Call (202) 588-1288
Text (202) 588-1288
Make An Appointment
DC Talk Therapy Logo
Call (202) 588-1288Text (202) 588-1288Make An Appointment

Perinatal Therapy: Supporting Your Journey to Parenthood

Are you experiencing any of these common challenges as a new or expectant parent?
  • Feeling like you’re not “doing enough” or living up to expectations
  • Overwhelmed by the demands of new parenthood
  • Constant worry about your baby’s health and safety
  • Experiencing frequent, uncontrollable crying spells
  • Struggling with grief or loss related to pregnancy or parenthood

Preparing for a baby and navigating early parenthood is a unique journey filled with both joys and challenges. While it can be exhilarating, it’s normal to also feel scared, overwhelmed or uncertain.

The good news? You don’t have to face these challenges alone.

Perinatal therapy

At DC Talk Therapy, we specialize in supporting parents like you. We understand the complex emotions and pressures you’re experiencing, and we have the expertise to guide you through this transformative period.

Our perinatal therapy expert, Carla Brun, LICSW, PMH-C, is here to help. As a certified perinatal mental health clinician, Ms. Brun brings extensive experience and compassionate care to support you in your parenting journey.

With years of experience supporting new and expectant parents, Ms. Brun combines evidence-based techniques with empathetic understanding to address your unique needs. Whether you’re preparing for parenthood, adjusting to life with a newborn, or navigating postpartum challenges, our specialized perinatal therapy can provide the support and strategies you need to thrive.

What is Perinatal Therapy?

Perinatal therapy focuses on supporting individuals and couples as they navigate the significant emotional challenges associated with pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood.

In addition to learning about the mind-body connection during pregnancy and post-pregnancy, you’ll learn a wide range of effective strategies, including mindfulness, distress tolerance and self-care.

Get Started with a Free Consultation

Ready to take the first step towards managing your parenthood?

Call us today at (202) 588-1288 or email us at info@dctalktherapy.com to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Carla Brun.

Call (202) 588-1288
Text (202) 588-1288
Make an Appointment

Benefits of Perinatal Therapy

Perinatal therapy offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Helping parents improve their communication and problem-solving skills to navigate conflicts
  • Providing strategies for meeting the demands of caregiving
  • Addressing parenthood identity
  • Identifying and managing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
  • Building strong parent-child attachments
  • Grief and loss support for those who have experienced miscarriages, stillbirths or other pregnancy-related loss

Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are far more common than many realize, affecting 15-20% of women in the U.S. across all cultures, ages, income levels and races.

It’s crucial to understand the spectrum of these conditions.

Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression

  • An estimated 80% of women experience “baby blues” following childbirth, with symptoms like weepiness, anxiety, insomnia and irritability.
  • Postpartum depression, however, goes beyond “baby blues.” It involves a persistent mood change lasting beyond the first two weeks after delivery.

Postpartum Anxiety

  • Can occur alone or alongside depression
  • Characterized by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness affecting daily life
  • Key signs include constant worry and hyper-vigilance about your baby’s health and safety
  • May lead to constant checking on the baby or inability to relax, even when the baby is safe
Perinatal therapy 1

Impact on Fathers

  • Paternal Postnatal Depression (PPND) affects 4-25% of new fathers
  • Often overlooked but equally important to address

Effects of PMADs

  • Can hinder parent-child attachment
  • May strain relationships with partners and others
  • Significantly decreases overall wellbeing of the mother

The Importance of Seeking Help

Contrary to popular belief, symptoms of perinatal depression and anxiety often don’t improve on their own. Professional help is crucial for recovery.

Recognizing the Signs

It’s important to reach out if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  • Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • Difficulty bonding with your baby
  • Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

How Perinatal Therapy Can Help

Perinatal therapy provides:

  • Coping strategies tailored to your specific challenges
  • A safe space to express your feelings without judgment
  • Techniques to improve parent-child bonding
  • Support in navigating relationship changes
  • Tools to manage anxiety and intrusive thoughts

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. With proper support and treatment, recovery is possible.

Call us today at (202) 588-1288 or email us at info@dctalktherapy.com to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Carla Brun.

Frequently Asked Questions About Perinatal Therapy

Perinatal therapy often employs a combination of evidence-based techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and mindfulness-based approaches. These methods are tailored to address the unique challenges of pregnancy and early parenthood, focusing on managing anxiety, depression and relationship changes.

The perinatal period typically spans from conception through the first year after birth. However, perinatal care and therapy can extend beyond this timeframe, depending on individual needs and circumstances.

Perinatal therapy specifically focuses on the mental health challenges related to pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. It addresses unique issues such as pregnancy-related anxiety, postpartum depression, bonding with the baby, and adjusting to new family dynamics.

Perinatal care services may include prenatal counseling, postpartum depression screening, parent-infant bonding therapy, couples counseling for new parents, and support groups for pregnant individuals and new parents. We also offer interventions like relaxation techniques, sleep hygiene strategies, and communication skills training.

For pregnant individuals, perinatal therapy helps manage pregnancy-related anxiety, prepare emotionally for childbirth, and address any pre-existing mental health concerns. For new parents, therapy supports the transition to parenthood, helps manage postpartum mood disorders, and provides strategies for infant care and self-care.

Perinatal therapists typically have a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology, social work or a related field. Additional specialized training in perinatal mental health is crucial.

Our therapist, Carla Brun, is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with a Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C), demonstrating her expertise in this specialized field.

Therapists specializing in Perinatal Therapy

Get Started with a Free Consultation

Ready to take the first step towards managing your parenthood?

Call us today at (202) 588-1288 or email us at info@dctalktherapy.com to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Carla Brun.

Call (202) 588-1288
Text (202) 588-1288
Make an Appointment