​​When Becoming a Parent Feels Different Than You Expected

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Becoming a parent can bring a wide range of emotions including joy, guilt, anxiety, sadness, and even rage. You might be noticing parts of yourself changing in ways you never anticipated. These identity shifts often surface quietly and can leave you feeling unsure of who you are in this season. You might also be carrying layers of loss or trauma that shape how you are feeling today. It can feel overwhelming or isolating even when you are surrounded by others. You are not alone, and support is available no matter where you are in your perinatal experience.

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Therapists Trained in Perinatal Mental Health

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All of our licensed therapists are trained through Postpartum Support International and specialize in perinatal mental health and trauma. We support individuals through every part of the perinatal period, including pregnancy, birth, postpartum, grief, and the transitions that shape this season of life. No matter what brings you here, you deserve support that honors your unique experience and the person you are.

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Therapy That Supports Your Perinatal Experience

The perinatal period includes fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and the transitions that follow. These experiences can stir emotions that feel confusing or overwhelming. You may be moving through joy and fear at the same time, or noticing parts of yourself shifting in ways you never expected. Through all of this, you deserve support that honors you as a whole person.

 

You might be experiencing:​

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• Anxiety, panic, or overwhelm
• Intense anger or emotional outbursts
• Intrusive thoughts
• Sadness, numbness, or disconnection
• Mood and energy changes
• A loss of your familiar sense of self
• Fertility grief or NICU stress
• Trauma or old wounds resurfacing

 

Our Areas of Specialty

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Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) 

• Depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD

• Bipolar disorder

• Postpartum psychosis

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Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Experiences​

• Birth trauma and Postpartum PTSD

• Pregnancy and infant loss and the complex grief that follows

• High-risk pregnancy and the fear, uncertainty, and monitoring that accompany it

• Trying to conceive, fertility challenges, IVF support, and the emotional landscape of this journey

• Adoption and alternative paths to parenthood

• Unplanned or unexpected pregnancies and the emotional conflict that can arise

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Identity, Emotion, and Relationship Changes

• Emotional and identity shifts including perfectionism, guilt, loneliness, and changes in relationships

• Exploring uncertainty about becoming a parent

• Returning to work and career transitions during pregnancy or postpartum

• Childhood trauma resurfacing during pregnancy, postpartum, or parenting

• ADHD and neurodivergence during the perinatal journey

• Family systems and relationship dynamics as roles and expectations evolve

• Support with emotional regulation and grounding skills

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Affirming and Inclusive Care

• LGBTQIA+ affirming care for all paths to parenthood and diverse family structures

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You Are Not Alone

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Finding balance as a new or experienced parent can be challenging. Many parents feel alone even when surrounded by others. Therapy offers a compassionate and grounding space to explore what is happening beneath the surface and to feel supported without judgment.

 

How We Can Help

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Therapy offers a space to sort through emotions that may feel confusing, heavy, or difficult to say out loud. We’ll work together to make sense of what you’re experiencing and to understand the patterns, fears, or memories that are shaping how you feel. Your therapist will help you learn ways to calm anxious or intrusive thoughts, soothe overwhelming emotions, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that feel distant or lost.

As you release what you’ve been holding inside, you may begin to notice more clarity, steadiness, and presence returning to your life. Healing happens gently and at your pace, and we are here to support you through each step of that process.

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Online Therapy That Meets You Where You Are

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Online therapy gives you the flexibility to meet from wherever feels most manageable in your day. You can join sessions from your home, your car, or even from work, anywhere within Wisconsin. All sessions take place through a secure, HIPAA compliant platform, allowing us to meet you exactly where you are at, whether you are caring for your child or moving through a challenging moment.

To learn more, you can visit our Online Therapy page.

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Getting Started

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When you feel ready to take the next step, you can visit our Getting Started page to fill out a brief contact form. After you reach out, Amy, our intake coordinator, will follow up and support you as you get started.

 

Insurance and Cost

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More information about session costs and insurance coverage is available on our New Clients & Cost page.​