Pregnancy brings with it countless changes—some expected, some surprising. As your body transforms to nurture new life, it’s natural to notice physical changes. But what often catches moms-to-be off guard is how pregnancy can also affect their mind and emotions, triggering anxiety that may not have been present before…

In our high-pressure world, mothers often feel an overwhelming need to be perfect and do everything “right” to guarantee our children will reach their highest potential and/or fare better than we did. As a licensed professional clinical counselor specializing in motherhood anxiety and overwhelm and former middle school counselor, I've seen firsthand how this pursuit of perfection can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout for parents and children alike. Parents feel defeated when perfection is unattainable, and children struggle to achieve those high standards that their parents have set for them. Here's a liberating truth: being a "good enough" parent is not just okay—it's optimal for your child's development. Let's explore 4 evidence-based strategies that can transform your parenting approach and help your children thrive.

In Inside Out 2, Pixar masterfully explores the complexities of adolescence through the lens of emotions, introducing Anxiety as a pivotal character in Riley's journey. As she navigates the challenges of being a 13-year-old, Riley's experience with Anxiety resonates deeply with mothers, highlighting the parallels between teenage angst and maternal anxiety. Just as Riley learns to balance her emotions, mothers must also manage their worries without letting them dominate their lives. The film serves as a poignant reminder that while anxiety can be overwhelming, it is a protective part of us, urging us to reconnect with our core values and navigate the beautiful, messy adventure of motherhood. By embracing our emotions and understanding their roles, we can foster a more balanced approach to parenting and self-discovery.

Uncover the powerful connection between birth experiences and motherhood anxiety. Learn how your birth story impacts your parenting journey, with up to 17% of new parents experiencing birth-related PTSD. Discover practical steps to address birth trauma and find support. Whether you had a difficult delivery or NICU stay, understanding this link is crucial for your well-being as a mother.

As a therapist specializing in helping anxious and overwhelmed moms, I see polarized thinking as one of the biggest pitfalls that keeps mothers stuck and struggling. The "all or nothing" mentality of polarized thinking creates a harsh inner critic of constant judgment - you're either the perfect mom or a total failure, with no room for nuance or balance.

As we acknowledge Memorial Day, a solemn occasion to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation, I'm reminded of the incredible resilience it takes to face life's most difficult challenges. Whether enduring the unimaginable grief of losing a loved one in combat or carrying on through the physical and emotional wounds of war, our military families know resilience in a profound way….

Curious about how to blend firmness with kindness and turn daily chores into magical moments? Dive into my latest article where I explore Mary Poppins' timeless wisdom in parenting. Discover practical tips to create closer bonds and healthier dynamics in your family.

Unlock the transformative potential of grounding in motherhood, empowering you to navigate parenting challenges with resilience. Utilizing insights from Internal Family Systems therapy and the Suzuki technique, discover practical strategies for connecting with your inner Self, setting boundaries, and embracing imperfection.

In this blog, we delve into the significance of cultivating self-love as a foundational element for a grounded birth experience that minimizes trauma and fosters a deep connection with oneself and the unborn child.

Navigating early parenthood while carrying the weight of childhood trauma can be a complex journey. It's common for different aspects of our past to resurface during this transformative experience.

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it can also be a time of heightened anxiety.