Compassionate Counseling

 

Empowering Therapy for Women

“To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight and never stop fighting.” e.e. cummings 

Our lives are so full of being busy that we do not take the time for self-discovery or to reflect on the support we need. As women, we often carry the weight of everyone else in our lives. Often so much emotional pain exists because of our relationships (past and present) with others and ourselves. It is through our relationship in therapy, that you may feel safe to befriend difficult emotions, tame destructive ones, and transform into who you are meant to be. It is through gentle curiosity that we will work together to help you gently unfold what your needs are, and develop the skills to treat yourself and others with tenderness and care. I have expertise in working with all women (whether born biologically a woman or identifying as a woman), especially during transitions in their lives – such as transition to adulthood, becoming a mom, choosing not to become a mom, fertility issues, or relationship difficulties. I strive to provide services that are gender affirming and supportive of who you are in this world.

**Please note I continue to provide comprehensive counseling and support for reproductive rights, including abortion for all women and trans men. I pledge to stand by all of my clients and their right to choose their own healthcare, as well as ensuring that everyone retains control and autonomy over their own body.

Compassionate Support for Infertility and Reproductive Challenges

“It’s not that motherhood is out of reach, it’s that it’s just out of reach. It’s not that motherhood didn’t happen, it’s that it almost did and, in fact, still could. The difference between the grief of infertility and other reasons for mourning is in that promise of ‘just,’ in ‘almost,’ in ‘still could.”  – Alexandra Kimball

We’re often told that if we work hard enough, stay positive, or manifest our desires, our dreams will come true. But life doesn’t always follow these rules, and sometimes things don’t work out as we’d hoped—especially when it comes to starting or growing a family.

In the United States, approximately 10-15% of couples experience infertility or reproductive challenges. Being labeled as “infertile” can feel devastating, as though we’re being told we’re “broken.” Along with the sadness, grief, and physical exhaustion that infertility brings, it can also lead to feelings of shame, isolation, disappointment, and self-loathing. For many, this reality becomes unspeakable, adding to the sense of loneliness.

There are many paths to parenthood, including IUI, IVF, donor options, surrogacy, and adoption. However, the journey of trying to conceive (TTC) can feel overwhelming and isolating. That’s why I believe it’s essential to have a safe space where you can share your thoughts and emotions freely.

My goal is to provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment where you can process your feelings, explore your options, and feel supported.

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Supporting Women Through the Complex Journey of Pregnancy and Postpartum

“To be pregnant is to be vitally alive, thoroughly woman, and distressingly inhabited.  Soul and spirit are stretched – along with body – making pregnancy a time of transition, growth, and profound beginnings.” Anne Christian Buchanan and Debra K. Kingsporn

Pregnancy is often portrayed as a time of joy and excitement—and while it can be, it also embodies so much more. For many women, pregnancy is a time when anxiety heightens, and constant worry about what might go wrong takes over. This can introduce the concept of “mom guilt,” where you may even feel guilty for worrying, fearing it could affect your pregnancy. Society often idealizes pregnancy as a purely beautiful experience, leaving little room to acknowledge feelings of fear, isolation, or doubt.

Then comes the birth. As mothers, we are often unprepared for how deeply transformative—and challenging—it can be. Many of us feel broken open in ways we never anticipated, betrayed by the narrative that childbirth is only beautiful and fulfilling. But what happens when it’s not? The truth is, many women face unexpected difficulties and traumas during childbirth and postpartum. These might include preterm labor, emergency C-sections, health risks to the mother, a baby needing NICU care, breastfeeding challenges, or countless other hurdles.

When reality doesn’t align with the perfect picture we’re given, feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation can creep in. You may feel like there’s something wrong with you because your experience is different from what you were promised. But you are not alone.

My goal is to create a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can show up exactly as you are. Here, the unspeakable can be spoken, and your full self can be seen and supported. I have completed advanced training through Postpartum Support International, earning a certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C).

The Challenges of Motherhood: Supporting Moms Through Every Stage

“My love for this child was a crowbar that ripped open my heart.” Anne Cushman

Motherhood, at every stage of life, can be overwhelming, exhausting, and heart-wrenching in ways we never anticipated—whether you’re caring for a 1-month-old or navigating life with an 18-year-old. As mothers, we often find ourselves consumed with worry and weighed down by the pervasive feeling that we are “not good enough.” This silent struggle is something many of us experience, yet few openly discuss.

Society places unattainable expectations on mothers, making it feel like admitting any struggle equates to failure. We’re bombarded with conflicting advice—baby books, pediatricians, schools, and even our own families—all telling us what we should and shouldn’t do. When challenges arise, moms often shoulder the blame and the responsibility alone, without receiving the understanding, support, or compassion they deserve.

The truth is, moms need a safe, inclusive space to process these feelings and experiences. Therapy can provide that space—a place where you feel truly heard and supported. My goal is to create an environment where you can explore your experiences with gentle curiosity, uncover what matters most to you, and nurture the parts of your life that bring fulfillment as both a woman and a mother.

Grief Therapy: Therapy for Healing and Loss