Are you a mother?
- Are you tired of people telling you it will get easier and to cherish these moments when you have babies or young children?
- Do you feel like you are drowning and cannot keep up?
- Do you find yourself resentful of other moms who seem like they have it all together?
- Have you lost yourself?
Being a mother is the hardest job you will ever have
The days are long and the nights are often even longer. Just when you think everything is under control, something changes or there is some new crisis or disaster. Riding this rollercoaster is exhausting on every level. Often you give and give, and there is very little in return. It feels like someone always wants something from you. It is hard to function from such a depleted place.
You love your children. They are your pride and joy. But, you secretly wonder is there more you are supposed to know, feel, gain from this experience. You may often question your parenting decisions. Is this the right type of discipline? Are we, as a family, too scheduled? Am I giving my kids what they need? Are they hitting their milestones? And if not, what do I need to do differently?
You may feel like you are completely alone in this journey of motherhood. Your parents or other extended family may live far away. Your partner may not carry your same concerns, and you may be carrying the mental load in raising your children and keeping the household running. You may feel like your friends are all too busy with their own families, so there is no space for you.
You don’t have to go this road alone. Therapy can give you a place to air your fears, cry if you need to, and not feel guilty or ashamed about just how difficult being a mom can be.
Have any questions? Send me a message!
There is immense pressure on Mothers today
It is inescapable. The self-doubt, questioning, lack of sleep, and unpredictability of growing children’s moods and behavior all contribute to moms feeling like they are at the end of their rope. Mothers often feel like they aren’t doing any one thing well and are simply trying to survive. Throw in changing hormones post pregnancy or perimenopause/menopause and it can feel like getting through the day/night is giant hurdle. Our Western society expects mothers to work like they do not have children and mothers to parent as if they do not have a job.
If you have recently had a baby, it can be completely overwhelming knowing with parenting book to read or which advice to follow on social media. Family and friends will be sure to weigh in too. Everyone has the latest hack or technique. We can become so consumed with doing everything “right”, that we forget to trust our instincts and rely on the bond we have with our unique child.
It is amazing how our children trigger such visceral reactions in us
If we have any unresolved wounds or trauma from our past, it can be difficult to sift through what we might be reacting to. We may have thought we dealt with a certain issue, but here it is again bubbling just under the surface. We don’t have to be the perfect mother, just “good enough.” But, it can feel like an insurmountable task when we are overloaded with ideas and images from social media and our information-driven society.
The good news is with a compassionate, experienced therapist who has expertise in issues unique to moms, you can learn to trust yourself, feel confident, and find space to feel joy again.
Therapy can be a place to unburden yourself
Sometimes we need someone to really listen, feel our pain, and not need anything from us much more than getting our nails done or a day at the spa. Especially if you did not have a good relationship with your own mom, it can feel like you are giving from an empty well. You are trying to be in tune with your child, create a secure connection, but you may be extremely stressed, anxious, or even depressed yourself. In addition, you may feel like you are creating a new playbook where everyone already understands the game.
Release the mental load
You carry so much! One of my favorite memes of motherhood is a picture of Mary Poppins at the beginning of the day and Cruella DeVille at the end of the day. It so accurately depicts how difficult one single day can be in the life of a mom. It quickly goes from joyous, calm, and controlled with best laid plans to a sense of utter confusion and disaster. Raising humans is hard!
Counseling as a mom can be a quiet, safe space to put down your to do list and really listen to yourself. What were your dreams and expectations for motherhood? Is your current reality living up to this? What can be changed and what needs to be grieved? Therapy can be a place where those questions are answered in conjunction with compassion, grace, and true understanding.
As a therapist, I have over 25 years of experience helping moms. I have specialized training in child development and attachment so I can help you with feedback on your concerns with your child’s behavior or your parenting. I am also a mom to three girls so can speak from personal experience. My own therapy has been incredibly helpful in raising my girls and keeping my sanity. I hope to provide healing, reassurance, humor, and relatability to you as a mom.
But you may still have questions about therapy for moms...
You can find yourself again
If mothering feels exhausting and overwhelming, I am here to provide a safe therapeutic space and help you find rest. If you’re ready to take that first step, even if it feels like another burden, I invite you to reach out.
Together we can move from surviving your motherhood journey to thriving.
