Postpartum Therapist Los Angeles
Takeaway: Whether you've recently become a mom for the first time or have dealt with the postpartum period before, you don't have to navigate it alone. Though putting your mental health first can be hard, especially for moms, it’s essential. Working with a postpartum therapist in Los Angeles can provide you with the space you need to process this transition and help you feel like yourself again.
Does this sound like you?
You just gave birth to your little one, and you're struggling to adjust. Of course, you were thrilled to meet your baby, but nothing could have prepared you for the mental and physical exhaustion and overwhelm that come along with being a new parent.
Or maybe you've already given birth once before, but experienced birth trauma with your second (or third). You know the drill of caring for an infant, but it's completely different when you're also trying to tend to your other child at the same time.
Whether you're a new mom or recently gave birth to another baby, you deserve support. Postpartum is such a tender time, full of transitions, emotions, and mental illness. Working with a postpartum therapist in Los Angeles can give you the space to process it all.
learn more about me
Meet Gayane Aramyan, LMFT
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I help women like you navigate the postpartum period and all of the stressors it can bring. I see clients in person at my office in Sherman Oaks, and I also offer online therapy.
I graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a bachelor's degree in Psychology before earning my master's degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University. I've been trained in several different therapeutic approaches, and perinatal mental health is a special interest of mine-especially being a mom myself.
I know firsthand how challenging it can be to adjust to life postpartum. I meet all of my clients with compassion and understanding. While it might feel uncomfortable at first, postpartum therapy is all about you. My hope is that you grow to enjoy putting yourself first in this way.
It takes a lot for anyone-especially new moms-to reach out for support and make time for themselves, so I don't put pressure on my clients to show up in any particular way. Therapy should be a space where you can be unapologetically yourself.
During our time together, we'll process all of the feelings and transitions that come along with life after pregnancy. Talk therapy is a place where you can get the emotional support you need, as well as work through any roadblocks that prevent you from thriving in your role as a new mom.
Over the course of our work, my goal is to help you embrace your postpartum experience-whatever that looks like-without judgment or shame. You'll also leave our sessions with tangible strategies that you can use to support your mental health in your everyday life.
Sounds like we might be a good match for each other? I encourage you to reach out to start the process of postpartum therapy in Los Angeles today. I look forward to connecting with you!
my approach to postpartum therapy in Los Angeles
ISSUES I SUPPORT MOMS WITH
Each woman has a different postpartum experience. With that being said, many women I work with have similar struggles. Don't worry if you don't see yours on this list-these are just a few examples of the kinds of issues that I can help with.
Postpartum Depression
It's common to experience "baby blues" after giving birth. After all, birth is a huge transition for your mind and body. However, baby blues typically only last a few days, up to a couple weeks, after giving birth. If your mood hasn't bounced back by then, you might be experiencing postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression goes beyond just feeling sad. Again, each woman's experience is different, but some common postpartum depressive symptoms include mood swings, trouble bonding with your baby, changes in appetite and sleep, withdrawing from loved ones, and feeling worthless or guilty.
Changes in Identity
Becoming a mom is a complete transformation of your identity. Suddenly, you are responsible for taking care of a tiny human who depends on you for everything. Though you have a lot of love for your baby, that's undeniably a lot of pressure.
There are other identity and role changes that take place in the postpartum period, too. Your relationship with your partner may change, and even your relationships with family and friends. The way you view yourself is likely to change as well, and that can be a lot to process. Therapy can give you the space to make sense of it all.
Postpartum Anxiety Disorders
Some women experience anxiety alongside or instead of postpartum depression. While it's unclear what causes postpartum anxiety, you might be at risk if you have a family history or preexisting generalized anxiety disorder. Hormonal changes and lack of sleep can also contribute.
Women who experience postpartum anxiety may have a constant worry that their baby is in danger. Other symptoms include racing heart, muscle tension, trouble relaxing, feeling on edge, and having obsessive thoughts.
Birth Trauma
While every woman hopes for a positive birth experience that goes exactly as planned, that's (unfortunately) not the case for many women. Many new moms experience birth trauma, which may even lead to developing post traumatic stress disorder.
There are many different types of birth trauma. It's also important to remember that what is traumatic for one person might not feel traumatic to another. Your experience is valid no matter what. Some potentially traumatic birth experiences include unforeseen medical issues for mom or baby, spending time in the NICU, or having to unexpectedly change your birth plan.
Overall Mental Health
You don't have to experience a postpartum mood disorder or other mental health issue to benefit from therapy. There are so many changes that take place when you become a mom, and it's hard to take it all in.
Working with a mental health professional can give you the support you need, whether that's treating postpartum depression, anxiety, or simply processing what it feels like to care for your new baby.
How working with a postpartum depression therapist can help you
While all moms come to therapy with different struggles, goals, and strengths, many experience similar benefits. Here are just a few examples of what you may be able to gain from working with a PPD therapist in Los Angeles.
Learn communication skills to improve your relationship with your partner
Improve symptoms of anxiety and depression
Learn new self care skills to use outside of session
Process the emotions that come with being a new mom
Have a safe space to share your fears and intrusive thoughts
Recover from trauma, such as a traumatic birth experience
Break through mental blocks or unhelpful thought patterns
Again, you might experience different benefits from therapy depending on your unique experience. If you're curious whether working with a postpartum depression therapist in Los Angeles can be useful for you, I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation.
FAQs about postpartum therapy in Los Angeles
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Making decisions can be hard when you're already overwhelmed with adjusting to life as a new mom. However, there is no "right" or "wrong" reason to seek help from a qualified therapist. I believe that all postpartum women can benefit from therapy.
With that being said, I especially recommend seeking support if you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression. These symptoms should be taken seriously-plus, you can experience significant relief with the appropriate treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
However, even if you have had a generally positive postpartum experience so far, being a new mama is hard. Everything changes when your baby enters your life, and while your child is a beautiful gift, the transition can be a lot to take in.
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Reaching out for help can be difficult, especially if you're not even sure where to start. However, there are many different ways that you can find a PPD therapist near you. A quick Google search can help you connect with postpartum therapists in Los Angeles.
Directories are another great way to find a therapist. For example, Postpartum Support International has a provider directory that can help you connect with trained perinatal therapists in your area. The Los Angeles County Maternal Mental Health Resource Directory is another option.
It's also important to remember that nearly 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression. That means that someone you know has likely struggled. If you're comfortable, it may be worth asking the women in your life for therapy recommendations. You can also ask your healthcare provider to help point you in the right direction.
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Thankfully, increased awareness around postnatal depression and other related disorders and issues have led to more resources. There are tons of different ways that you can get support for navigating life as a new mom.
Along with their provider directory, Postpartum Support International has many other resources, including online support groups, a peer support program, and free, live phone sessions with experts.
If you're interested in support groups, I offer a group counseling program in Los Angeles that's especially designed for new mothers. Getting mother to mother support can be validating and helpful for many women.
Your primary care provider can also provide alternative treatments for perinatal depression. Some women benefit from medication for treating anxiety and depression. It's best to consult with your healthcare providers if you're interested in exploring this option.
A postpartum therapist in Los Angeles can help you navigate your new role as a mom
Whether you're struggling with your mental health after giving birth or simply want help making sense of this new chapter in your life, I'm here to support you. I've helped dozens of new moms like you so I've seen (and experienced firsthand) how challenging the adjustment can be.
Even if it feels like it right now, you're not alone. So many women feel this way, and you shouldn't have to navigate this by yourself. Reach out today to start the process of postpartum therapy in Los Angeles. I look forward to meeting you!
