Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Motherhood

Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Motherhood

Motherhood is often depicted as a time of joy, love, and fulfillment. I remember having ideas about the type of mom I wanted to be and how I thought I would “do it all” career, home, kids, marriage, etc. Over the years, I have experienced my own ups and downs navigating motherhood and trying to find balance in work and life with children. 

From the moment a woman discovers she is pregnant, to the early days of caring for a newborn, and through the various stages of childhood, mothers encounter a range of emotions that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Today, we'll explore the emotional rollercoaster of motherhood, acknowledging the highs and lows, and offering strategies for navigating this big life transition. 

Overcoming the Stigma of Seeking Help for Maternal Mental Health

Overcoming the Stigma of Seeking Help for Maternal Mental Health

As we hear more about women experiencing prenatal or postpartum depression and anxiety, unfortunately, there remains a stigma surrounding seeking help for maternal mental health issues, which can prevent women from accessing the support they need. Today, we will discuss why the stigma remains and how to overcome the barriers of seeking help.

Understanding Interpersonal Process Therapy (IPT) for Perinatal Mental Health

Understanding Interpersonal Process Therapy (IPT) for Perinatal Mental Health

Perinatal mental health issues affect a significant number of individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum period. These challenges can manifest as anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders, impacting not only the mother but also the overall family dynamics. IPT has gained prominence as an evidence-based therapy for perinatal mental health due to its focus on interpersonal relationships and its adaptability to address the unique challenges faced by individuals during this transitional time.

The theoretical foundation of IPT revolves around the idea that one's mental health is intricately linked to the quality of their interpersonal relationships. IPT operates on the premise that life events, particularly changes in relationships, can trigger or exacerbate mental health issues. The therapist and the individual collaboratively explore and address problematic interpersonal patterns, enhancing the individual's ability to navigate and manage social interactions effectively.

Hygge and Mental Well-being: Embracing Coziness in the Winter Months

Hygge and Mental Well-being: Embracing Coziness in the Winter Months

During the pandemic, we were living in Colorado at the time and I realized how hard getting through winter could be with nowhere to go and not much to do. Everything is dry, dead, and cold for so many months. I wanted to find a way to lean into winter versus fighting against it and during my search I came across hygge. With this idea it has allowed opportunity to appreciate the season of winter while we wait for all that is great about Spring. With one more month of winter left, finding solace and comfort becomes essential for maintaining mental well-being.

Hygge is a concept that has gained popularity in recent years for its emphasis on warmth, connection, and simplicity is "hygge." Originating from Denmark, hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) encompasses a lifestyle that promotes coziness and contentment, especially during the colder months.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Perinatal Mental Health

 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Perinatal Mental Health


Becoming a mother is a journey filled with joy, anticipation, and love. However, for many women, the perinatal period can also bring about significant emotional challenges. As a therapist specializing in perinatal mental well-being, it’s important to explore effective therapeutic approaches to support mothers in this unique stage of life. One such approach that has gained prominence in recent years is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and it is an evidenced based approach for treating perinatal mental health.


I. What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?


Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a evidence-based therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It operates on the premise that our thoughts influence our emotions, which in turn impact our actions. CBT aims to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors to foster healthier mental well-being.