Pregnancy & Postpartum Therapy in Colorado

postpartum therapist colorado

Pregnancy & Postpartum Therapist Colorado

Each pregnancy and childbirth experience is unique. For some women, the season can be confusing- one moment you are feeling excited and joyful and in the next moment you are feeling sad, anxious, guilty, lonely, afraid, or even angry. 

Having a child is one of the biggest transitions, physically and emotionally, that you will ever experience.

We provide counseling to women living in Colorado. Your perinatal therapist will work with you to create a treatment plan and provide the emotional support you need to transition into motherhood and manage any postpartum mood disorders that may present.

Learn more about Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Packages.

Working with a maternal mental health counselor can help you be better able to make decisions, enjoy the experience, and allow the lifestyle changes to feel more manageable.! 

What Is Postpartum Depression?

You have likely heard the term “baby blues,” which is unfortunately often used to minimize the difficulties new moms are experiencing. Baby blues affects about 80% of moms. Symptoms usually start 2-3 days after delivery and last less than two weeks. Symptoms include mood swings, crying spells, difficulty sleeping, increased worry, or difficulty concentrating.

For some moms, the symptoms continue past two weeks and the severity increases. This is no longer baby blues. You may be suffering from postpartum depression symptoms or one of the known postpartum anxiety disorders.

While some significant adjustment is expected when you have a baby it should not feel consistently overwhelming or difficult. But for some postpartum women (research suggests around 1 in 10), it does. These mental health struggles can start to affect daily functioning.

Signs of Postpartum Depression:

  • Depressed mood or feelings of sadness

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

  • Changes in appetite

  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

  • Loss of energy or increased fatigue

  • Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech

  • Feeling worthless or guilty

  • Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions

  • Crying for “no reason”

  • Lack of interest in the baby, not feeling bonded to the baby, or feeling very anxious about/around the baby

  • Feelings of being a bad mother

  • Thoughts of death or suicide

  • Fear of harming your baby or yourself

If at any point you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, we recommend you immediately seek help by having your partner or a loved one take care of your baby and reach out to your doctor or mental health professional, or go to your local crisis services or emergency room. Don’t be afraid to call 911 if needed. 

Signs of Postpartum Anxiety:

  • Excessive worry

  • Unwanted, intrusive thoughts

  • Feelings of dread

  • Racing thoughts

  • Lack of concentration

  • Changes in eating and sleeping patterns

  • Dizziness

  • Hot flashes

  • Rapid heartbeat

  • Nausea


These symptoms usually begin within a few weeks of delivery, but for some can start during pregnancy or anytime within the first year of giving birth. Postpartum depression is not a weakness or sign that you have done something wrong. It does not mean you are unfit to be a mother. We often talk with moms who are afraid to be open and honest about what they are experiencing because they worry about judgment from others or that someone might think they are an unfit parent and try and take their baby away. This is simply not the case. The earlier you seek treatment (which can include lifestyle adjustments, counseling, and/or medication) the earlier you can begin to manage your symptoms, bond with your baby, and enjoy your new life.


Fathers and other caregivers can experience similar symptoms as mothers. If you’re a new father and are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, we can help. Similar treatments and supports provided to mothers with postpartum depression can be beneficial in treating postpartum depression in fathers.


Postpartum Psychosis:

*Postpartum psychosis is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate treatment. While the causes of this condition are not fully understood and it can affect anyone, research shows that women with bipolar disorder may be more likely to experience psychosis.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, please know that there are professionals who can help and that your feelings can improve. If you relate to any of the symptoms below please seek treatment immediately. If you are not able to get an in-office appointment with a professional then you should visit your local emergency room.

  • Confusion and disorientation

  • Obsessive thoughts about your baby

  • Hallucinations and delusions

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Paranoia

  • Attempts to harm yourself or your baby


Treatment for postpartum depression & postpartum anxiety in Colorado

If you feel you may be suffering from or developing PPD or PPA, please know that there is hope. Postpartum mood issues are common and treatable. We always encourage talking with your healthcare providers about any mood concerns you experience during pregnancy or the postpartum period. While medication can be helpful and may be necessary for some, counseling is considered one of the best treatments for postpartum depression or anxiety.

3 top-rated postpartum therapists in Colorado

postpartum therapist

1. 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.

postpartum therapist near me

2. 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 set realistic expectations and 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. She specializes in birth trauma and life adjustments around having a new baby.

  • 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.

postpartum counselors near me

3. 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.

  • therapist for pregnancy
  • prenatal therapist
  • pregnancy therapist

FAQs about working with a prenatal or postpartum therapist

  • In our experience, a therapist for pregnancy (sometimes called a prenatal therapist or pregnancy therapist) can be helpful. New mothers and seasoned mothers find the counseling experience can help reduce anxiety and allow for a safe and supportive space to discuss upcoming life transitions. Therapy sessions during pregnancy are designed to help you prepare by exploring your parenting values and relationship patterns, and also developing new coping strategies.

    Another reason it can be helpful to include a perinatal therapist in your healthcare team is that you already have someone with advanced training that you know and trust in the event you do experience depressive symptoms or have other perinatal mood concerns. If you are suffering, the last thing you want to do is have to start the process of searching for someone who can help. Many women find it reassuring to just have the option to seek support from someone they already know.

    There is no right or wrong time to reach out for any mental health concerns. We always say the sooner the better!

  • Different therapeutic modalities can be used to treat postpartum depression or other perinatal mood concerns. These include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, among others. Some clinicians might also utilize Written Exposure Therapy (WET) or EMDR for birth trauma.

    The two most important factors of your work with a therapist are that they are comfortable with the condition they are treating and that you feel heard and trust that you have a treatment plan to help you move in the direction you want to go.

  • At Exploration Counseling, we provide telehealth therapy to anyone living in Colorado. We can help you get back to feeling more like yourself, connect with your baby, and improve your relationships.

  • Click here to search for specialized support and counselors in your state.

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