The transition to parenthood is one of the most transformative experiences a person can go through during their life. This time is both beautiful and extremely stressful. Whether it’s your first or your fifth+ child, in today’s world, almost all of us- both moms and dads- can benefit from some additional support in the years of pregnancy and raising children. My practice aims to assist you through all of the normal and abnormal challenges of this time that is short-lived but has long-lasting impacts on ourselves and our families. While each individual and family is unique in their needs and ways that they grow, common goals achieved in counseling include feeling more connected to yourself, your baby or child, and your partner; changing unhealthy family patterns you don’t want to repeat from past generations; feeling more confident in yourself as a parent and partner; improving work-life balance; feeling more supported and less alone; developing your unique identity as a parent and embracing this stage of life; and improving persistent feelings of anxiety, depression, shame, anger, and feeling overwhelmed. If you are struggling, want to better support a partner who is struggling, or would just like to utilize this uniquely powerful time in your life to become more of the person you want to be, I would love to meet you.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

At the end of our first session you can expect to already have gained a better understanding of what’s happening to your mind, body, and soul in this time of transition. Additionally you will have concrete first steps to start practicing now to move you closer to the life you want with your new family, and we will have an idea of how we will work together to help you and your family thrive.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

In my practice, I look at the individual both singularly and as a part of a unique family and social system. We will explore both what happens inside you as well as what happens within your family and systems you belong to (friends, work, religious communities, hobbies, etc.) to help you feel connected in a meaningful and positive way to yourself, others, and your world. We build understanding that guides our path through discussion of the past present and future, the use of creativity such as writing, art, music, or movement, practicing skills and techniques you can build in the present moment, building relationships with others, and learning helpful information about our minds and bodies.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

As a clinician, my strength comes in my ability to work with you to create a therapeutic system custom tailored to you and how you grow. I have experience in a variety of therapeutic techniques and can help find new ways for you to grow that are both effective and speak to you as an individual. No matter what techniques, we will always work to strengthen the whole person and find balance in our lives in all realms of wellbeing: emotional, mental, social, physical, and spiritual. I also offer online group sessions to help you feel connected to a community of parents who are also on a journey of growth, a tool that has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to promote a positive experience in early parenthood and mitigate emotional and mental postpartum complications.

About Shannon Kovalchick