Perinatal Mental Health

Specialized therapy during pregnancy and postpartum periods.

About Us

Our compassionate therapists offer evidence-based strategies to enhance emotional well-being during family planning, pregnancy, and beyond. From managing stress to fostering healthy communication, we’re committed to your mental health.

Perinatal Journey

Pregnancy-supporting mental health during the journey of pregnancy, from conception to childbirth.

Pregnancy is a transformative and life-changing experience for women.

While it is often portrayed as a time of joy and excitement, the reality is that it can also bring about a range of emotions and challenges that impact women’s mental health.

At Celeste Genevieve Counseling, we understand the importance of validating and normalizing the struggles that women may experience during pregnancy, regardless of societal norms.
Pregnancy can be accompanied by a rollercoaster of emotions, including feelings of anxiety, depression, mood swings, and overwhelming stress. Hormonal changes, physical discomfort, and the anticipation of becoming a parent can all contribute to these emotional challenges. It is crucial to recognize that these feelings are valid and that seeking support is a sign of strength rather than weakness.

Our compassionate Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) therapists, specializes in providing therapy for women during pregnancy, offer a safe and non-judgmental space to explore and process the emotional complexities that arise. We believe in the power of therapy to help women navigate their mental health throughout this transformative journey.

Therapy during pregnancy can provide several benefits. It allows women to express their fears, concerns, and uncertainties in a supportive environment. By working with a therapist, women can develop coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety, enhance self-care practices, and improve their overall emotional well-being. Therapy also provides an opportunity to address any pre-existing mental health conditions and ensure a healthy and balanced transition into motherhood.

At Celeste Genevieve Counseling, we strive to create a nurturing and inclusive space where women can feel heard, understood, and supported. Our therapists are experienced in providing evidence-based therapies tailored to the unique needs of pregnant women. We understand that everyone’s journey is different, and we will work collaboratively with you and your support team to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs and goals. We value working with your partner, as well as OB/Gyn’s, Midwives, Doulas, Dietitians, Lactation Consultations, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, and any other vital members of your birthing circle.

If you are experiencing emotional challenges during pregnancy, we encourage you to reach out and schedule a call. Remember, seeking support is a courageous step towards prioritizing your mental health and well-being. You deserve to have a mindful and fulfilling pregnancy experience.

The transition to motherhood is a profound and transformative experience—one that can be both beautiful and challenging. Often times, the challenges are minimized. with new parents being left with feelings of isolation and inadequacy.

Contact us today to learn more about our therapy services for pregnant women and to schedule an appointment. We are here to support you on your journey towards emotional wellness and a healthy transition into motherhood.

Postpartum- navigating mental
health beyond the baby blues

Breaking the Silence: Unmasking Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, OCD, and Trauma

Postpartum Depression (PPD)

Postpartum depression is more common than we realize. It’s not just the “baby blues”; it’s a persistent cloud that obscures the joy of new motherhood. Imagine feeling overwhelmed, tearful, and disconnected when everyone expects you to be elated. PPD affects up to 1 in 7 moms/birthing parents and 1 in 10 dads/non-birthing parents. Let’s normalize conversations around it, so parents don’t suffer in silence.

Postpartum Anxiety

Anxiety creeps in like a shadow, whispering worst-case scenarios. New mothers worry incessantly about their baby’s well-being, their own abilities, and the future. The pressure to be a perfect mom amplifies these fears. Postpartum anxiety affects nearly 1 in 10 moms/birthing parents and up to 16% of dads/non-birthing parents experience significant anxiety/trauma. Acknowledging it is the first step toward healing.

Postpartum OCD

Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood. It’s not just about hand-washing or extreme organization. For new moms, it manifests as intrusive thoughts—terrifying scenarios that play on repeat. Imagine fearing that you might harm your baby or obsessively checking locks and appliances. Postpartum OCD affects more women than we realize¹. Let’s recognize it and offer compassionate support.

Trauma and Birth Experiences

Birth is transformative, but it can also be traumatic. Emergency C-sections, complications, medical abuse or unmet expectations can leave emotional scars. Trauma during childbirth affects countless women, yet it’s rarely discussed. Let’s validate these experiences and provide space for healing.

The Societal Pressure Cooker: What Motherhood "Should" Look Like

The Myth of Perfection

Society paints motherhood with a glossy brush—images of serene moms cradling their babies, effortlessly juggling work, home, and self-care. But reality is messier. Moms grapple with sleep deprivation, hormonal shifts, and identity shifts. Let’s debunk the myth of perfection and celebrate the raw, imperfect beauty of motherhood.

Breastfeeding vs. Bottle Feeding

The breastfeeding debate rages on. Society often glorifies breastfeeding as the gold standard, but it’s not always feasible. Breastfeeding guilt weighs heavily on mothers who struggle. Let’s honor every feeding choice—whether breast or bottle—and support moms without judgment.

Sleep Training Dilemmas

To sleep train or not? That’s the question. Sleep-deprived moms wrestle with guilt, fearing they’re damaging their child by not adhering to rigid schedules. Let’s recognize that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Every family finds their rhythm, and it’s okay to adapt.

At Celeste Genevieve Counseling, our perinatal specialists aim to be beacons of empathy and understanding.

By shedding light on these topics, we empower women to seek help, break free from societal expectations, and embrace their unique motherhood journey. Let's continue these vital conversations and create a safe space for healing and growth.

Working Mom-Defining Your Role

Returning to work or staying at home after having a baby can be an overwhelming decision for new moms, laden with various stressors. The transition may evoke feelings of guilt, anxiety, or uncertainty about balancing career aspirations with childcare responsibilities. Therapy offers a supportive space for new mothers to explore these emotions, develop coping strategies, and navigate the complexities of this life-changing transition with confidence and clarity. By addressing underlying concerns and fostering self-awareness, therapy can empower new moms to make informed decisions that align with their values and well-being.

Got Multiples? We've Got You Covered!

Expecting twins or triplets can bring unparalleled joy and excitement, but it also comes with unique stressors. The prospect of managing the needs of multiple infants simultaneously can be daunting, leading to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and exhaustion. Whether it’s concerns about bonding with each child individually, navigating logistical challenges, or coping with heightened demands on personal time and resources, therapy provides a supportive outlet to address these complexities. Through tailored strategies and emotional support, therapy empowers parents of multiples to navigate this extraordinary journey with resilience, confidence, and a sense of well-being.

Navigating the Emotional Journey of Being a NICU Parent

The birth wasn't at all what you expected. And now, you are being discharged from the hospital, but your baby cannot go home with you. All you can think about wanting your baby to be home in the new nursery safe and healthy. All you can do is wait. It's excruciatingly painful.

At Celeste Genevieve Counseling, we understand that the NICU journey can be overwhelming and emotionally challenging for parents. Our counseling services provide a safe and supportive space to navigate the complex emotions, fears, and anxieties that arise during this time, when all you want to do is take your baby home.

Emotional Validation and Coping Strategies: Our therapists specialize in supporting parents through the NICU experience, offering emotional validation and teaching effective coping strategies. We help parents navigate the rollercoaster of emotions, fostering resilience and providing tools to manage stress and anxiety.

Partner and Family Support: We recognize the importance of including partners and family members in the counseling process. Our therapists work with parents and their loved ones, fostering open communication, understanding, and mutual support to navigate this challenging journey together.

Processing Trauma and Grief: The NICU experience can be traumatic, and parents may carry grief and unresolved emotions. Our counselors provide a compassionate space to process these feelings, offering therapeutic techniques to address trauma, grief, and loss, helping parents find healing and closure.

Building a Support Network: Our counseling services extend beyond individual sessions. We help parents connect with support groups, community resources, and other families who have gone through similar experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and building a strong support network for ongoing healing and growth.

Pregnancy & Infant Loss

Miscarriage-healing the emotional wounds after a pregnancy loss.

Navigating the Emotional Journey of Miscarriage

At Celeste Genevieve Counseling, we provide a supportive and compassionate space for individuals and couples to heal from the emotional challenges of a miscarriage. Here are only a few of the heartfelt difficulties many people face when dealing with a miscarriage. Therapy can offer support and guidance during this deeply personal journey.

The Emotional Impact of Miscarriage

Acknowledging Grief: Miscarriage can bring forth a range of intense emotions, such as sadness, guilt, anger, and confusion. We will discuss the importance of recognizing and honoring these emotions as part of the healing process.

Shattered Dreams: Miscarriage often entails the loss of hopes and dreams associated with starting or expanding a family. We will explore the profound impact this can have on individuals and couples, and how therapy can help navigate the grief of these shattered dreams.

The Stigma of Silence: Society’s silence and lack of understanding surrounding miscarriage can compound the emotional burden. We will shed light on the importance of breaking the silence and seeking support, fostering a supportive community that encourages healing and growth.

Stillbirth & Infant Loss- addressing grief, loss and trauma that can arise from the loss of a newborn or infant

Navigating the Emotional Journey of Stillbirth & Infant Loss

When seeking therapy at Celeste Genevieve Counseling, we offer you a compassionate space dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate the emotional challenges of processing the loss of a baby. We will explore the profound emotional impact of losing a baby or infant and hold space for you and all of your emotions in order to provide support, healing, and hope during this profoundly heartbreaking journey.

The Emotional Landscape of Stillborn Baby and Infant Loss.

Profound Grief and Loss: Losing a baby or infant is an indescribable tragedy that brings forth overwhelming grief and loss. We will delve into the deep emotional impact of such a loss, including feelings of sadness, emptiness, guilt, anger, and confusion.

Unfulfilled Dreams and Expectations: Losing a baby or infant shatters the dreams and expectations associated with parenthood. We will explore the heartache of unfulfilled hopes and dreams and the unique challenges this presents for individuals, couples and families.

Navigating the Stigma: Society’s limited understanding and often uncomfortable silence surrounding stillbirths and infant loss can compound the emotional burden. We will explore the importance of breaking the stigma and seeking support, fostering a community that validates and supports the grieving process.

How Therapy Can Help

Creating a Safe Space: Therapy provides a confidential and non-judgmental environment where individuals and couples can openly express their emotions, fears, and concerns about your loss. We will emphasize the significance of a safe therapeutic space in the healing process.

Processing Emotions: Through compassionate guidance, therapists can help individuals and couples navigate the complex emotions that arise after the loss of the baby. We will explore therapeutic techniques that facilitate emotional processing and offer tools to cope with grief.

Rebuilding Self-Identity: Miscarriages, stillbirths and infant losses can challenge one’s sense of self and identity. Therapy can support individuals in rebuilding their identity, finding meaning, and rediscovering hope for the future.

Strengthening Relationships: The loss of a pregnancy or baby can strain relationships, causing both partners to grieve differently. We will discuss how therapy can facilitate open communication, understanding, and healing within the relationship.

Finding the Right Therapist

Specialized Expertise: We will highlight the importance of seeking a therapist with experience in perinatal loss and grief counseling to ensure sensitive and knowledgeable support.

Connection and Trust: Building a strong therapeutic relationship is crucial for healing. We will provide guidance on finding a therapist who resonates with you and creates a safe space for your unique healing journey.

Tailored Approaches: Therapy for miscarriage, stillbirth and infant loss varies for each individual and couple. Our specialized therapists utilize personalized approaches, ensuring that your needs and healing goals are at the center of the therapeutic process.

At Celeste Genevieve Counseling, we understand the deep emotional toll that perinatal loss can have on individuals and couples. Through compassionate therapy, we strive to provide a healing space where you can navigate the complex emotions, find solace, and rediscover hope. Together, we can embark on a journey of healing and growth, ensuring that you are not alone in your path towards emotional well-being.

Abortion-guiding you through the complex emotional pain of your loss.

The emotional pain following an abortion can be a complex blend of grief, guilt, relief, and a profound sense of loss. It's a journey marked by introspection, questioning, and often a longing for closure and healing amidst conflicting emotions.

At Celeste Genevieve Counseling, we understand that the decision to have an abortion can be a deeply personal and complex experience. We want to provide a safe and comforting space for individuals who have gone through this process.

We acknowledge the emotions, feelings, and experiences that may arise, and we are here to validate your journey without judgment.

Emotional Support:

Having an abortion can evoke a wide range of emotions such as sadness, grief, relief, confusion, or a combination of them all. We recognize that these emotions are valid and unique to each individual. Our therapists are here to listen, empathize, and support you through this emotional journey. We aim to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can freely express and process your feelings.

Feeling Isolated:

We understand that the experience of having an abortion can sometimes feel isolating. It may be challenging to find someone who truly understands what you are going through. At Celeste Genevieve Counseling, we want you to know that you are not alone. We are here to provide a sense of community, where you can connect with therapists who have experience in supporting individuals who have had abortions. We offer a safe space where you can feel heard and accepted.

The Large Rock Metaphor:

Navigating the emotional aftermath of an abortion can sometimes feel like standing in front of a large rock. It is natural to feel uncertain and unable to see what lies beyond. This metaphor represents the unknown and the difficulties that can arise in the healing process. At Celeste Genevieve Counseling, we are here to guide you through this journey, helping you find ways to navigate around the rock, explore your emotions, and find healing and growth. We will support you as you discover your own path to recovery, at your own pace.

Holding Space:

We want to emphasize that our therapists are here to hold space for you in a non-judgmental capacity. We believe in providing a safe and supportive environment where you can share your story, process your feelings, and explore your experiences without fear of judgment or shame. Our goal is to create a therapeutic relationship based on trust, understanding, and compassion.

At Celeste Genevieve Counseling, we are committed to supporting individuals who have had abortions through their healing journey. We recognize the unique challenges and emotions that may arise and are dedicated to providing the care and support you deserve. You are not alone, and we are here to help you find healing, self-compassion, and resilience.