Perinatal Support in Washington
Motherhood is often painted as a picture-perfect experience filled with coos, cuddles, and sweet moments. But let’s be real—it’s also messy, exhausting, and downright overwhelming at times. Whether you’re struggling with fertility challenges, mourning a miscarriage, battling postpartum depression or anxiety, or simply adjusting to the rollercoaster of parenthood, you are not alone.
Perinatal support is a pathway to healing, connection, and thriving in your role as a mother. Let’s dive into what perinatal mental health support looks like, why it’s so important, and how therapy—including therapy intensives—can be a game-changer for moms.
Who Can Benefit from Perinatal Support?
The perinatal period includes pregnancy, postpartum, and even pre-conception. It’s a time of immense change—physical, emotional, and mental. Despite its challenges, society often expects moms to be happy, grateful, and unshakeable. But what happens when you don’t feel that way?
The truth is, many moms silently suffer, believing they’re the only ones feeling lost, angry, or disconnected. These thoughts are more common than you might think:
“I don’t have time to feel this way.” Between feeding schedules, diaper changes, and sleepless nights, it’s easy to feel like there’s no room for self-care.
“I shouldn’t need help.” Many moms feel guilty about seeking support, thinking they’re failing if they can’t handle everything on their own.
“I’m a bad mom.” These four words carry so much weight and shame. But let me tell you—feeling overwhelmed, sad, or angry doesn’t make you a bad mom. It makes you human.
If this sounds like you, know this: Your feelings are valid, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The Benefits of Perinatal and Postpartum Support
Perinatal support is about more than addressing challenges; it’s about helping moms feel seen, heard, and empowered. Here are just a few ways therapy can help:
Processing Fertility and Loss: Whether you’re grappling with infertility or mourning a miscarriage, therapy provides a safe space to navigate grief, process emotions, and find hope.
Managing Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: Postpartum depression and anxiety can affect individuals within 1 year after childbirth. Therapy helps moms recognize the signs, develop coping strategies, and reconnect with themselves.
Navigating Identity Shifts: Motherhood can feel like losing a part of yourself while gaining a new role. Therapy can help you rediscover who you are and find balance.
Healing from Traumatic Birth Experiences: A difficult or traumatic birth can leave lasting scars. Processing these experiences with a therapist can help you reclaim your birth story and move forward.
Strengthening the Parent-Child Bond: If you’re struggling to connect with your baby, therapy can offer strategies to build a loving and secure attachment.
Click here to read more about therapy for pregnancy and postpartum depression!
Therapy is about meeting you where you are and helping you get to where you want to be—whether that’s feeling more like yourself, managing stress, or embracing the chaos of motherhood with grace and humor.
Why Therapy for Moms Important
Moms often feel like they need to be superheroes, but even superheroes need support. Here’s why therapy is not only valid but essential:
Motherhood Is Hard: No amount of “mommy blogs” or advice books can prepare you for the emotional toll of being a parent.
It’s Not Just Hormones: Yes, hormones play a role, but perinatal challenges go much deeper than that. Therapy addresses the mental and emotional layers of motherhood.
You Deserve Care, Too: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of your mental health isn’t selfish; it’s necessary for you and your family.
Remember, you’re not broken or failing because you need help. You’re simply navigating one of life’s most challenging transitions, and support can make all the difference.
What Are Therapy Intensives for Moms?
Sometimes, weekly therapy sessions aren’t enough, especially when you’re in the thick of it. Therapy intensives offer a short-term, focused approach to tackling specific challenges in a condensed timeframe.
Think of it as hitting the “fast-forward” button on your healing journey. Instead of weekly 50-minute sessions, therapy intensives involve several hours of focused work over one or multiple days.
Benefits of Therapy Intensives for Moms:
Immediate Relief: Get the support you need now, rather than spreading it out over weeks or months.
Focused Attention: Dive deeper into specific issues like postpartum depression, anxiety, or grief.
Efficient Use of Time: For busy moms, intensives offer a way to address challenges without adding another weekly commitment.
How Do Therapy Intensives Work?
Therapy intensives are personalized to your needs, but here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:
Initial Consultation: We start with a conversation to understand your goals and challenges.
Customized Plan: Together, we design an intensive that focuses on your unique concerns.
The Intensive Sessions: Using evidence-based approaches like EMDR, mindfulness, and CBT, we work through your challenges in a safe, supportive environment.
Follow-Up Plan: After the intensive, we’ll create a plan for continued growth, whether that’s additional therapy, tools for self-care, or referrals.
FAQs About Therapy Intensives for Moms
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Therapy intensives can be done at various stages postpartum (or during pregnancy), depending on individual needs. Some mothers schedule a session shortly after birth, especially if experiencing acute symptoms, while others may schedule weeks or months later. It's important to consult with a perinatal mental health professional to determine the best timing for you.
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They typically range from 3-6 hours in one day or are spread across several days, depending on your needs.
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If you're experiencing significant distress that interferes with daily functioning—such as severe anxiety, depression, or difficulty bonding with your baby—a therapy intensive might be a good fit. It's particularly beneficial for those who feel that standard weekly therapy isn't providing the necessary support or relief.
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Telling the story of becoming a mother (infertility journeys, IUI/IVF, adoption, miscarriage)
Processing traumatic birth
Exploring postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and other mood changes that occur for many women
Unpacking and defining what mothering means to you
Acknowledging and addressing postpartum anger and postpartum rage (I promise, you’re not alone with this feeling!)
Communication challenges with partners (are they even listening?!)
Ways to connect with your baby
Processing grief of what could have or should have been
Building a coping toolbox
Building a postpartum support plan
Setting down the invisible load of motherhood and finding empowered, balanced ways to move forward
Challenging perfectionism, people pleasing and tendencies to avoid asking for help (which ultimately are keeping you stuck and increasing your anxiety)
…and so much more.
Click here to read more about Therapy Intensives for Moms!
Takeaways
Motherhood is a journey filled with ups, downs, and everything in between. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or like you’re navigating this chapter alone, know that support is available. Therapy—whether traditional sessions or intensives—can offer the relief and clarity you need to feel more like yourself again.
As a perinatal mental health therapist in Washington, I specialize in helping moms and moms-to-be through life’s most challenging moments. Whether you prefer in-person therapy in Gig Harbor or virtual sessions from the comfort of your home, I’m here to meet you where you are.
You deserve care, compassion, and support—for you and your family.
Looking for a therapist in Washington who specializes in perinatal support for moms?
Take your first step towards thriving in motherhood and feeling more fulfilled in life.
(Washington residents only)
About the author
Jen Reisinger, MA, LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor specializing in perinatal support and grief counseling. She offers in-person services in Gig Harbor, WA, and online throughout Washington state. She is trained in multiple modalities of healing, including EMDR, to best support clients who are looking to feel better faster.
