Postpartum Therapist Colorado Springs
Takeaway: Whether you’re newly pregnant, adjusting to life with a newborn, or struggling to find yourself after parenting for years, we’re here to help. Our expert postpartum counselors specialize in supporting and empowering mothers at all stages of their parenting journeys. Connect with us today to get started.
Our approach to postpartum therapy
Seeking support during a transitional time can be hard. We try to make it as simple for you as possible. We offer in-person therapy in Colorado Springs and online therapy throughout Colorado. We don't want travel time, childcare, or any other time constraint to keep you from getting help.
It is important to us that our scheduling and intake processes are easy. More importantly, we are committed to creating a judgment-free space where you can feel safe and truly valued as the important mother and woman you are.
We know that there is no on-size-fits-all approach to treatment. After all, you're human and you have your own unique experiences and values! At your first session, you and your therapist will work together to develop the best treatment plan for your circumstances. We believe that therapy should be productive, so we will consistently check in to ensure that you are moving in the direction you want to go. Our overall mission for every client is to help you explore, heal, and grow so that you can create YOUR beautiful life. We know that, no matter where you are right now, change is possible. We love supporting brave new mamas in making positive changes.
Your work with your therapist will involve clinical approaches of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness techniques, and Written Exposure Therapy (WET) for trauma when necessary. At Exploration Counseling, we recognize that talk therapy is not the only way to explore, heal, and grow. We emphasize relationships, service to others, spending time outdoors, treating your body well, and taking ownership of your life. We believe that therapy is a means to improve the areas in your life that matter to you.
Why choose Exploration Counseling & Consulting
Choosing the right perinatal counselor for you is not a decision that should be taken lightly. We know the importance of having the right pregnancy therapist or postpartum counselor in your corner. When we meet with a new mom with postpartum concerns it is not uncommon to hear things such as, "I'm so ashamed of the thoughts in my head" or "I'm afraid to be honest about how I'm feeling because I don't want someone to take my baby." Unfortunately, there is so much misinformation in the media about postpartum depression and other PMADs, that seeking treatment can be hard for new mothers. We understand the nuances of this period and we can help you better understand the challenges you are experiencing. So, why choose Exploration Counseling? Here are just a few reasons:
All of our therapists have specialized training in pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders. We know the unique factors that need to be considered when treating a woman during the seasons of pregnancy, pregnancy loss, or new motherhood.
Our goal is that no client should have to wait more than two weeks for an intake appointment. When you're ready to connect, we'll be ready to welcome you. No long waits.
We make therapy accessible. Not only do we offer both in-person and online therapy, but we know that sometimes (or always) there will be a little one sleeping on your shoulder, nursing, or playing next to you. We don't mind at all. We love it! We don't allow childcare issues to prohibit our work together.
Our convenient client portal allows you to complete your paperwork, upload your payment information, schedule or reschedule an appointment, and request your records at any time!
We focus on YOU. You spend your time taking care of your baby, and we take care of you. Yes, we know some skills and have evidence-based (meaning it's proven to be effective) training to help you feel better, but our focus is on making sure we are going in the direction you want to go. You should leave each session feeling valued, encouraged, and hopeful because you'll be confident you are moving in the right direction.
We encourage simple, online scheduling. No need to play phone or email tag...just schedule directly from our website!
3 top-rated postpartum therapists in Colorado Springs
Shaye Meissen, LPC, PMH-C
Shaye is the owner of Exploration Counseling and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado and Missouri. She is a clinical supervisor, and a certified perinatal mental health therapist (PMH-C). She has been working with individuals and families for over 10 years to navigate life's struggles and live more fully. Shaye believes that healthy relationships are the foundation of a beautiful life and she is committed to helping you become the person, partner, and parent you want to be.
Credentials: LPC, PMH-C (Shaye is licensed in both Colorado and Missouri)
Colorado License Number: LPC.0012830
Shaye holds a master's degree (MS) in Clinical Psychology from Missouri State University.
Shaye offers both online therapy and in-person therapy in Colorado Springs.
Providing postpartum therapy since 2018
Shaye utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), outdoor therapy, and mindfulness skills in her work.
Paige Lloyd, LPC, PMH-C
Paige is a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate and Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate in Colorado and California. Paige is also a certified perinatal mental health counselor (PMH-C). She is here to help you in the evolution of becoming the person you want to be. She loves working with new moms and couples as they discover their new world and work to balance the demands of everyday life.
Credentials: LPC, MFTC, PMH-C
Colorado License Number: LPCC.0018129, MFTC.0014116
Paige holds a Master's Degree (MS) in Counseling Psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA.
Paige offers online therapy to clients throughout Colorado.
Providing postpartum therapy since 2022
Paige utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness techniques in her work.
Melanie McQuiston, LPC
Melanie is a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in the state of Colorado. She takes a direct and solution-focused approach to helping you move in the direction you want to go. Melanie has a knack for supporting people through difficult life changes and transitions in a way that is both effective and empowering.
Credentials: LPC
License Number: LPCC.0019310
Melanie holds a Master's Degree (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Oakland University.
Melanie offers online therapy to clients throughout Colorado.
Providing postpartum therapy since 2022
Melanie utilizes ACT, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and solution-focused therapy in her work.
FAQs about working with a postpartum or prenatal therapist
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Perinatal counseling is mental health treatment specifically during the time from pregnancy to one year after delivery. The specific field of perinatal psychology is somewhat new, although historical information shows that postpartum mental health struggles have been observed for a long time. There just weren't words or terms to define what was happening. Today, it is more known that specific changes (hormonal, environmental, social, etc) can contribute to pregnancy and postpartum mental illness.
Perinatal therapists undergo additional training in the specifics of the PMADs (which often are not taught in traditional master's level training), evidenced-based treatment approaches, and coping strategies supporting the delicate transitions into motherhood.
Postpartum Support International (PSI) provides an intensive and thorough training and certification program for perinatal therapists. All of our clinicians have either received their Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) or are in the process of doing so. We each engage in ongoing training and continued education to stay up-to-date on the latest maternal mental health topics and treatments.
As mentioned previously, one in five women will experience a PMAD during pregnancy or after delivery. It is important to have a qualified professional on your team to help you understand what is happening and guide you in feeling better.
You can learn more about maternal mental health and postpartum support through the following links:
• Prevalence for Postpartum Depression and Interventions
• Association Between Social Support and Postpartum Depression
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We believe it is important for all women to see a therapist during pregnancy, whether it is your first child or fifth. Even if you are not suffering from depression, anxiety, or a current mental health issue, having a therapist for pregnancy creates some piece of mind knowing that you have a professional relationship with a trusted provider when you need it. Pregnancy is an exciting time, but many women also experience uncertainty, questions, or even fear. We can help through it all.
A lot of our clients come to us during pregnancy because they want to be prepared. We work with clients during pregnancy and are there to support postpartum. Often, postpartum distress can come on quickly and unexpectedly. If you are suffering (and tired, and overwhelmed...) the last thing you want to do is go on the search for a therapist. This is why having someone that you already know and trust available to you is extremely helpful.
We don't require any specific commitments regarding the frequency of sessions or duration of treatment. Once you are connected, we will be there to help you if or when we are needed.
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If you are wondering, "Where can I find postpartum counselors near me?" keep reading! At Exploration Counseling, we offer in-person therapy in Colorado Springs and also provide telehealth to our clients throughout Colorado. Our Practice Coordinator would be happy to talk with you and see if working together is a good fit for your needs. We will also offer referrals to other trusted clinicians if it is decided we are not the best fit. Contact us here.
Postpartum Support International (PSI) also provides a thorough therapist directory for counselors who specifically specialize in maternal mental health, as well as multiple online support group options.
We’re here to support you at any point in your motherhood journey.
Pregnancy, childbirth, and all of the feelings that come with these major transitions can create unexpected and unwanted symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. It can be hard to cope with the challenges and feelings that arise. Giving birth is a beautiful experience. Having a child is also really hard. No matter where you are on your motherhood journey, we have a team that is here to help. We know that you can feel better because we see it in the women we work with every day. We hope that, no matter where you are right now, you discover that you are the parent your child needs. Postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, or any other parenting issues or perinatal distress do not have to change that fact.
