Colorado Springs Therapist for Moms Shaye Meissen

Just like there are different styles of parenting, there are different approaches to therapy for parents. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but in our experience, there are a few factors that tend to help.

The number one request we have is for a virtual therapist. The simplicity of being able to connect from home, work, or wherever feels comfortable is a service that makes therapy more accessible to parents. This way you don't have to worry about finding a babysitter, factoring in travel time, or taking unnecessary time away from work or your family. Online therapy makes it possible to address your birthing experience, anxiety disorders, or other factors that may be impacting yourself, your partner, or your children.

Aside from when/where you do therapy, there are different approaches. Clinical research suggests a mindful approach that focuses on values, emotional regulation, and acceptance can be very helpful for new mothers. At Exploration Counseling, we often use an approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) that helps mothers address their own needs as well as the needs of their families.

Mom burnout refers to the overwhelming sense of exhaustion, frustration, and emotional fatigue experienced by mothers due to the demands of motherhood and other responsibilities. Mom burnout can happen at any period of motherhood and will often come and go. It can look different for each mother, but some common feelings and symptoms associated with mom burnout include:

• Physical Exhaustion

• Emotional Fatigue

• Lack of Motivation

• Impatience or Irritability

• Guilt

• Difficulty sleeping

• Mood swings

• Feeling like you have no outside support

If you are experiencing any of these, mom therapy (as I sometimes like to call it) can help! Many women find that having a licensed therapist trained in maternal mental health is key to getting the right support. We offer individual therapy that will allow you to learn skills and practical tools to become the mother you want to be during this challenging time.

You can learn more about mom burnout and also postpartum depression at Postpartum Support International.

In some instances it might be necessary, and even helpful for a mother and child to see the same therapist. However, all circumstances and your situation and context need to be taken into consideration when making that decision.

Individual therapy for mothers or parents and family therapy are not the same thing. In individual therapy, you are working on yourself and your own needs, which will help improve the relationships you have with yourself, your partner, and your children. In family therapy or even couples therapy, you are working together to improve communication and better understand one another. All forms of therapy can be very valuable, but sometimes one may be more helpful than another.

At Exploration Counseling, we focus on individual therapy for moms and dads, but we are happy to talk with you and see what form of therapy is best fit for your needs. If we can meet the need, we absolutely will. If we feel it's best to refer you to another specialist, we will help you make that connection.