Many of the people I work with are navigating postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts after having a baby, or the emotional stress of fertility treatment. These experiences can feel overwhelming and isolating, even when everything looks “fine” from the outside. I’m Dr. Saira Jhutty, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in reproductive mental health, including postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts after having a baby, and the emotional challenges of fertility treatment. I work with individuals and couples navigating infertility, pregnancy after loss, third-party reproduction, and the complex transition into parenthood. My approach integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with a strong focus on self-compassion and values-based living. Rather than trying to “fix” difficult emotions, we work together to understand them and find ways to move forward that feel sustainable — especially during times when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded. Many of the people I work with feel exhausted, anxious, or unlike themselves after a baby or during fertility treatment. Therapy can be a space where you slow down, make sense of what you're experiencing, and begin to feel more like yourself again. Whether you’re navigating postpartum anxiety or depression, identity shifts after becoming a parent, pregnancy after infertility, or the emotional weight of fertility decisions, you don’t have to carry it alone.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we’ll focus on getting to know you and what has brought you to therapy at this point in your fertility or postpartum journey. Many people come in feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure where to start, and that’s completely okay. You don’t need to have the “right words” or a clear plan. I’ll invite you to share your story at your own pace, including what you’ve been navigating emotionally, physically, and relationally. We’ll talk about what has been most difficult recently, what support has (or hasn’t) been helpful, and what you’re hoping might feel different through therapy. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and practical. I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and CBT to help make sense of anxiety, intrusive thoughts, grief, and the identity shifts that can come with fertility challenges or new parenthood. Rather than rushing toward solutions, we focus on understanding what you’re experiencing and finding ways to move forward that feel manageable and aligned with your values. By the end of our first session, my hope is that you feel heard, supported, and clearer about whether working together feels like the right fit.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my greatest strengths is combining strong clinical training with a deep understanding of fertility and postpartum experiences. I’ve been practicing as a psychologist since 2013 and specialize in supporting people through infertility, pregnancy after loss, third-party reproduction, and the emotional transitions that can come with becoming a parent. Many of the clients I work with are dealing with postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts after having a baby, or the emotional exhaustion that can follow fertility treatment. These experiences often bring grief, worry, identity shifts, and long periods of uncertainty. In therapy, we work on understanding these emotions and learning how to respond to them with greater self-compassion rather than feeling overwhelmed by them. My approach integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while always tailoring the work to your unique experience. I place strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and creating a space where you feel safe, understood, and not alone in what you're going through. Clients often tell me they feel relief in finally having a place where their experience doesn’t need to be explained or minimized. My goal is to help you feel steadier, clearer, and more able to move forward in ways that feel meaningful and aligned with your values.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work with individuals and couples navigating fertility challenges, pregnancy after loss, and the emotional transition into early parenthood. Many of the people I see are experiencing postpartum anxiety or depression, intrusive thoughts after having a baby, or the emotional impact of infertility and fertility treatment. My clients are often thoughtful, high-functioning people who may appear “okay” on the outside but feel overwhelmed, anxious, grieving, or disconnected internally. You might be struggling with uncertainty, identity shifts after becoming a parent, complicated emotions you didn’t expect, or pressure to stay positive while feeling exhausted or stuck. I work especially well with clients who want a supportive space to better understand what they’re experiencing and learn how to move forward in ways that feel meaningful and aligned with their values. Therapy can be a place where you slow down, feel understood, and begin to reconnect with yourself during a time that may feel confusing or emotionally intense. If you're looking for therapy that is compassionate, culturally responsive, and grounded in evidence-based approaches, we may be a good fit.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach that focuses on the relationship between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It helps us understand how certain thinking patterns, such as self-criticism, catastrophic thinking, or unrealistic expectations, can intensify distress and influence how we respond to challenges. In my work, I use CBT to help clients identify and gently challenge thought patterns that may be contributing to anxiety, depression, or feelings of overwhelm. Together, we look at how these patterns developed, how they show up in daily life, and how to develop more balanced and supportive ways of thinking, without forcing positivity or ignoring real difficulties. CBT is especially helpful for fertility and postpartum concerns, where anxiety, guilt, and “shoulds” can become overwhelming. I take a practical, collaborative approach, helping clients build coping skills, emotional regulation strategies, and problem-solving tools that can be applied in real-world situations. Throughout therapy, we set clear, achievable goals and regularly check in on what’s working. My aim is to empower clients with tools they can continue using long after therapy, supporting lasting change and greater confidence in navigating life’s challenges.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a compassionate, evidence-based approach that helps people live meaningful lives even in the presence of difficult thoughts, emotions, or circumstances. Rather than trying to eliminate anxiety, sadness, or uncertainty, ACT focuses on changing how we relate to these experiences so they have less power over our lives. In my work, I use ACT to help clients notice and make space for painful thoughts or feelings, such as fear, grief, guilt, or self-criticism, without being consumed by them. We practice skills that support emotional flexibility, presence, and self-compassion, especially during times when life feels unpredictable or out of control. The “commitment” aspect of ACT involves clarifying what truly matters to you, your values, and identifying small, realistic steps that move you toward those values, even when emotions feel intense. This is particularly helpful in fertility and postpartum work, where waiting, loss, and uncertainty are often unavoidable. I integrate ACT in a practical, collaborative way, tailoring interventions to each client’s needs and pace. The goal is not to feel better immediately, but to build a steadier, more grounded way of living that allows you to engage with your life more fully and meaningfully.
Interpersonal
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is an evidence-based approach that focuses on how our relationships and life transitions affect our emotional well-being. Many mental health challenges, especially during major life changes like becoming a parent, are closely connected to shifts in roles, expectations, and support systems. In therapy, I use IPT to help clients explore how relationships, communication patterns, and life transitions may be contributing to feelings of anxiety, sadness, or isolation. This can be especially helpful during the postpartum period, when changes in identity, partnership dynamics, family roles, and support networks can feel overwhelming. Together, we look at ways to strengthen communication, build supportive relationships, and navigate important transitions with greater clarity and confidence. We also focus on identifying what kind of support you need and how to ask for it in ways that feel comfortable and authentic. My approach to IPT is collaborative and practical. The goal is to help you feel more connected, supported, and able to navigate the relational and emotional changes that often accompany fertility challenges and early parenthood.