I'm Allie, an EMDR Certified therapist and mom of a toddler. Being a parent is hard enough without our own running dialogue and judgments telling us we're doing it wrong, or should be doing more somehow. Seemingly innocuous moments with family, your own kids, friends and spouse can leave you feeling anxious, riddled with self doubt, anger and guilt. A lot of my clients were raised to believe that their voice didn't matter, that they have to put on a smile or focus on everyone else's needs first. This leaves them depleted, irritable and on edge and wondering why parenthood is so hard. Moms who get triggered by their kids' tantrums, who get the urge to yell but hold it in, I see you. Moms who let the yell out and then are riddled with guilt and feel like the worst mother in the world, I see you.

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

In our first session, we'll discuss what's bringing you in, what's going on in the here and now that's making you say "not anymore!" We'll explore, conversationally, what growing up was like for you, and some of the messages you received in early childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. Together we will begin to notice patterns and areas you'd like to address (not feeling appreciated, or waking up every night with panic, or losing your sh*t on your kids and feeling terrible about it). This first session is a chance for you to ask questions, too.

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

I have experience not only as an anxious mom myself, but as a mom who was overcome with worry and guilt about not doing enough (despite the fact that I spent very little time on my own wants and needs). For me, EMDR therapy helped give me back my voice and the ability to not just know in my head but fully believe in my gut that I was enough, as is. EMDR helped me personally escape the crippling anxiety and overwhelm and resentment I felt- and it has helped so many moms I work with now!

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

Many of the moms I work with describe themselves as irritable, overwhelmed, and stuck in a cycle of trying to do it all—only to feel like it’s never enough. You’re juggling tantrums, sleepless nights, and endless to-dos, but deep down, you wonder if you’re messing it all up. Maybe you feel the pressure to always be the “perfect mom,” but no matter how hard you try, the confidence and appreciation you crave don’t come. This pattern isn’t new. Like me, you might have grown up as the family hero—the one who held it all together by being helpful, achieving, and keeping a good attitude. That worked back then, but in motherhood, trying to live up to those impossible expectations just leaves you depleted and unseen.

About Allie Kidd

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