Frequently Asked Questions
and Common Concerns
I have never seen a therapist before. What should I expect from therapy?
Our therapists are specialty trained to assess, prevent, and treat mental health challenges related to reproduction and parenting. We know that your time and money are valuable and that coming to therapy is not easy. Our goal is to work with you to get to a place where coming in for weekly therapy support is no longer necessary.
Your first session will involve a complete assessment of your biological, psychological, and social health and an exploration of what might be contributing to your distress. This will be followed by a look at the path to wellness and a plan around how to move forward.
Our therapists are experienced in psychodynamic psychotherapy (understanding how your easiest attachments and experiences influence reproductive and maternal mental health), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (understanding how thoughts effect emotions and behavior and using tools to address distorted thinking), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (using skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness to enhance wellbeing), Mindfulness- Based Psychotherapy (understanding how nervous system reactivity increases susceptibility to anxiety and depression and using mindfulness skills to manage discomfort), Mom-Baby Diadic Psychotherapy (understanding the relationship between maternal and infant mental health and supporting secure attachment), Trauma-informed therapy and Grief Support (support through the many stages of grief and processing of trauma), and Parenting Coaching (helping you to think through the many challenges that come with parenting infants and children).
Psychotherapy sessions are 50-minutes long. Usually, it is recommended that you come to therapy weekly until some traction is built and you are able to practice and benefit from support received and skills learned in session.
Your prices are too expensive. What am I actually paying for?
At the PFWC we offer both in-network and out-of-pocket services and, yes, our out of pocket fees are high. But here is the deal: when clients decide to work with us, they are getting a whole lot more than the in-person time with our providers. The PFWC team is available between sessions when needed, we are constantly working on your behalf outside of session time to collaborate with other providers, keep ourselves informed on topics related to your specific goals, and receive supervision from other clinicians so that we can insure excellent care. Our providers are also held to a high standard of regular professional development so that each of us is up-to-date on current research surrounding maternal and early family mental and physical health. Our operations manager and intake coordinator, Charmaine, will guide you through your process of booking an appointment, checking on insurance and receiving insurance benefits, and managing all of your logistical patient needs while you are with us. In addition, when you come to the PFWC to receive care, you will be met with a clinic setting that invites calm and relaxation (even when there for psychotherapy!). Our space is cozy, warm, and inviting (think tea, essential oils, amazing waiting room magazines and books to read, incredible art to gaze at, and even a kind, fluffy (hypoallergenic) and very caring dog to snuggle with if you choose. We promise to offer you a therapy and care experience, from start to finish like no other.
I don’t know what to do with my baby. Can I bring my baby to session?
Of course! We have all kinds of baby-related items at our office including breast and bottle feeding pillows, toys, bouncy balls, and changing pads. It is suggested that once your baby is verbal, you leave him or her behind.
That said, many women prefer to leave their kiddos at home, have a cup of tea, put their feet up, and use the 50 minutes as a break. Your choice.
I’m worried about my reputation and baby. If I tell you how I feel will you take my baby away?
This is a big fear that many moms have. Struggling with symptoms of a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder or parental mental health issues is never a reason to take a baby away. In fact, moms and dads who reach out for help are admired for their bravery and dedication to family mental health. What you say in our offices will remain entirely confidential. There are two exception to this: 1. If you have a plan and/or intention of hurting yourself or someone else and 2. If we have concerns about your safety or your family's safety based on our thorough, professional assessment of multiple factors. In these cases, we have a legal obligation to keep everyone safe. Our clinicians have expertise in discerning true safety risks, and will partner with you to make sure you, your baby, and your entire family system is well supported.
I feel like coming to therapy is admitting failure. Does asking for help mean that I am giving up?
Quite the opposite, actually. Asking for help could quite possibly be the bravest thing that you have ever done. At the PFWC , we will help you understand that vulnerability- acknowledging discomfort and struggle, is a human trait and that your willingness to reach out is a sign of strength.
Your center refers to “postpartum” and my kids are older. Are you the right place for me?
Absolutely. We have a unique specialty in prenatal and postpartum mental health, but we are specialty trained to understand the unique role of mental health in mothers of all children, regardless of their age. At the PFWC we also support parents through miscarriage and other neonatal loss. We focus on the health and wellness of families.
I really don’t want to take medicine. Are you going to tell me that I have to?
No. Our job is to educate you on your options, not tell you what you should do. It is true that some women find medicine to be a very helpful part of their treatment, but medication is not the right option for everyone. At the PFWC , our multi-disciplinary team is available to talk to you about your different options for treatment and support. For women who choose not to take medicine as a part of their mental health treatment, our Acupuncturist and Naturopathic Doctor are here to discuss other avenues for your care.
I am a mom of a young baby/child/children. How, on earth, am I supposed to find the time to get help?
We get it. Time is precious and rare. The truth is, we want you to understand that taking time for yourself in order to be healthy is the ultimate gift to your children. And honestly, when you feel better and are more healthy, you will be more efficient and so time will have a different quality to it. For those of you who feel that it simply is not possible to take the time to get to our office, we offer telehealth support and so we can meet with you while you remain at home.
My husband/partner doesn’t believe that I need treatment and support. Can my husband/partner come?
Any time. It is extremely helpful to have partners be a part of the work in helping a parent get well. We know that moms/dads who feel understood and supported by their partner get better more quickly. Our goal is to give your family and support people the information that they need to help support you through this journey.
I’m still not sure whether to reach out or not. Is the PFWC right for me?
Great question. We want to help make sure that we are a fit for your needs. Receiving support through the PFWC is right for you if:
You are looking for support that will lead you toward a life-time of health and joy
You are open to working hard to develop skills that lead to long-term health and wellness
You are curious about the ways that you move through the world, the experiences that you bring with you to motherhood/parenthood and the part you play in your life
You are prepared to move forward with baby steps, rather than expecting a “quick fix”
You are open to considering the possibility that “nothing is wrong with you”- meaning, that you already have everything you need, and that you are good enough and worthy of health and wellness
You are ready to be honest and vulnerable (well, and brave ;-)
You understand that maternal and paternal mental health, the way that you show up in the world, and the intentions that you hold directly impact the health of your baby/child/children
The PFWC is NOT the right fit if:
You are looking for a “quick fix”
You are wanting support on how to change others
You aren’t willing to address hard questions surrounding what might be interfering in your health/wellness