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 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 practice or via online counseling sessions, we look forward to hearing from you. You can get in touch with us by:
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...
Nature-informed therapy combines the healing effects of nature with therapeutic practices. It encourages restoration, self-reflection, and supports the change-making process. Nature-informed therapy can take...
Lennie is a licensed graduate social worker in Washington D.C. who provides therapy for adults across the lifespan, and for adolescents...
Thomas Cody is an MSW Staff Therapist in Tenleytown, Washington, DC with a passion for cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and mindfulness...
Natalie Ciaccio is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Tenleytown, Washington, DC with several years of experience working with children, youth and families...
Jacqueline Burnett is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Tenleytown, Washington D.C. with several years of experience working with individuals across the lifespan—including adolescents, adults of all ages, and couples...
Elizabeth is an AMFT staff therapist in Washington, D.C. who works with individuals, couples, and children.
Andrea Levine is a licensed graduate social worker in Washington, DC, who works with adults across the lifespan, young adults, including college students, and adolescents...
Erika Bugaj is a licensed independent clinical social worker practicing in Tenleytown, Washington, DC. Erika has many years of experience as a social worker and therapist, as well as experience as a teacher...
Meg Lazerow is a MSW Student Intern Therapist based in Tenleytown, Washington DC, with a deep interest in using attachment and family-oriented approaches to help clients of all ages and backgrounds reach their goals...
Mike Gallan is a MSW Student Intern therapist in Tenleytown, Washington, D.C. He aspires to empower individuals of all ages with empathy, cultural humility, and a client-centered approach...
Veronica is a MSW student intern therapist focused on helping her clients use evidence-based strategies to manage anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, life transitions, trauma, stress management, work/life balance, and career development...
Tamia Hill (she/her) is MSW student intern therapist based in Washington, D.C. In the progress of completing her master’s degree, Tamia has gained experience in working with teenagers, college aged students, and adults...
Matthew Hayes is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) in Tenleytown, Washington, D.C. who has worked with child, adolescent, and young adult populations across group practice and community-based settings.
Audrey Wynn is our Intake Coordinator and a recent graduate of George Washington University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Brain Sciences with a minor in Criminal Justice...
