Choosing the right therapist during pregnancy, postpartum, or early parenthood matters. Maternal mental health is not a side focus at Wildflower, it is at the heart of who we are. For over a decade, we have built a practice grounded in specialized training, advocacy, and a deep respect for the complexity of this season of…
transition to parenthood
Understanding Social Infertility: An Evolving Term in Reproductive Health
Engaging in allyship with the LGBTQIA+ community entails, among other things, educating ourselves about the unique challenges they face. One significant issue is the often complicated journey to parenthood for those who choose that path. Social infertility is a new and evolving term describing this process. In recent years, infertility has gained awareness, resulting in…
What is Postpartum Psychosis?
What is Postpartum Psychosis? The reproductive years are a time of intense psychological vulnerability for women, with a significant number of psychiatric admissions occurring more around childbirth than any other time in the female life cycle (Wisner, Gracious, Piontek, Peindl, & Perel, 2003). One of the rarer presentations seen during this time period is postpartum…
What to Expect from Psychotherapy When You’re Expecting or Postpartum
The perinatal period, or the time leading up to and following labor and delivery, is often hallmarked by uncertainty. In addition to joy and hope, fear and anxiety are frequent companions on the road to motherhood. You might find yourself wondering: How can I take care of my mental health while pregnant and postpartum? What…
How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Can Help Challenge Mental Health Stigma in Pregnancy
Mental Health Stigma During Pregnancy Pregnancy is a transformational period in life. You may experience joy, comfort, or excitement as you navigate your pregnancy journey, which are emotions that may feel welcomed and special. Additionally, a myriad of less pleasant emotions can also surface during pregnancy including sadness, loneliness, anxiety, discouragement, anger, and fear. Pregnant…
Matrescence as a Psychotherapist: Part III
Source: Photo by Vivek Kumar on Unsplash In our first two articles in this series written in collaboration with Chrissy Ellis, LCSW, PMH-C, we have identified what matrescence is and what it means to navigate this transitional period as a therapist, the various client and therapist reactions that commonly occur, and how to use the…
How Fathers Can Help Their Postpartum Partner and Themselves
Postpartum depression affects the whole family. The new mom’s distress is often disorienting to her partner – he may sense that she needs support but feel at a loss as to how to offer it. Fathers also frequently report a reduced capacity for providing meaningful help due to their own struggles in the early postpartum…
Sometimes New Dads Need Help Too
Having a baby can be one of the most stressful times in our lives. We experience disruptions in sleep and changes in routines, self-care and personal time are redefined, and our identity and day-to-day lives completely shift to support a new human being. During this time of change, new parents experience an incredible amount of…
Being Real and Nonjudgmental as a Mother: Why Sharing Your True Feelings is Critical to Your Health and Wellbeing
Many years ago, when my daughter was about 2 years old, and I was at home during the endless hours of toddlerhood, I remember talking on the phone to my first friend to have children. Not only was she about 4 years ahead of me in the parenthood journey, but she was one very wise…
Therapist Spotlight: Eden Himidian, MA, LCSW, RYT
Eden is a psychotherapist, yoga instructor and clinical supervisor at Wildflower. Eden earned her Bachelor’s degree from Knox College and a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration. She has extensive training in Trauma Sensitive Yoga Therapy and Yoga Informed Psychotherapy as well as third wave…
