Learn About Therapy for Moms

Motherhood is a beautiful and rewarding experience, but it can also be incredibly challenging.

From postpartum depression to parenting stress and work-life balance, moms face a variety of obstacles that can take a toll on their mental and physical well-being.

Fortunately, there are many types of therapy available to help moms cope with the unique challenges and emotional struggles they face.

The Online Mental Health Reviews team is comprised of experienced mental health professionals and dedicated researchers, using clinical research and providing comprehensive comparisons of online therapy services, to help people who want to change to make better decisions for the sake of their mental health.

Therapy For Moms – Short Summary

• Therapy for moms offers a supportive framework to identify and meet needs during motherhood.
• It is not just for those suffering from mental illness; it can benefit all mothers.
• Different types of therapy can be tailored to individual needs (e.g. CBT, DBT, IPT).
• Experienced therapists specializing in maternal mental health should be considered.
• Online consultations are available for flexible access to quality care.

If We’re Being Honest, Motherhood Sucks Sometimes

It’s no secret that motherhood can be hard. It’s a 24/7 job with no breaks and often little recognition or appreciation.

Even the most devoted moms have days when they feel overwhelmed and exhausted, and it’s okay to admit that sometimes motherhood sucks.

The demands of being a mom can leave you feeling drained both physically and emotionally, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in feeling this way.

Taking time for yourself, whether it’s a few minutes of quiet time or an entire day away from your kids, is essential for maintaining your mental health and well-being.

Reasons Why Mothers Might Be Reluctant To Seek Therapy

Many mothers feel guilty about taking time away from their children or family obligations to attend therapy sessions. They may also worry that seeking help will make them appear weak or incapable in front of their children.

However, these reasons are often invalid – attending therapy does not make you a bad mom; rather, it shows that you are willing to take steps toward improving your mental health and well-being.

According to a survey conducted by Motherly with nearly 10,000 mothers in 2023, 43% of moms reported seeking therapy in the past year – an increase from the previous year’s number of 46%. This data shows that more and more mothers are recognizing the importance of prioritizing their mental health and taking proactive steps toward improving it.

Common Types of Therapy for Moms

There are various types of therapy available for moms, including (but not limited to):

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – CBT helps moms identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive ones.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) – IPT focuses on relationships between the mom and her family or friends, helping her develop better communication skills.
• Group Therapy – Group therapy allows moms to connect with other mothers who may be going through similar experiences.

What is Postpartum Depression?

• Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a common mental health condition that affects women after childbirth.
• Risk factors include a history of depression, difficulty adjusting to motherhood, and limited social support.
• Symptoms of PPD can include extreme sadness, anxiety, guilt, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, insomnia, fatigue, and thoughts of harming oneself or the baby.
• Treatment for PPD includes psychotherapy, antidepressants, and lifestyle changes such as seeking social support and getting enough rest and exercise.
• Depression prevention methods involve building a strong support system before giving birth and talking to your healthcare provider about any concerns during pregnancy or after childbirth.
• If you think you may be suffering from PPD it is important to seek help right away so that you can get the treatment you need to feel better.
• Mayo Clinic’s article on postpartum depression is another excellent resource: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617

Mothers: Are you burned out or just tired?

Being a mother is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be exhausting. It’s important to distinguish between physical fatigue and emotional burnout to properly address both conditions.

• Physical fatigue stems from daily activities like childcare, errands, and household management. To combat this, ensure adequate sleep, healthy eating, regular exercise, and taking breaks when possible. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from others when needed.
• Emotional burnout results from accumulated stress, leading to feelings of exhaustion and overwhelm. To prevent this, practice self-care by setting aside time for relaxation, using calming products like aromatherapy candles or essential oils, and occasionally stepping away from parenting responsibilities to recharge.

Remember, it’s important to prioritize your well-being to maintain a balanced and healthy life.

How to Find Yourself in Motherhood

Becoming a mother can be an overwhelming experience, and it’s natural to feel like you’ve lost yourself in the process.

But there are plenty of ways to rediscover yourself and find joy in motherhood. Here are five tips for finding yourself again:

1. Take time for self-care – make sure to take care of your own needs first, whether that’s getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, or taking a break from the daily grind.
2. Get involved in something outside the home – volunteering or taking on a part-time job can help reignite your passions and give you something to look forward to each day.
3. Ditch the mom guilt – don’t beat yourself up if you don’t feel like you measure up as a parent; everyone is doing their best and that’s all that matters.
4. Incorporate “me time” into your routine – make sure to schedule some alone time each week so you can do something just for yourself, whether it’s reading a book or going out with friends.
5. Remember your husband – don’t forget about your relationship with your partner; making time for date nights or even just having conversations will help keep the spark alive and remind you of who you were before becoming a mom.

What is Parenthood Counseling?

Parenthood counseling is a type of therapy that helps parents and families address issues related to parenting.

• It can help couples transition into parenthood, provide support for those making decisions about having children, and assist with the challenges of being a parent.
• Parenthood counseling can also help families learn how to listen to their children, provide affection, set boundaries, and create consistency in the home.
• Additionally, it can be beneficial for those dealing with infertility or postpartum depression.

Through parenthood counseling, individuals and couples can gain insight into their current relationship patterns and develop strategies for successful parenting.

Can Moms Go To Therapy?

It is becoming increasingly common for moms to seek therapy, and it can be a great way to take care of their mental health.

• Therapy can help moms and teens manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues that can come up during motherhood.
• It can also provide a safe space to talk about any challenges you’re facing in your life or relationships.
• Going to therapy can help you become a better mom by providing support and helping you gain insight into yourself and your parenting style.

Ultimately, therapy is an opportunity for self-care that can benefit both you and your family.

How Therapy for Moms Can Help

Therapy for moms can provide a much-needed space to receive support and guidance from a professional and fellow mother.

• It can help you learn how to better manage stress, cope with difficult emotions, and develop healthier relationships with your children.
• Therapy can also help you become more mindful of yourself and your needs as a parent, allowing you to feel more connected to yourself and your family.
• Additionally, therapy can help you gain insight into the root causes of any issues that may be causing distress in your life so that you can work towards finding solutions.

With the right therapist, it is possible to find relief from the pressures of parenting and create lasting positive change in your woman’s life too.

What Therapy is Best for Parenting?

Some of the most common types of therapies used for parenting include cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and parent-child interaction therapy.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy helps parents understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
• Family therapy focuses on improving communication within the family unit.
• Parent-child interaction therapy focuses on teaching parents how to interact positively with their children.
• There are also free online resources for teen counseling, as well as therapists for teen depression.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a specialized, evidence-based treatment program designed to help improve the relationship between parents and their young children (ages 2 to 7) who are experiencing behavioral issues.

PCIT combines play therapy with behavior therapy, providing parents with skills and strategies to manage their child’s behavior positively. The goal of PCIT is to reduce disruptive behaviors and strengthen the parent-child bond. Treatment typically lasts 12-20 weeks, depending on the individual needs of the family.

During treatment, parents will learn skills on how to use positive reinforcement and effective discipline techniques while also engaging in play activities with their children.

Psychology Today (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/parent-child-interaction-therapy-pcit) lists research demonstrating PCIT is an effective intervention for reducing challenging behaviors in young children.

About Parent Coaching

Parent coaching is a type of consulting and support that helps parents foster positive relationships with their children. You may consider parent coaching as an alternative to therapy, but both are fairly similar.

• It provides parents with the tools, resources, and guidance they need to become the best version of themselves as a parent.
• Parent coaching can be done one-on-one or in a group setting with a professional coach. The coach will help the parent identify goals and objectives, guide parenting strategies, and offer support throughout the process.
• Parent coaches are trained to understand the challenges that parents face in everyday life and provide non-judgmental assistance in helping them reach their desired outcomes.

How do I Tell My Mom She Needs Therapy?

It can be difficult to tell your mom that she needs therapy, but it is important to remember that you are advocating for her health and well-being.

1. Start by expressing your own experience with therapy and how it has helped you. Then, explain why you think she should seek help and validate any concerns she may have.
2. It may also be helpful to suggest a specific therapist or type of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
3. Finally, allow for some awkward silences, and don’t push the conversation if she isn’t ready to talk about it.

What is the Helpline for Mothers?

• The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline/faq) can be reached by phone or text message at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).
• For more help, the National Parent Helpline provides emotional support from trained Advocates at 1-855-4A PARENT (1-855-427-2736).
• There is also an anonymous 24/7 Parent Stress Line available at 1-800-632-8188 for parents and caregivers who have no one to talk to.

Therapy For Moms Conclusion

Finally, don’t forget that seeking help doesn’t mean you’re weak or failing as a mother; rather it means you’re taking proactive steps towards improving your overall well-being so you can better enjoy all aspects of life – including motherhood!

With proper guidance from a qualified professional, therapy for moms can be an invaluable tool in helping them navigate through some of life’s toughest challenges while still maintaining a healthy balance between work and family life.

We invite you to leave a comment with any questions you may have about therapy for moms or share your suggestions on which mental health service, app, or course we should explore next. Your input helps us provide valuable information and empower our readers in their mental health journey.

Sources

1. Onayli, S., & Erdur-Baker, O. (2013, July). Mother-daughter Relationship and Daughter’s Self Esteem. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 84, 327–331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.06.560

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I Ask My Parents for A Therapist?

Asking your parents for a therapist can be intimidating, but it is important to remember that you are not alone and that seeking help is a sign of strength.

1. It can be helpful to plan out the conversation in advance, practice what you want to say and pick an appropriate form of communication.
2. Start by expressing why you think therapy might be beneficial for you and explain how it will help.
3. Involve your parents in the decision-making process by asking their opinion on potential therapists or treatment options.
4. Be prepared for any objections they may have and try to come up with solutions together.
5. Finally, thank them for listening and being supportive of your decision.

How do I get My Mom a Therapist?

It can be difficult to convince your parents to seek help from a therapist, but you must try.

1. Talking to them about the value of therapy and how it can help them can be a good place to start.
2. You could also try talking about the potential changes in the way you relate to them as a result of therapy.
3. Additionally, letting them know that going to therapy does not mean there is something wrong with them may make it easier for them to consider seeking help.
4. If they still refuse, you could suggest trying out different therapists until they find one they are comfortable with or look for resources in your community such as support groups or programs.

And as much as we value therapy and the mental health journey, we also must realize that any therapy requires someone to want to change.

How Long Does It Take New Moms to Adjust?

Adjusting to life as a new mom can be a difficult process, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Every new mom is different and the amount of time it takes to adjust will vary from person to person. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months for a new mom to adjust.

During this period of adjustment, moms need to take care of themselves by getting enough rest, eating healthy meals, and seeking support from family and friends. Additionally, many new moms find that attending counseling or joining a support group can help them cope with the transition into motherhood.

Why Therapy is Good for Parents?

Therapy can be a great way for parents to gain insight into their behavior and how it affects their children.

• It can help them develop better communication skills, learn how to manage stress, and build stronger relationships with their children.
• Therapy can also provide support in times of difficulty, such as when dealing with a difficult child or navigating a divorce.
• Parents can benefit from therapy by gaining insight into themselves and their parenting style, improving communication with their children, learning how to manage stress, and having an outside perspective on family dynamics.

Through therapy, parents can become more aware of their own needs and those of their children, which can lead to healthier relationships within the family.

If You Are In Crisis

In Case of Emergency, If you find yourself in a crisis and cannot wait for an online therapy session, it’s crucial to seek immediate help. In life-threatening situations or instances where you or someone else is at risk of harm, please call 911 without delay. For those struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by dialing 988, providing support 24/7.

Additionally, you can reach out to the National Helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 800-662-HELP (4357). This free and confidential helpline operates 24/7, 365 days a year, assisting individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues in finding treatment and accessing valuable information about their options.