Very often when I work with mothers, there is a component of grief counseling or I find myself in the role of trauma therapist.

As a mother, you are not a blank slate. You are entering this role with your own history. Sometimes that includes a history of pain and loss.

Maybe you lost a parent or loved one. Maybe it was difficult to feel safe growing up. Maybe you weren’t sure when your parents would be there to comfort and soothe you.

These old wounds can be triggered when dealing with the intense emotions of pregnancy and parenting.  This can feel overwhelming, anxiety provoking and lead to parenting through fear.

You may be feeling rageful, unsure of yourself, overwhelmed, excessively guilty and unfulfilled. You may have trouble sleeping because your thoughts are racing at night and it leaves you exhausted. If you find yourself feeling this way, you may benefit from grief counseling or working with a trauma therapist.