Parenthood
“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”
Parenting comes with unique challenges that can feel overwhelming. The constant responsibility of caring for another’s well-being, making daily decisions, and managing the mental load often leads to decision fatigue and exhaustion. Sleep deprivation is common, particularly in the early years, but even as children grow, parents still face worries about their kids and struggle to find personal time.
Becoming a parent can also change how individuals see themselves, as career goals, hobbies, and friendships may take a backseat, leading to feelings of self-loss. The mental load of managing schedules, appointments, and emotional needs can be exhausting, even in co-parenting situations. This invisible workload can go unacknowledged, contributing to feelings of stress.
Parenting also strains relationships. Couples may face intimacy loss or conflict over differing parenting styles. There is often societal pressure to "do it right," leading to guilt, judgment, and worry. Financial pressures from daycare, healthcare, and education add to the stress. Despite these challenges, parents must recognize the importance of self-care and how taking time for themselves can help them show up better for their children.
As a parent myself, I understand firsthand how both rewarding and challenging parenting can be. Many parents are often hard on themselves, and sometimes simply hearing from a therapist who truly understands that struggle can be a huge relief. It’s important to know that facing challenges doesn’t equate to failure.
I bring 10+ years of experience in supporting parents, particularly in navigating their parenting journey. When parents come to therapy, my goal is to help you develop practical tools for navigating your role more effectively. I work with you to identify patterns of thought and behavior that might be causing stress or frustration. Together, we can challenge negative thinking and approach situations with a clearer, more balanced perspective, implementing strategies that support a healthier family dynamic.
I also help parents create strong, positive connections with their children. This includes building communication skills that allow you to respond to your child’s needs more effectively and calmly. We’ll focus on developing consistent routines, setting clear boundaries, and using positive reinforcement to reduce conflict and stress.
In our work together, I provide space for reflection on your emotional experiences and how they may impact your parenting. We will explore the emotional needs of both you and your children, fostering empathy and healthier emotional responses. This helps you build a more supportive relationship with your child, especially when navigating challenges or behavioral issues.
Throughout therapy, my aim is to help you feel more confident and empowered in your parenting. By focusing on practical solutions, emotional awareness, and effective communication, I support you in becoming the parent you want to be while also prioritizing your own well-being. We’ll work together to increase your self-awareness, identify areas where you can relax, and find what parenting style aligns best with your values and family needs. I offer a space for you to process the ups and downs of parenthood, reconnect with your sense of self, and develop healthier coping strategies.
