldn’t do…,’ ask yourself: Who is deciding the ‘shoulds’ in my life? Is it coming from my friends, family or society? Or is it truly aligned with my own values, desires and needs? While the first step might be speaking with your primary care practitioner or your OB/GYN/Midwife, the next is connecting with a Gentle Mama Counseling. Ultimately, the decision to have children can profoundly change our lives, and we work with you to ensure that the decision is one that you can own and claim to be yours.

Anxiety, Depression and Rage

I am experiencing intense thoughts and feelings.
I expected my pregnancy/postpartum experience to go differently.
I struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, and/or

We provide a judgment-free zone for you to feel safe and comfortable in your feelings.

Some mood changes are normal during pregnancy, such as feeling tired, worried, or irritable. These changes can include fluctuations in sleep patterns, energy levels, appetite, and libido. However, excessive anxiety about your baby, low self-esteem (such as feelings of inadequacy about parenthood), life stress, a history of mood disorders, and inadequate social support are just a few triggers or symptoms that can significantly impact a pregnant person and may increase the risk of a postpartum mood disorder. It's important to recognize that while hormonal changes during pregnancy likely play a role in mood swings, they are not the sole cause. Various factors contribute to emotional well-being during this time. If you are pregnant and find yourself frequently experiencing changes in your mood, Gentle Mama is here to help. We provide support to help you navigate these emotional changes and promote a healthier, more balanced pregnancy experience.

Fertility TTC

I stopped birth control and didn’t get pregnant as quickly as I expected I would.

I am struggling with seeing all these other people around me who are pregnant.

I am doing IVF and I am struggling with all the things.

Anyone who goes through infertility is a freaking warrior.

There are many reasons why a person may experience fertility challenges, and no matter the cause, it can be deeply distressing, both frustrating and unexpected. 1 in 8 couples face challenges with conception, often leading to feelings of inadequacy or brokenness. For families who conceive with the help of assisted reproductive technologies or surrogacy, where there is a gestational but not genetic connection to their child, a range of complex emotions may also emerge- joy, gratitude, and love, but also confusion, fear, or concern about the bond with the baby. Gentle Mama supports clients through the transition to parenthood, helping them establish their identity as parents. This support can be crucial in navigating the emotional landscape of parenthood, especially when fertility challenges or non-traditional conception methods are involved.

Birth Trauma

I birthed my baby and things didn’t go according to plan..
I felt scared and anxious due to an emergent situation and am struggling to process what happened.
I feel I had no control over what was happening to me.

Birth trauma encompasses a range of physical and emotional distress experienced during or after childbirth. This trauma can result from complications, medical interventions, or a lack of support from healthcare providers or loved ones. At Gentle Mama, we support clients in understanding their birth trauma and provide appropriate support and care to those affected. Our goal is to promote healing and ensure that you feel heard and validated in your experiences. Through compassionate care and tailored support, we help you navigate the aftermath of birth trauma and work towards emotional and physical recovery.

Loss

I gave birth and my worst fears came true.

I had an unexpected loss of a pregnancy/baby.

I had to terminate a pregnancy.

I feel like everyone around has moved on and I’m still grieving all the should/could have been.

Goodbyes hurt the most, when the story was not finished.

We grieve because there is still love that we are not able to share with our loved one. A lack of meaningful support from others can compound these feelings of loss. Here at Gentle Mama, our hope is that those who have suffered a pregnancy or infant loss do not grieve alone. Nearly 1 in 4 pregnancies end in loss, and we understand that losing a pregnancy or infant can feel like being plunged into darkness, accompanied by intense sadness, anger, and disappointment. Gentle Mama is dedicated to providing compassionate support for individuals and families experiencing this profound grief, helping them navigate their emotions and find a path toward healing.