I am a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in maternal mental health, particularly in areas related to Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, including postpartum depression and anxiety, pregnancy loss, and birth trauma. My focus is on supporting birthing-persons and families as they navigate the emotional challenges surrounding pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood. My approach is client-centered and compassionate, aimed at creating a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your feelings, build resilience, and develop effective coping strategies. Together, we will work towards your goals and empower you on your journey to emotional well-being.

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

Clients can expect a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental environment in the first session. They can anticipate from the start, I will provide a safe and compassionate space where they can share their feelings openly. They’ll be encouraged to talk about their current struggles, fears, or concerns without fear of judgment. I will gently guide you through discussing your emotional, mental, and physical experiences related to pregnancy, postpartum, or birth. Whether it's anxiety, depression, birth trauma, or the challenges of new parenthood, I’ll listen carefully to understand your unique situation. I will gather relevant background information about your mental health history, medical history, pregnancy, childbirth experience, and current support system. This helps tailor my approach to your specific needs. Together, you and I will begin identifying key issues and collaboratively set goals for therapy. Whether it’s finding relief from overwhelming emotions, processing trauma, or improving your emotional well-being, these goals will serve as a foundation for future sessions. Above all, I will focus on creating a trusting relationship. You will leave the session feeling heard, validated, and reassured that they are not alone in this journey. By the end of the session, you will have a clearer understanding of the therapeutic process, feel supported in your challenges, and be empowered to take the next steps towards emotional healing.

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

As a maternal mental health provider, my greatest strengths includes creating a warm, non-judgmental space where you truly feel heard and understood. My ability to connect with clients on a deep emotional level fosters trust and allows them to open up about their struggles. My deep knowledge of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), including postpartum depression, anxiety, pregnancy loss, and birth trauma, enables me to provide targeted, effective support. Clients can trust that I understand the unique challenges of parenthood and the perinatal period. I am skilled at tailoring therapy to meet the individual needs of each client. I will collaborate with you to set goals and develop strategies that align with their specific emotional and life circumstances. I focus on helping you develop practical coping tools and emotional resilience is key, empower all to manage stress, anxiety, and depression, equipping them with skills they can use long after therapy ends. I recognize that maternal mental health often impacts partners and families as well and I offer support and guidance to help the entire family unit navigate challenges, strengthening relationships and promoting healing on a broader level. I provide a safe environment free of judgment, where you can express even the most difficult or stigmatized feelings. This allows for deeper exploration and healing, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like pregnancy loss or birth trauma. These strengths help me provide compassionate, effective care to clients as they navigate the emotional challenges of motherhood.

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

I serve birthing-persons and families navigating the emotional complexities of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood. My ideal clients include expecting or new birthing-persons experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or emotional distress during pregnancy or postpartum. Birthing-persons feeling overwhelmed by the demands of new parenthood, struggling with feelings of inadequacy, irritability, or detachment from their baby, women coping with birth trauma, whether it’s due to a complicated delivery, unexpected medical interventions, or unmet birth expectations. Those grieving a pregnancy loss or coping with the emotional aftermath of miscarriage or stillbirth, needing compassionate support as they process their grief. Partners and families affected by PMADs, who may need guidance in understanding and supporting their loved one’s emotional health. Remember..... You are not to blame, and you are not to alone!

About Natashia L. Leonard