Therapy for Women and Mothers
“For when a child is born the mother is also born again”
—Gilbert Parker
Have you or a loved one suffered a miscarriage, difficult pregnancy or birth? Did something unexpected happen? Are you worried about childbirth, becoming a parent, or the future of your family? Do you feel lost, overwhelmed, and unsure of where to turn?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions: You are not alone! I can help.
My name is Rebecca Horner, LCSW, and I provide therapy for women and mothers from all over Charlotte, North Carolina – people just like you – because everyone deserves a chance at wellbeing. My therapy is specifically tailored to help you feel supported and cared for as you work through the expected and sometimes unexpected challenges of pregnancy, birth, childrearing, and more.
If you are interested and ready to sign up, contact me today. Read on to learn more about how pregnancy and motherhood can impact one’s wellbeing.
Do I need therapy?
Pregnancy is usually a straightforward process.
Most of the time, things move along as expected. You get regular checkups, plan for the future, and give birth to a healthy baby. This is supposed to be one of the most meaningful and joyful experiences in a woman’s life. You deserve to feel safe and secure during your pregnancy and childbirth. You deserve to give birth to a healthy baby, hold them in your arms, and cherish the moment.
But that doesn’t always happen.
The unfortunate reality is, sometimes pregnancy and childbirth is far from joyful. The process can be uncomfortable, painful, scary, and traumatic. As many families unfortunately know, many things can unexpectedly go wrong during pregnancy and childbirth – complications, miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, a difficult delivery, and even death.
Although every woman suffers when she experiences a difficult pregnancy and/or childbirth, some women experience intense and long lasting psychological symptoms.
Some symptoms might include:
- Feeling disconnected from your baby
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Repetitive flashbacks of the event(s) (painfully re-living the experience in your mind)
- Feelings of guilt or shame
- Feeling down, depressed, or sad
- Loneliness
- Feeling isolated from family and friends
- Problems with sleep
- Obsessive thoughts about the incident (such as “If only I had…”)
- Resentment or anger
- Sadness, grief
If you or a loved one are experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties before, during, or after the process of childbirth, therapy can help.
How can therapy help?
Difficult pregnancy or childbirth experiences oftentimes cause emotional, physical, and even spiritual pain.
Sometimes we worry that if we allow ourselves to “feel our feelings,” we will be engulfed by them and not be able to handle it. Oftentimes, well-meaning family members or friends simply don’t have the capacity or skill to “be with” such intense emotion, let alone help to relieve it.
That’s where therapy comes in.
Therapy gives you the chance to meet one-on-one in a safe, confidential space where you can share, feel understood, and receive support. You can learn to reconnect with yourself and others. You can process and move forward from uncomfortable, distressing memories. And, you can discover essential coping strategies that bolster your wellness and help you move towards your goals.
No matter how bad things might seem, no matter how long you’ve struggled, there is hope.
What does therapy look like with Rebecca?
I am here to tell you that healing IS possible. I have seen it happen time and time again. In my work with mothers I create a safe and non-judgmental space that allows any and all feelings to arise and be met with courage, hope, and understanding. We will work together to respectfully explore your mind and body’s experience of your difficult pregnancy and/or childbirth. I will share appropriate and effective therapeutic techniques and strategies with you. I will fully support you as you move through what may feel like a very dark time in your life, into the light.
Over the past 15 years of clinical practice I have helped hundreds of women just like you overcome life’s challenges. I have supported mothers and fathers during difficult pregnancies and deliveries in an effort to prevent the symptoms listed above from taking root. I have been with pregnant mothers when they learned of their baby’s devastating diagnosis, or as they were forced to abandon their lovingly created birth plan.
I have a deep and abiding understanding of all that can go wrong and just how badly it can hurt. I also know it is possible for you to heal, feel safe and certain again, and move forward into a life filled with joy and meaning.
Together, we can make that happen.
Let’s work together!
Want to learn more about my services? Interested in signing up for your first session? Contact me today to get started – I would love to hear from you.