Where are you originally from and how long have you been in Fairfield?
I am originally from Monroe. This coming June will be 7 years living in Fairfield!
Tell us about your Family!
My husband and I met at Sacred Heart University and we have three children. One girl and two boys ages 5,4, and 6 months.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Many would be surprised to know that I too struggle with my own insecurities and anxieties. I think many times people think of therapists having it all together and using strategies to manage these things but the truth is we are all human!
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
That doubting yourself and wondering if what you’re doing is right are all normal feelings. That you don’t have to “enjoy every moment”
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield?
There is SO much to do in every season! The town puts on such amazing events along with our own neighborhood events we feel there is always something exciting to take part in whether it be in the warm months or the holiday season something is always going on.
Best mom hack that makes your life easier?
I don’t know that many would file this under “mom hack” but keeping it focused on moms I always suggest scheduling in self care. Put it on the calendar instead of assuming you will fit it in because life happens.
Keep it super simple too. It doesn’t have to be a spa day maybe its not even a full hour but just one thing on your calendar that is for you. The best part of this mom hack is that it will fill your cup in turn having a positive impact when you’re back on mom duty.
Tell us about your business, when & why you decided to start up this business?
I run my own private mental health practice and I specialize in perinatal mental health. After having my first baby I left my agency job to begin my journey in private practice. Over the course of the past year I have shifted my focus to working with pregnant and postpartum moms. While pregnant with my third I felt a pull professionally to seek further certification in working with the perinatal population as I feel strongly that moms need more support. The birth of a baby is also the birth of a mother and I am passionate about helping moms find their me in motherhood. A new and large part of my business focus now is running therapy groups Which take place virtually!
Why is it important for new pregnant moms or new moms to see a mental health therapist?
Growing a baby for 9+ months is no easy feat and moms deserve to have a Safe space to process any emotions that come to the surface during their pregnancy. Having a plan for postpartum can help set moms up for success and to know what and where to turn should they begin to experience any signs of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Furthermore, once baby is here the frequent checkups that mom had during her pregnancy seem to disappear. The first check on mom is 6 weeks PP!! That has always really bothered me. So much change happens for mom when baby first arrives and I feel strongly that mom should be assessed just as frequently as the newborn baby is
assessed.
Tell us about the different services that you offer and how often do you start a new group?
I offer individual psychotherapy along with therapy groups. My current focus now is my groups. They run for 6 weeks and typically a new one will start each month. There are different groups that will run. For example my next group will be for moms of baby 0-1 starting within the next two weeks and the one beginning in January will be for pregnant moms.
What have you noticed with the moms in the current group (positives or negatives)?
The biggest takeaway from the last group was how much moms have in common when it comes to their experiences as moms (the good and the hard) and how relatable each topic is for every member. It also created an incredible safe space where moms could give and receive feedback from others and hear how others handled different situations. Lastly, it gave a space for moms to feel validated in their feelings.
Best advice for moms who experience the inevitable MOM GUILT handling a career and raising a family?
To think we can completely rid of that good ole mom guilt is unrealistic so I always encourage moms I work with to begin to shift their perspective once that inevitable mom guilt starts to surface. If you are handling a career and raising a family the guilt may try to convince you that you’re not good at balancing it all. Perspective shift: when the guilt creeps in give it the little attention it is seeking then shift your focus to thinking about the amazing values you are teaching your kids by going after your career AND raising a family at the same time.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?
My own Mom! I always say everything I do as a mom is pieces of what my mom modeled/did for me growing up. I don’t know that I will ever feel like I live up to her but she definitely made me the mom I am today. Also, now I can really understand just how much she loved all of her children because I have experienced that same kind of love now. Not surprising she is a fantastic grandma too : )
What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms?
You will grow and evolve just as much as the baby grows and evolves. Remember that each experience you have with the baby is a new experience for you as a mom so give yourself lots of grace and be confident that you are the very best mom for your baby!
We love supporting local businesses – favorite places in Fairfield to…
Have Dinner with Family: Sophie’s Pizza
Grab a Drink with Friends: The Sinclair
Have a Date Night: The Chelsea
Spend time together as a Family: grab a pizza from Colony and head to the beach
Outside Activities: a trip to one of the town parks followed by ice cream from Saugatuck Sweets
Grab coffee: Shearwater Cafe
