Whether you are about to have a baby or have recently delivered, the physical changes to your body are intense.  Everyone can see these changes, from the outside.  But what about the mental, social and emotional changes? 

Some emotional adjustment is to be expected, sometimes known as the "baby blues."  These symptoms are usually resolved within a few weeks of birth.  But what happens when things feel worse than normal?  Could you be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD)?

Symptoms of PPD include:

- Heightened anxiety
- Feeling overwhelmed, feeling despair
- Abnormal loss of energy
- Change in eating patterns
- Sleeping too much or not at all
- Scary thoughts about the baby or others
- Depression beyond the normal "baby blues"
- Thoughts of suicide
- Fear of being alone with the baby
- Drastic change in relationship with others

If you think you may be suffering from pregnancy-related depression or postpartum depression and are unable to leave your home for counseling sessions, I may be able to help.

Is someone you love suffering?

It can be very painful to watch a loved one suffer from any sort of emotional pain, especially surrounding such a major life change. 
This is "supposed to be" a time of joy and celebration.  With a new baby in the home or on the way, along with all the attention and expectations that brings, a new mother may feel like she's unable to talk to those around her about what's bothering her.

If you feel like the new mother in your life is unable or unwilling to open up about her emotional health, please contact me for a free consultation.  Getting her help may be easier than you think.

Why would a therapist come to my home?

In-home counseling services are for new mothers or mothers-to-be who are unable to leave their homes to attend therapy sessions.  Reasons for being unable to leave home may include (but are not limited to) infant care responsibilities, disability, poor health (physical or mental) or recovery from surgery or other procedures. 

The goal of this service is to reach out to new mothers in order to help them reconnect and to understand that they are not alone.  Research shows that a major factor in overcoming postpartum depression is taking the first step to connect with someone, to talk about one's feelings, no matter how frightening, shocking or upsetting these feelings may be.

I have worked with many parents within the comfort and security of their own homes.  After an initial phone consultation, I will help you decide if our first meeting should take place in the office, or if the situation calls for an in-home appointment.  Other family members may be involved in therapy sessions if agreed to by the new mother, and if found to be therapeutically appropriate.

To learn more about in-home services, to schedule a free consulation or to make an appointment, please e-mail me or call at your earliest convenience. 

_______________________

Claire Greenhill, MS, LMHC 
600 N. 36th Street 
Suite 316
Seattle, Washington 98103

(206) 658-5374 - phone
(206) 260-7115 - fax

Claire@NorthSeattleTherapy.com