Virtual Therapy For Moms | Make an Appointment: 253-213-3689 | Hi@natashawilliamstherapy.com

  • Therapy For Moms

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    You Are Not Alone

    At least one in five moms experience symptoms of depression or anxiety during or after pregnancy. Most moms would say that motherhood was not what they expected and have challenges adjusting to this phase of life. Most mothers do not share publicly the challenge’s that come with being a mom. Moms and moms-to-be often feel guilt around asking for support and admitting that they are having challenges adjusting to this phase of life. There is no shame in admitting when you feel that you may need some additional support on this journey of navigating motherhood.



    The Path To Motherhood

    Motherhood can be challenging and may feel overwhelming and unmanageable. For many women, be becoming a mother completely disrupts their lives in ways that they may have not expected. Adjusting and finding balance in this new role can be challenging and lonely at times. Research tells us that “fundamental changes” happen during pregnancy and after giving birth, and those mothers are not the same person they were before having children (Scientific American Report, 2006). These changes can be hormonal, physically intense, emotionally draining, and impact a mother’s ability to bond and attach to her children. Without the right support, some symptoms can linger for months or even years.

    Mothers of Children with Autism | The Unplanned Journey

    No one knows the challenges better than another mom who has a child that is neurodiverse. My son was diagnosed with Autism in 2021 and I was immediately faced with unpredictable challenges. Motherhood comes with many challenges that most parents are not prepared for. However, the unusual challenges of parenting are compounded for parents of children with special needs. Research shows that nearly 1 in 5 parents of kids with autism had enough symptoms to meet the criteria for anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Many of us were not prepared for the challenging behaviors, sleepless nights, physical aggression, endless medical appointments and engagement in self-harm. Parents find themselves constantly having to advocate for services, choosing not to go back to work, isolation from friends and family, fear and challenges of going places, anxiety of not know how the day is going to turnout and how others will respond to your child. Dealing with the mom shaming has to be the worse of them all. This is what I refer to as the unplanned journey of motherhood.

    The Unplanned Journey

    You are here because you are tired, overwhelmed and exhausted. Nothing prepared you for the mommy guilt, insecurity and isolation that you feel. Accompanied by the disappointment and sadness that hunts you at night while reflecting on not being the mother that you wanted to be. You're done with pretending everything's fine just to make it through one more day.

    I get it! Ive been there and I can support you with finding joy in motherhood. Hopefully with support you will be able to become connect with your child in a way that always wanted to. 

    Common Challenges Discussed During Sessions

    + Anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum

    + Separation anxiety

    + Managing stress

    + Feeling sadness

    + Mom rage and anger

    + Bonding and attachment difficulties

    + Mourning pre-mom life

    + Pressures that come with being a mother

    + Postpartum regret

    + Isolation and loneliness

    + Mommy guilt or shame

    + Intrusive and scary thoughts

    + Disappointing birth experience

    + Balancing roles or multiple children

    + Changes in family dynamics

    + Lack of Intimacy with partner

    + Relationship challenges or co-parenting

    + Unrealistic expectations of being a mother

    + Returning to work

    + Loss of self-identity

    + Self-care

    + Mom Shaming


    Benefits of Therapy

    + Creates a safe space to talk without judgement

    + Addresses issues causing stress or burnout

    + On-going mental health maintenance

    + Explore your motherhood journey without guilt or shame

    + Create a self-care routine that focuses on your health and happiness

    + Learn to embrace imperfections that come with motherhood

    + Learn self compassion

    + Learn practical coping and relaxation skills

    + Learn skills to set boundaries with yourself and others without apologizing

    + Identify thought patterns impacting your daily functioning

    + Learn strategies to support with increasing attachment to your child

    + Learning ways to advocate for what your need from your partner and others

    + Address issues influencing anxiety or fear

    + Defining and accepting your “new normal”

    + Find ways to balance priorities and redefining the things that are important to you

    + Support with navigating this new life

    + Adjusting to changing family dynamics

    + Adjusting to accepting the changes within your new body

    + Learn ways to balance your relationship, job, and being a mother

    + Learn to take responsibility and focusing on the things you can control

    As your therapist, my goal is to make our time together a safe space for you to talk freely without judgement. I will always encourage you to bring up the things that you may be afraid to discuss with others including, but not limited to postpartum rage, mom guilt, feeling invisible, sex, money, insecurities, not bonding with your child, not wanting to be a mother and whatever else is on your mind.

    My Mission Statement

    My Mission is to provide a safe space for moms to talk about all the challenges that come with being a mother while trying to maintain a sense of self. During sessions, no topics are off limit and I will also challenge you to dig deep. My Ultimate goal is to teach clients skills to empower themselves to take control of their lives and fine ways to pour into themselves.

    Mindfulness Therapy

    Mindfulness therapy focuses on learning how to be more aware of your thoughts, feelings, emotions, surroundings and uncomfortable situations. Being mindful of these things will support with reducing judgement of yourself and how you show up as a mother. In therapy, the focus of mindfulness is to honor your thoughts and emotions. It is not healthy to suppress or deny your true thoughts and feelings. This learned increased awareness will help clients avoid destructive or automatic responses ways of thinking. of thinking. Mindfulness supports clients learning how to love themselves, enjoy motherhood, their children or other interpersonal relationships.

    Self-Compassion Therapy

    Learning to practice self-compassion and kindness to yourself can be difficult. Many compassionate people are critical and unforgiving of themselves. When you are critical and judgmental of yourself, you’re more likely to experience anxiety, insecurities, and unhappiness in your motherhood and in your personal relationship with others. In therapy, you will learn skills on how to be gentle with yourself, how to forgive yourself, how to take care of yourself and how to show up for yourself.

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is best known for its efficacy in treating anxiety.  It is a treatment approach that helps you recognize negative or unhelpful thoughts and behavior patterns. CBT aims to help you identify and explore the way your emotions and thoughts can affect your actions. CBT will help you challenge negative thoughts and emotions around motherhood, your relationships and yourself. Suggested exercises will support you with observing and recognizing these thoughts.

    My Therapeutic Approach

    The goal of therapy is to support you with gaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and how you want to show up as a mother. Learning new ways to manage your symptoms and how you feel about yourself, motherhood, and your relationships with others. In therapy, we will discuss your symptoms, interpersonal challenges and anything else that you feel may be impacting you. I will help you get clear on why you are feeling anxious, your triggers and challenges. Together we will create a treatment plan, self-care plan and mental health roadmap that will assist you on this journey.

    FAQ's

    How do I know if I need therapy?

    There are many reasons that may cause a pregnant or new mother to seek counseling. Some of the most common reasons are not feeling like your normal self, feeling like motherhood was not like you imagined, experiencing anxiety or unwanted thoughts, difficulty boding with your baby or relationship dissatisfaction with your partner. If you are having symptoms that are impacting your normal daily functioning then it may be time to seek professional support.

    Is therapy guaranteed to stop my anxiety or other symptoms?

    Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee results of therapy. Research shows that therapy can support with decreasing symptoms, change behaviors, and negative thought patterns. We will set goals together and overtime you should see some progress. Therapy also requires you to “do the work” outside of sessions. Progress takes time and I suggest holding out for a least six sessions to get a proper feel on how therapy is working for you. Lastly, if you have doubt, don’t be afraid to ask me how I think your therapy is going. Remember, therapy is all about you and I will always be open to discussing what is or isn’t working for you.

    Will virtual sessions be the same as in-person sessions?

    Research shows that meeting virtually has the same benefits as meeting in person. Virtual therapy allows clients to meet from the comfort of their own home or in a location that is most convenient for them. Most of the mothers that I work with prefer sessions virtually because it saves them time and allows them to not have to travel to an office.

    Do I have to take medication?

    I am not allowed to prescribe medication, nor will you be forced to be on medication. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with therapy to obtain the best outcome. If we decide during our time together that medication may be beneficial while we continue our work together, a referral can be made to the appropriate professional. However, taking medication is always the client’s choice.

    How long will I have to participate in therapy?

    There isn’t a way to determine how long you will be in therapy. Some clients reach their goals in a few weeks and some clients require more long-term treatment. Outcomes can depend on the client’s active participation in sessions and how much time and energy they spend working on their goals. Some clients like ongoing maintenance therapy and find it helpful to continue with sessions even after reaching their initial goals. Therapy is always the clients choice and they can stop at anytime.

    What states do you provide therapy?

    Every State has its own set of rules regarding licensing and providing virtual therapy. At this time, you would have to physically live in the states of California, Washington, or Indiana to receive services.

    How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?

    Great questions! Before I accept any new client’s, I will schedule a free consultation call so that I can understand your needs and together we can decide if I am the right therapist for you. This consultation call also allows you to ask any additional questions you may have before deciding to move forward. If we are not a good match, I can provide you with a referral list.

    I want therapy, but I would like support with dissatisfaction within my relationship with my partner. Do you offer relationship counseling?

    Coming Soon! A relationship workshop will be offered soon. Please let me know that you are interested in this workshop during our initial consultation call.

    However, things may come up during your sessions that may be imparting your relationship with others. During these times we can decide together that it may be beneficial to talk about it with your partner, family member or a friend. If this is something you need I will provide a couple/family session as appropriate for your treatment.

    What are your payment options?

    Please check out the Fees & Insurance page located under the Get Started tab. On this page you will find information of fees, insurance options, sliding scales and more.

    Do you offer support groups?

    Great Question! The Hey Mama support group will be coming soon. Please check back in the fall or send a message showing your interest.

    SERVICES ARE CLIENT-CENTERED | SOLUTION FOCUSED | EVIDENCED BASED
    SELF-COMPASSION THERAPY | MINDFULNESS THERAPY |
    COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY