Therapy For Postpartum Anxiety & Depression-Alex Steric LCSW

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As a therapist that specializes in working with postpartum anxiety & depression and someone who has walked through postpartum anxiety firsthand, I see you. Motherhood brings so much joy, but it can also bring feelings of overwhelming fear, sadness, and isolation. If you’re finding yourself struggling to bond with your baby, constantly worried about their safety, or feeling like you’re drowning in sadness or irritability, you are not alone. I’ve been there, and I know how heavy it can feel. I am here to help you navigate pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and the postpartum journey. 

• Postpartum Anxiety: Intrusive thoughts, excessive worry, and feeling constantly on edge.
• Postpartum Depression: Sadness, disconnection, and a loss of interest in things that used to bring joy.
• Scary Thoughts: Disturbing thoughts that make you question yourself as a parent.
• Feeling like you are failing. Or feeling like you're not good enough as a mom or partner. 
• Overwhelm and Guilt: Feeling like you’re not doing enough or not enjoying motherhood as much as you "should."
• Feeling not like yourself: feeling disconnected, numb, or feeling like you miss who you were before baby. 
• Physical and Emotional Exhaustion: Sleepless nights and the toll of being needed 24/7.

In therapy, you’ll find a safe, compassionate space to:

• Talk About the Hard Stuff: Share your thoughts without judgment or shame.
• Learn to Manage Anxiety: Develop tools to calm your mind and quiet intrusive thoughts.
• Rediscover Yourself: Find moments of joy and identity beyond motherhood.
• Build a Support System: Learn how to ask for and accept help from loved ones.
• Heal and Grow: Process your experiences and build resilience as you move forward.

I understand postpartum anxiety and depression not only as a clinician but as a survivor. I know how isolating it can feel to struggle when you’re told this is supposed to be the happiest time of your life. My approach is empathetic, understanding, and rooted in the belief that healing is possible. Together, we’ll create a plan to help you navigate this season of life with compassion for yourself and hope for the future.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Therapy can be the space where you feel seen, heard, and supported as you heal. Let’s work together to help you feel like yourself again and enjoy motherhood on your own terms. See me in person in Ventura and Westlake Village, CA or virtually in California.

Giving birth can be one of the most transformative experiences of your life—but when it doesn’t go as planned, it can leave deep emotional wounds. If your birth experience was frightening, traumatic, or unexpected, you might be left feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or even disconnected from yourself or your baby. As someone who has both experienced and helped others navigate birth trauma, I want you to know: you are not alone, and your feelings are valid.

• Processing a Difficult Birth: Unpacking the fear, panic, or helplessness you felt during labor or delivery.
• Post-Traumatic Stress: Experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts related to your birth.
• Feeling Disconnected: Struggling to bond with your baby or feeling distant from loved ones.
• Anger and Grief: Mourning the loss of the birth experience you hoped for.
• Anxiety About Future Births: Worrying that it will happen again or feeling scared to grow your family.

Therapy provides a safe, supportive space to:

• Talk Through Your Experience: Share your story in a compassionate, non-judgmental environment.
• Process Trauma: Understand and heal from the emotional and physical impact of your birth.
• Manage Anxiety: Learn tools to calm your mind and reduce feelings of fear or panic.
• Rebuild Connection: Strengthen your bond with your baby and your sense of trust in your body.
• Find Closure and Hope: Move toward healing so you can feel empowered and confident in yourself again

I bring both personal experience and professional expertise to supporting mothers who have been through birth trauma. I am certified in Brainspotting which is a treatment modality that is very powerful and helpful in addressing trauma. I understand the complexity of what you’re feeling, and I believe in creating a safe place to process it all. You deserve healing mama, and it is possible.