Therapy for Parents Who Feel Like They’re Holding It All Together (Barely)

Perinatal Therapy | PMH-C Certified | MA, NH & CT

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This wasn’t how you thought it would feel.

Woman looking down at baby with closed eyes

You knew parenthood would be hard—but you didn’t expect to feel so anxious, overstimulated, or disconnected from yourself. Some days you’re holding back tears. Other days, you’re snapping at people you love. And sometimes you just shut down completely.

You’ve read the blogs. You’ve scrolled through Instagram. You’ve done everything you can to figure this out. But the truth is: you're still struggling.

And now, it’s starting to touch every part of your life.

Does this ring true?

  • You feel alone, irritable, or misunderstood—even when people are trying to help

  • The pressure to get everything “right” (feeding, sleep, parenting, work) feels relentless

  • You overthink every decision and compare yourself to how others parent

  • You feel guilty for wanting time for yourself—or even just space to breathe

  • It’s hard to communicate your needs without fear, frustration, or shutdown

Let's Connect

You don’t have to keep doing this alone.

As a certified perinatal mental health therapist (PMH-C), I specialize in helping new parents navigate the emotional load that comes with this season of life.

This is more than just a rough patch—it’s a time of intense identity change, big emotions, and pressure. Therapy can help you feel more grounded, connected, and supported.

As a Mom of 3, I Get It

Emily Harlan, LICSW | Anxiety and Perinatal Therapist online in MA, NH & CT

We’ll start by creating a space that’s just for you. No judgment. No impossible standards.

Therapy Can Help You:

  • Calm anxiety and regulate overwhelming emotions

  • Speak your needs with more clarity—and less guilt

  • Reconnect with your identity beyond the parent role

  • Let go of the pressure to be perfect and do it all

  • Feel supported, understood, and less alone

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Mother smiling while holding hands of toddler while walking on beach

Together, we’ll:

  • Build strategies to soothe anxiety and support your nervous system in real-time

  • Understand what’s triggering these feelings and how to care for yourself in the moment

  • Untangle the pressure to be everything to everyone—and replace it with more realistic, supportive expectations

  • Strengthen your relationship with yourself and with those around you

You’ll start feeling more steady in who you are, what you need, and how to ask for it—without shame.

What support can look like

FAQs

  • Not at all! I meet with people in every stage. The Postpartum Period only covers a year following a birth, but we all know parents need support long before and after that short window of time.

    Some are trying to conceive, maybe going through fertility treatments.

    Some are pregnant and wanting to feel more prepared for adding another family member.

    Some are reaching out to me a few weeks or few months following a birth.

    Some are in the throws of parenting children of various ages and wanting support with navigating all the demands of being a caretaker on top of their own needs.

  • Every pregnancy, birth and child is different. If you are struggling in new or different ways than you might have in the past, you might be feeling confused or wondering if/when you should reach out. You deserve help with navigating another big shift in the family in any of the ways that it is impacting you.

  • I get it. I’m not looking to just add more to your plate. Finding time for us to meet and take on “homework” between sessions can feel overwhelming with an already busy schedule.

    I help figure out what time and frequency of meetings works for you based on how you are feeling and your schedule. Telehelath is appealing to some so you don’t have to worry about commuting or figuring out childcare.

    While I do ask people to reflect or practice skills between sessions where it makes sense, part of that conversation is figuring out what feels realistic and approachable as well as planning how to incorporate the skills into the routines you already have.

It’s okay to make space for your needs. In fact, it’s essential.

You deserve support that’s made for this season—not just “tips” or quick fixes.

If you're ready to feel more like yourself again, I’m here.

Schedule A free consultation