Counseling for Parental Burnout and Life Transitions
The transition into parenting is hard. does it feel as if you weren’t fully prepared for it?
Right now, it may feel as if you don’t have time for anything. Life has become incredibly stressful. You’re managing a home, kids, a new parenting role, relationships, and everything in between. It's exhausting and feels endless. The truth is, even a positive life change — bringing a new life into the world, beginning a relationship, moving to a new space — can be overwhelming. When you were pregnant, you heard people talk about the joys of being a parent and all the sweet magic you could look forward to, but no one really warned you about how hard parenting would be. And how little time you would have to focus on yourself or your partner. The reality is, to be the best caregiver for your loved ones, you need to make sure that you’re being taken care of, too.
Counseling for Parental Burnout, Anxiety, and Perfectionism Is Worth the Time Invested!
We know you have already told a million people you don’t have the time. Everyone expects that you will fully focus on your baby, your family, and your parenting role. But when in your life have you ever been truly effective while running on empty? It happens to so many of us: We become short with our partner and resentful of the new transition as we try to stay on top of the overwhelming workload, negotiating all the shifting duties with our co-parent. The truth is, these changes take time, but with the support of our online therapists in Pasadena the adjustment period will eventually calm down and you’ll be able to settle into your new normal.
Therapy for Parental Burnout Can Cover a Wide Array of Issues You Face as a Parent
Being a parent is already a challenge for most people, no matter what parenting Instagram tells you. But the extra obstacles and challenges that BIPOC, LGBTQ, and nonbinary families face add a whole additional level of systemic, intersectional complication. You may be struggling with staying on top of work while raising a family. You may be worrying about how to navigate supporting a neurodivergent child. Or you may find yourself parenting while single for the first time. Therapy for parental burnout and life transitions in California is a good place to find crucial understanding and support!
Transitioning Back to Work as A Parent
For many parents, going back to work can be dreadful. You’re going to miss your child. You didn’t have enough time with them. You may be struggling to find appropriate childcare. You may be in conflict with your partner over deciding which parent is going to stay home with the child. You’re worried about missing out on big moments when you’re not there. Plus, no one can tell you how long the postpartum period will last. You may feel as if you’re behind at work, and it can be difficult to plan to pump around your work schedule. Maybe you feel like you’re having a hard time being present while you’re at work, or when you’re home. Our online Pasadena therapists are here to support you. We have worked with many parents who have been in your place and felt like you do (and we’ve been there ourselves!). It will get easier, and support is available to you.
Adjusting to Single Parenthood
Single parenthood is becoming more common, and much of society no longer looks down on single parenting they way it used to. We know you’re doing a lot on your own. You may not have chosen to be a single parent, or perhaps that’s precisely what you planned. Either way, you have taken on a lot of responsibility, and you’re doing it without the same degree of support system that those with a partner, co-parent, or co-caregiver have. Since it’s only you, your social life can really take a hit. It can be difficult to prioritize yourself when there is no one else to help with parenting responsibilities. Many parents go through this kind of stress, but single parents experience burnout much more quickly. Our online therapists in California get it. That’s why we offer therapy for single parents to help you learn how to prioritize yourself while still staying present with your child.
Navigating the Change to Becoming a Parent
No one learns how to be a parent overnight. (It actually takes a lifetime.) There’s no standard manual for how to raise a child. We face countless decisions, such as whether to breastfeed or use formula, or both. We have to navigate input and unwanted advice from friends and family (and total strangers). We also learn that despite the fact that we’ll be getting less sleep, we’re expected to give the same amount of energy, if not more. Of course, there are plenty of positive moments, such as cuddling little one and engaging in skin-to-skin contact. Plus, we get to experience the first of everything with our child. But it can sometimes be a challenge to keep the tough parts of parenting from overshadowing the beautiful ones, and therapy can be an important part of helping you maintain that balance.
Worrying About your Child’s well-being as a First-Time Parent
Worrying about your child’s well-being is something you will always do as a parent. Concerns about how the world treats your child or how they view themselves may be at the forefront of your mind. Neurodivergence is becoming more normalized, but there are still struggles ahead. You may need to find special services for your child, or you may worry about school accommodations and helping them connect with others. Our online therapists in Pasadena can help you navigate these challenges and systems.
Birth challenges can also be a source of worry for a parent. Hearing impairments or speech issues can add an extra layer of concern for your child’s well-being. Will they be able to have a fulfilling life? Will they be understood by their peers and teachers? Will they have access to all the support they need? You may be worried about how others perceive your child and your family because you and your partner are LGBTQ or nonbinary. Our online therapists for parents have worked with a variety of families from different cultures, backgrounds, and marginalized communities. Their culturally competent support will help alleviate your anxieties as they listen to and understand your concerns.
How Our Therapists Can Help with Parent Perfectionism and Stressing Over Whether You’re “Getting It Right”
Our Pasadena therapists have worked with a range of couples from different cultures, religious backgrounds, and identities. We are an LGBTQIA+- affirming practice, and we understand how people’s identities affect their journey through parenthood.
At Whole Mother Therapy, we take an intersectional approach to therapy. We understand how cultural expectations and social systems impact people’s personal lives. We are committed to taking these different aspects into account as we help our clients navigate parenthood within the larger context of their lives and communities.
We tailor our services to fit each person’s unique life experiences and needs so that you get the most out of your sessions. Parenthood is a transformative experience, and we are here to help you realize your vision for your family.
Whole Mother Therapy’s Approach to Individual Therapy for New Parents
At our practice, we take an intersectional and decolonized approach to therapy. We believe that to best support our clients we must consider all aspects of their identity and the larger context of their experiences. Many parents don’t receive enough support from the cultural and societal systems they live within. We know that this has a great impact on their lives and on their ability to be the parent they want to be.
We believe that parenting and mothering is a revolutionary act. It’s an act of love and care not only for your child but for your community, too. It’s a courageous form of activism. Our Pasadena therapists are committed to supporting all parents on this journey.
We’ve been where you are, and we’re here to help.
Get Support for Parental Burnout, Perfectionism, and Anxiety
With all the attention you focus on your child, you may forget that you need support, too. At Whole Mother Therapy, we specialize in helping parents navigate parental burnout and life transitions. Our Pasadena therapists offer intersectional therapy that acknowledges your specific experiences and needs. We understand how to help parents from marginalized communities feel safe and connected. If you are ready to seek out culturally competent, empathetic support, we’re here to help!
Follow these simple steps to get started:
Schedule a free consultation with one of our therapists.
Learn more about our practice and how therapy can help you.
Start on a path to alleviate your parental burnout, perfectionism, and anxiety!
Additional Therapy Services Offered at Whole Mother Therapy
You’re not alone in your stress as you transition to being a parent, and we can certainly help you thrive. Regardless of what brings you here, we can give you the support you need. We have therapists who offer a wide range of mental health services at our Pasadena office. We provide individual therapy for new parents, marriage counseling and couples therapy for new parents, postpartum depression treatment, postpartum anxiety treatment, therapy for infertility, therapy for birth trauma, therapy for infant loss and pregnancy loss, and virtual therapy.
We also offer an eight-week in-person Sacred Motherhood Circle to honor the transitions and transformations of motherhood. And we hold several support groups, including an online pregnancy support group and an online postpartum support group. Finally, you can read more about our services, values, and resources on our therapy blog.
As an inclusive practice with BIPOC and queer practitioners, we want you to know that this is a safe and affirming space. Our practice is LGBTQIA+-allied and welcomes diversity of race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity. When you’re ready for support, we hold a healthy, inviting space for you to heal, grow, and develop with us.