cognitive behavior therapy
Effective Therapy for
Perinatal Anxiety
San Jose, California
If you're searching for a specialist to support you with pregnancy or postpartum anxiety, you’re in the right place.
As a licensed therapist with over fifteen years of experience, I specialize in supporting new parents through the unique challenges of pregnancy and early parenthood.
Understanding Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety
Postpartum anxiety is characterized by excessive worry, fear, and unease.
It is common to feel overwhelmed and more worried after the birth of a new baby, but postpartum anxiety is more intense and can persist for weeks or months. Symptoms may include:
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intrusive thoughts about harm coming to the baby or oneself
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a constant sense of dread
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questioning decisions and second guessing self
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difficulty sleeping
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physical symptoms like a racing heart, restlessness or muscle tension
While it’s normal for new parents to feel anxious at times, postpartum anxiety becomes a concern when it interferes with daily functioning and the ability to bond with the baby.
This condition is distinct from postpartum depression but can often occur alongside it. The causes of postpartum anxiety are multifactorial, involving hormonal changes, a history of anxiety or depression, and the stress of adjusting to new parenthood.
Therapy can provide relief from the constant cycle of anxiety and intrusive thoughts associated with postpartum anxiety. I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help clients manage their stress around parenthood.
Signs of Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety
1. Excessive Worry
While it’s common for new parents to worry about their baby’s health or well-being, postpartum anxiety involves constant and irrational worry, often about things that are unlikely to happen, such as extreme fear of the baby being harmed or the parent making a mistake. This worry is disproportionate and overwhelming, impacting daily life.
2. Intrusive Thoughts
Postpartum anxiety often includes intrusive, disturbing thoughts about harm coming to the baby, such as imagining accidents or disasters. These thoughts are distressing and hard to control, unlike the more typical occasional worries new parents may have during the adjustment period.
3. Physical Symptoms
Physical signs of postpartum anxiety can include racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, and muscle tension. While some physical discomfort is normal with sleep deprivation, these symptoms are more severe and persistent with postpartum anxiety, unlike the more manageable physical responses of typical early parenthood anxiety.
4. Difficulty Bonding with Your Baby
A mother with postpartum anxiety may feel disconnected or unable to fully bond with her baby due to the overwhelming fear and stress she’s experiencing. This is different from the common tiredness and mild concerns new parents may feel, as the anxiety itself can create a barrier to enjoying early interactions with the baby.
5. Hypervigilance
Women with postpartum anxiety may become excessively alert to any potential danger to their baby, constantly checking on them or avoiding any activity they perceive as risky. This level of vigilance goes beyond typical concern, and it can interfere with the mother's ability to relax or take care of herself.
What to Expect in Therapy for Postpartum Anxiety
In therapy for perinatal anxiety, we focus on the unique fears and challenges that can come up during pregnancy and the postpartum period, like worries about your baby’s health, your own competence as a parent, or changes in your identity and relationships.
Using evidence-based CBT techniques, we’ll work together to identify anxious thought patterns, reduce avoidance, and build coping strategies that support both your mental health and your adjustment to this new chapter. Sessions are always personalized to your experience and paced with sensitivity to the emotional and physical demands of this time.
I offer in-person support in San Jose and online therapy for individuals across California.
Recovery from Perinatal Anxiety
About CAITLYN
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with a master’s degree in clinical psychology. I have been working as a therapist since 2009, specializing in Cognitive Behavior Therapy for anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive disorders. Before starting my own practice in 2021 I worked at a specialty anxiety/OCD group practice for many years, as well as community mental health, and school settings.
My practice is located in Campbell, CA in the South SF Bay Area, near San Jose, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Los Altos, Mountain View, Sunnyvale and Cupertino.
I have been working primarily with clients struggling with anxiety since 2012. Read more about my speciality training here.
My approach to anxiety and OCD treatment is compassionate and personalized. This work is challenging but we will go at your pace and focus on the symptoms that are getting in the way of your life.
Ready to get started or have more questions?
Frequently asked questions
Located in CAMPBELL near SAN JOSE
Address
51 E Campbell Ave
Campbell, CA 98005
What to EXPECT
My office is located near San Jose in Campbell in the historic Heritage Village Offices. Conveniently located near restaurants and shops, my office is quiet with a peaceful courtyard view. There is plenty of parking. When you arrive at the Campbell Ave entrance, you will be greeted by our front desk staff and I show to to my private office.