fertility journey+pregnancy+postpartum

Therapy for Moms & Birthing People in South Pasadena, Los Angeles and throughout California

YOUR emotional wellness MATTERS.

New moms do better with support.

If it seems like you’re losing yourself along the way to becoming a parent, if you feel overwhelmed by what you’re going through, or struggling with a sense of loneliness and isolation, you’re not alone. Problems with mood and anxiety are the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) affect up to 1 in 5 birthing people.

Whether you're having trouble adjusting to a whole new identity during early parenthood, struggling with sadness or depression that won’t go away, or having scary thoughts and constant worry, perinatal counseling and therapy can help you navigate the unexpected from pre-conception through pregnancy and postpartum. 

TAKING CARE OF YOU

Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Therapy for Moms in Pasadena, California

Taking care of your emotional and psychological health is every bit as important as other kinds of preparation and support you need and deserve during the family building years.

I’m a Certified Perinatal Mental Healthcare Specialist, offering therapy that allows you to be open and honest about all of your feelings and experiences-no matter what they are. Postpartum depression and anxiety are treatable, and with the right kind of help you’ll feel more like yourself, more confident and at ease as you adjust to your role as a parent.

LGBTQIA+

  • Process your story (IVF/ART, losses, birth trauma, death of a baby) so that you can talk about your experiences without the same level of distress

    Overcome avoidance, be able to look at your photos, hear about others’ birth stories, or see babies or pregnant people and not be overwhelmed with painful feelings and memories-and most of all, feel more bonded to your baby

    Build your confidence by addressing fears, concerns, or unresolved trauma to prepare for another round of fertility treatment, pregnancy or labor and delivery

    Stop the cycle of worry by learning how to manage intrusive thoughts, calm your mind and body

    Set boundaries that support you and your family at every stage of family building

    Cultivate self-compassion for what you’ve been through and the challenges you’re currently facing

    Learn coping skills to help you understand and manage your emotions as you navigate fertility, pregnancy and postpartum

    Feel more connected to your body, your sense of identity, and the people most important to you

    Find more ease and confidence in your parenting

  • During pregnancy and postpartum, women face so many changes.  Adjusting to life with a new baby can cause unexpected challenges, and problems with depression and anxiety. 

    • Feeling disconnected from others?

    • Difficulty bonding with your baby?

    • Feeling more irritability, unexplained anger or even rage?

    • Problems with eating and sleeping?

    • Having unwanted thoughts that scare you?

    • Sadness or depressed mood that won't go away?

    • Feeling that your baby would be better off without you?

    If you recognize some of these symptoms in yourself, you're not alone.  Depression is extremely common during pregnancy and postpartum, even if this isn't your first pregnancy.

  • If you're struggling with anxiety, your experience is not unusual. Anxiety is the most common problem affecting women’s mental and emotional well being. And due to so many changes during and after pregnancy, women become even more vulnerable to serious problems with anxiety during the transition to parenthood.

    When you’re struggling with anxiety, you may be feeling:

    • constantly on edge, like something bad is about to happen

    • panic

    • your body is full of adrenaline, and you’re unable to relax and breath normally

    • worried for reasons you can't understand, imagining worst case scenarios

    • unable to focus enough to get things done

    • physical tension, racing heart, nausea/stomach distress, shallow breathing, tight chest

    • scary/disturbing intrusive thoughts, usually about harm coming to the baby

    • sleep disturbance due to worried thoughts or behaviors, such as frequently feeling the need to check on the baby throughout the night

    • avoiding certain situations or activities, such as driving or leaving the house

    • concern about being alone with the baby

    Anxiety is treatable.  Even if you’re feeling stuck or confused, therapy for anxiety can help.

Hi there, I’m Holly Evans.

Has your journey into parenthood been complicated and hard? You’re in the right place.

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), specializing in trauma recovery and perinatal mental health. I offer EMDR and trauma focused therapies to support people who’re facing struggles with depression, anxiety and the effects of trauma during the perinatal period (from trying to conceive and fertility journey, through pregnancy and postpartum).

Sessions are available online throughout California or in-person in my South Pasadena office. Babies are welcome.

LGBTQ+ affirming

Here when you’re ready to talk.

Reaching out for help is a big step and I want to make the process as comfortable and easy to understand as possible. To get started, just call or email me to schedule your free consultation. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

@hollyaevansmft