Common FAQ’s

How do I know if I need support?
If sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm are lasting more than a couple of weeks, they keep getting worse, or they make it hard to enjoy daily life — it’s definitely a good time to reach out. But you also don’t have to wait until things feel unmanageable to ask for help — every mother can benefit from having a safe, supportive outlet to process your thoughts and better understand your feelings. My New Mom Check-in sessions are a great place to start with assessing your needs and getting you connected you to the resources that will best support your motherhood journey.

What’s “normal” in the postpartum period, and what’s not?

It’s normal to feel tired, overwhelmed, emotional, or unsure of yourself as you adjust to motherhood. But if sadness, anxiety, or worry last longer than a couple of weeks, if they keep getting worse, or if they interfere with your daily life, it’s a sign you may need extra support. Read more on my Postpartum + Perinatal Adjustment page or scheudule a New Mom check-in call with me if you still have questions about what you’re feeling.

Do I need to have a PMAD or other mental health condition to work with you?

Not at all. Many new moms I support don’t meet the criteria for a Perinatal Mood + Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) diagnosis — they’re simply overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling to adjust to the big changes of motherhood. Some are also trying to improve behaviors or habits that are holding back more joy. Wherever you’re coming from, my counseling+ support resources are for any mom who wants to feel better about yourself + motherhood. If you need more information about PMADs or to better understand the signs, see my break-down of the perinatal adjustment risk factors here.

Is it normal to feel disconnected from my baby?

Yes, bonding doesn’t always happen right away for many mothers — it takes time for you to get to know your baby and your new role as a mom! But if you’re worried or struggling that your bond isn’t feeling where it should be, getting support and talking about it can help. If this is something you’re worried about, you can start here and I’ll help connect you to the right support.

How soon after giving birth should I seek help?
Anytime you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unlike yourself (or afraid you might feel this way in the future), is the time to reach out and get started with more support. You don’t need to wait until things get “bad enough,” to ask for help — receiving psycho-education, counseling support, and growing self-awareness around your experience can help every mom at any stage of motherhood! Start here if you’re looking for support and need help getting pointed in the right direction.

Do you only work with new moms?

While I love and specialize in support moms with pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenting, I also welcome partners, fathers, and anyone experiencing the emotional impact of becoming and being a parent to reach out and work with me. I offer counseling for couples + parenting partners too!

What if I feel ashamed or scared to ask for help?

You are not alone. Many moms feel guilt, shame, or fear about their struggles. Reaching out for help doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means you’re a human, going through a huge transition, and wise enough to seek support. It’s possibly one of the best things you can do as a mother for your family!

Do you take insurance for therapy services?

Yes! I’m currently credentialed in-network with NC BCBS + Aetna/SHP, and able to accept these insurances as payment for my counseling services if you are covered by one of these plans. For all other plans, many clients use HSA/FSA funds or submit superbills to their insurance for partial reimbursement. I’m happy to discuss this option further with you at our initial therapy consultation when we schedule.

Do you take insurance for your New Mother Check-in support?

No, my Check-in Support calls are not therapy, but rather a chance to explore your concerns or goals, and receive education, resources + recommendations for your next steps. These are paid out-of-pocket at the time you schedule your call.

How do we meet and how often will we work together?

All 1:1 support is offered through virtual sessions (via secure video or phone calls) that you can hop on from the comfort of your home or wherever works most easily for you. The frequency of therapy sessions will depend on your needs and availability, although I commonly recommend we meet weekly for a little while for you to see the most benefits sooner.

My New Mom Check-in calls are a one-time session via zoom or phone to help you strategize a solution to a problem or goal, then make a plan and connect you to the resources you need (which might include therapy with me depending on availablity and where you live).

Can I work with you if I don’t live in North Carolina?

Possibly, yes! I am currently credentialed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and can see virtual therapy clients who live anywhere in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida. While more states might be an option in the future with the interstate Social Work Licensure Compact, at this time I cannot provide therapy services to residents outside NC, SC, or FL.

However, my New Mom Check-in support and all other resources are available to everyone, since they are not therapy and educational only. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about our ability to work together.

What if I’m not sure where to start?

That’s completely okay! You can start here by reaching out to me or go here to see if any of my latest offers are a good fit. If you’d like, you can also schedule a New Mom Check-in to get a comprehensive + customized support plan that identifies your needs and gets you moving in the right direction sooner.