Therapy for Expecting & Postpartum Parents in Tenleytown

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. We know that therapy can sound like an extreme option. You may be telling yourself that what you’re facing needs to be handled privately or that therapy is for “serious” issues. If you feel that something isn’t right or want to do better, therapy for expecting and postpartum parents may help. You can learn more about therapy services for parents on this page, and we’re happy to answer any questions you have. Don’t hesitate to contact Dandelion Counseling & Care to find out more.

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Common Concerns for Expecting & New Parents

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.

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Therapy for Perinatal Mental Wellness

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.

Therapy to Support Parents

In addition to helping new parents, therapy can also be beneficial for parents who are taking on a range of parenting difficulties, including: 

  • Parents who are having a tough time bonding with their child (at any age)
  • Parents of children who are having behavioral, academic, or interpersonal issues
  • Parents who are blending families 
  • Newly divorced or separated parents who are learning how to coparent
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What Happens During Therapy for Expecting & Postpartum Parents?

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.

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Individual Therapy for College and University Students

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.

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Group Therapy & Support Groups

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.

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Therapy for Anxiety

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.

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Therapy for Depression

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.

Who Offers Therapy for Expecting & Postpartum Parents?

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.

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MA, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, LCSW-C

Erika Bugaj

Get Started Working with Us

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:

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Therapy for Adults

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.

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Therapy for Children & Families

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.

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Therapy for Parents

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.

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Group Therapy & Support Groups

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...

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Therapy for Anxiety

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...

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Therapy for College & University Students

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...

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Therapy for Teens

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...

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Therapy for Depression

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...

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Shantius Jackson, MS, LPC

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...

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Heather Ruiz, MSW, LMSW, LGSW

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...

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Erika Bugaj, MA, MSW, LICSW LCSW, LCSW-C

Erika Bugaj is a licensed independent clinical social worker practicing in Tenleytown, Washington, DC. Erika has many years of experience as a social worker...

Luba-Gritsunov

Luba Gritsunov, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

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

Julia Nessman, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

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.

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Anne-Marie Ruwe

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...

Molly Byrom, MSW, LICSW & Staff Therapist

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.....

Devon Pu,MSW, LGSW

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.

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Zyer Beaty, PhD, LGPC, NCC

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...

Courtney-Johnson

Courtney Johnson, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

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. 

Keisha-Jones

Keisha Jones, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

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 Jarvis, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

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, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

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, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

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.

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Camille White, MA, MS, LPC, NCC

Camille White is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tenleytown, Washington, D. C. with over fifteen years of experience working with children, adolescents, and...

Elżbieta Jabłońska, EMBA, PhD candidate, MCC ICF

Elżbieta holds Master Certified Coach credentials that place her in the top 3% of all ICF certified coaches in the world.

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Caroline Erickson

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...

Talia Pfeffer

Talia Pfeffer, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

As a Dandelion Counseling & Care student psychotherapist, creating a solid therapeutic relationship with clients is central to Talia’s effective and transformative therapy approach.

Sarah Hair

Sarah Hair, MA, MSW 2nd year candidate

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.

Emely Taveras, MS, Resident MFT

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.

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