You’ve probably heard terms like “baby blues” or “postpartum depression.” While these are real concerns for many expecting and postpartum mothers, it’s important to understand that there are actually a wide range of emotional responses that impact both new mothers and fathers.
Birth mothers may be more likely to experience perinatal mental health concerns. The physical changes and stress to the body, hormonal fluctuations, and concerns for your new child can all converge to create elevated emotional responses of all kinds. During and after pregnancy, women’s minds and bodies are on high alert to defend and protect the new baby, and this means that any emotion will be elevated. This can lead to higher levels of anxiety, stress, depression, and a variety of other emotions that can leave new moms feeling out of control and struggling to be the kind of parent they hoped to be for their child – or just to feel like themselves again.
While fathers and non-birth mothers don’t necessarily experience the same physical stresses and changes, they can still experience many emotional and cognitive changes after bringing home a new child. From increased anxiety to mood swings, the added stress of a new child can be difficult for all parents.
Expecting and new mothers and fathers can both benefit from therapy. Whether you’ve just given birth or you’ve chosen to foster or adopt a child, becoming a parent brings a lot of joy, but it also means more stress and fear. If you’re struggling to cope with the stresses of new parenthood, therapy may be a good option, especially if your disordered emotional or cognitive responses are impacting your ability to develop healthy bonds with your new child.
In addition to helping new parents, therapy can also be beneficial for parents who are taking on a range of parenting difficulties, including:
In many cases, therapy for parents is focused on finding solutions and geared toward helping parents solve problems, improve their parenting skills, and be the best parents for their children. For some parents, that means individual therapy for self-improvement. Other parents utilize therapy to help each member of the family find their place within the familial unit. Our therapists have training and experience to provide support and guidance to help parents lead fulfilling lives while providing their children with a stable, safe, loving environment where they are free to grow and thrive.
College life presents many challenges: fitting in with new friends, finding your independence, and navigating a new campus, new city, and new social scene! If you are a college student who also struggles with depression or anxiety, college life can be a very difficult adjustment. Our trained therapists are here to help you to overcome any challenges you face, to achieve success in your academic and social life. Located right next to an American University shuttle stop, we are conveniently located very close to the American University campus.
Sometimes, group therapy can be a complement to individual therapy, as you will connect with others who are on a similar journey of healing. Periodically, we offer groups to our clients. Two recent groups that Dandelion has run have been a group for women facing transitions in their lives, and a group for teen girls focusing on journaling and reflection. You can learn more about our current and upcoming groups by following the link below.
From imposter syndrome to panic attacks, disordered levels of anxiety can negatively impact your personal and professional life in a multitude of ways. Our Washington, DC and Maryland therapy team members are here to offer support and guidance to help you better understand and manage the effects of anxiety, so you can lead a more satisfying life.
Depression can rob you of your ability to enjoy and engage with every aspect of your life, and it can be difficult to find the strength to move forward. Talking to a therapist can help you find resilience and hope, which may be the first steps toward reclaiming and embracing your life with all of its joys and challenges.
Therapy for expecting and postpartum parents and parenting support services are offered by our knowledgeable practice director, Erika Bugaj. Erika holds multiple degrees and advanced certifications that allow her to provide effective therapy to help parents take good care of their children and themselves.
If you’re interested in learning more about working with the Dandelion Counseling & Care team for therapy services in our Washington, DC and Maryland practice or via online counseling sessions, we look forward to hearing from you. You can get in touch with us by:
DC Office:
Tenleytown
4000 Albemarle St, NW
Suite 500 (5th floor)
Washington, DC 20016
Maryland Office:
6930 Carroll Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912
Email:
Contact Us:
We look forward to hearing from you, and we’re always happy to help.
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If you’re here, you’ve taken the first step toward becoming the best and most fulfilled version of yourself, and the Dandelion Counseling & Care team is excited to be part of your therapy journey.
Whether you’re a parent who needs guidance or you’re looking for a therapist to support your struggling child, the Dandelion Counseling & Care team is here to help.
Let’s face it – being a parent is hard. Whether you have a baby on the way, you’re adopting or fostering, or you’re having trouble bonding with your child, you may want to consider working with a family therapist.
At Dandelion Counseling & Care, we are proud to offer group therapy and support groups in the Tenley town community. You can learn more about group therapy services on this page...
If you’re struggling with anxiety, we’re here to talk about it. At Dandelion Counseling & Care, we offer therapy for anxiety in our Tenleytown practice to help alleviate the effects of anxiety and develop skills...
One of the great things about working in the heart of Tenleytown is that Dandelion Counseling & Care is located near American University, The Washington College of Law, and...
At Dandelion Counseling & Care, we welcome adolescents and teens from the Tenleytown community to visit us for therapy. We regularly work with teens from Woodrow Wilson High School in the heart...
Depression may be the most common mood disorder impacting millions of people in the U.S. every year. If you’re one of the countless people trying to overcome the effects of depression, the good news is...
Shantius Jackson is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tenleytown, Washington, D. C. She has many years of experience working with young adults who are learning to manage life’s responsibilities/”adulting,” as...
Heather Ruiz is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Washington, DC with several years of experience working with individuals and families in various settings, including...
Devon Pu is a licensed graduate social worker in Tenleytown, Washington, D.C. with extensive experience in healthcare systems treating severe mental illness and trauma.
Kati is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor and Music Therapist in Tenleytown, Washington, D.C. who has worked with infants, children, teenagers and adults across medical, mental health, educational and community settings.
Jessica is a MSW student intern therapist, specializing in mental health counseling. With experience coaching teenagers and consulting professionals, she has a trained ear for empathy, solutions and execution.
Molly Byrom is a licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who serves clients in both Washington, D.C. and North Carolina. She specializes in working with individuals.....
Luba Gritsunov is a first-year MSW student at Ohio State University, specializing in mental health counseling. Having spent several years as an individual educator, she honed the skills of personalized support and active listening.
Julia Nessman is a second and final year Master of Social Work student through the Catholic University of America. She has several years of experience with advocacy and research pertaining to neurodiversity and youth mental health.
Anne-Marie Ruwe is Dandelion’s newest intern. She is a Master of Social Work student at Ohio State University, specializing in mental health and substance misuse. Anne-Marie is excited to expand her skillset...
Emely Taveras is a Resident in Marriage in Family Therapy in Tenleytown, Washington, D.C., and provides individual, couple, and family services and works with all populations in all stages of the life cycle including children, adolescents, and adults.
Erika Bugaj is a licensed independent clinical social worker practicing in Tenleytown, Washington, DC. Erika has many years of experience as a social worker...
Jada Maultsby is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tenleytown, Washington, D. C. with several years of experience working with individuals such as adults, young professionals, and college students. Jada has earned her Bachelors of Science from The Catholic University of America and her Masters of Social work from University of Maryland, Baltimore.
Ingrid Joseph is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor in Tenleytown, Washington, D. C. with experience in residential and healthcare systems treating severe mental illness and trauma.
Julia Nessman is a second and final year Master of Social Work student through the Catholic University of America. She has several years of experience with advocacy and research pertaining to neurodiversity and youth mental health.
Thomas Cody is an MSW Student Intern therapist in Tenleytown, Washington, DC with a passion for cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and mindfulness.
Sophia Jindoyan is a licensed graduate social worker in Washington, DC. Sophia has experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, and adults, and has a special interest in providing supportive, empathetic, and holistic trauma-informed care.
Zyer Beaty is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor in Washington, D. C. with over 6 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families. She has a heart for...
A first-year student at Ohio State University, specializing in mental health counseling. He is a native of Memphis, TN and has been working in the HIV field for over 10 years.
As an intern at Dandelion Counseling and Care, Keisha brings a unique blend of education and hands-on experience that reflects their commitment to fostering empowerment and healing in diverse populations.
Katie is a second-year master’s student at Catholic University, focusing on clinical social work and therapy. She previously worked in housing counseling with tenants at risk of being evicted.
Antonella Zara is a recent BSW graduate from The Catholic University of America and is currently working towards her MSW. She has previous experience with one on one counseling, case management and is now looking forward to working in a more therapeutic setting
Rachel Sanders is a recent graduate of the Catholic University of America. She studied social work in her undergrad degree, and found social work to be her passion, so she is now pursuing her Master’s degree at CUA.
Camille White is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tenleytown, Washington, D. C. with over fifteen years of experience working with children, adolescents, and...
Elżbieta holds Master Certified Coach credentials that place her in the top 3% of all ICF certified coaches in the world.
Caroline is a DC-based second year MSW student at Ohio State University, specializing in mental health counseling and substance use. She has over a decade of experience working with youth and adults in various...
As a Dandelion Counseling & Care student psychotherapist, creating a solid therapeutic relationship with clients is central to Talia’s effective and transformative therapy approach.
An advanced year student in Clinical Social Work at Catholic University, a Fellow at Children’s National Hospital and an intern in psychotherapy in Tenleytown, Washington, D. C.
