Postpartum Anxiety Therapist in Los Angeles, California
When your mind won't stop, even when the baby sleeps.
Postpartum anxiety affects an estimated 1 in 5 new mothers, yet it's far less discussed than postpartum depression. If you've been white-knuckling through racing thoughts, intrusive worry, and a body that never quite settles, you're in the right place. As a postpartum anxiety therapist in Los Angeles, California, I help new moms across the state find ground again.
What postpartum anxiety actually feels like
Postpartum anxiety is a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder that usually shows up in the weeks or months after giving birth. Unlike ordinary worry, it feels constant, intrusive, and physically overwhelming, often in your body before you can name it in your mind.
Many new moms describe a low-grade dread that won't quiet down even when the baby is safe and sleeping. Racing thoughts at night. Scary intrusive images you can't shake. A heart that pounds out of nowhere. None of this means anything is wrong with you. It means your nervous system is asking for support.
How postpartum anxiety therapy helps
In our work together, we start with the nervous system, calming the body so the mind can follow, and then gently address the patterns keeping anxiety in the driver's seat. Depending on what's underneath, that may include EMDR (especially when there's a difficult birth in the picture), CBT tools for intrusive thoughts, and mindfulness skills you can use one-handed at 3am.
Most mothers notice meaningful shifts within the first few weeks: better sleep, fewer racing thoughts, more capacity to actually be present in small moments.
Signs you might benefit
- Racing thoughts you can't turn off at night
- Constant 'what if' worry about the baby
- Scary intrusive images you don't want to have
- Racing heart, chest tightness, or shortness of breath
- Trouble sleeping even when the baby sleeps
- Hypervigilance, feeling 'on guard' all the time
- Avoidance of leaving the house or letting others hold the baby
- Irritability or sudden anger, followed by guilt
Therapy paced for a brand-new parent's reality
You don't have the bandwidth for a 12-step homework plan, and I won't ask you to find one. We work in small, real-life-sized increments. Sessions are virtual, you can join from your couch, and we move at your pace.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed, and grounded in evidence-based modalities including EMDR, CBT, mindfulness, and solution-focused work.
Wondering if therapy could help?
A free 15-minute call is a low-pressure way to ask questions and see if we're a fit.
Schedule a consultationFrequently asked
How do I know if I have postpartum anxiety vs. normal new-mom worry?
Typical new-parent worry soothes when reality is reassuring. Postpartum anxiety doesn't, it runs in the background, takes a physical toll, and crowds out everything else. If symptoms have lasted more than two weeks, it's worth talking with a postpartum anxiety therapist.
Will my therapist think something is wrong with me for having scary intrusive thoughts?
No. Intrusive thoughts are an extremely common symptom of postpartum anxiety and do not reflect who you are or what you would do.
Do I have to take medication to get better?
Many women improve significantly with therapy alone. Medication is one option, not a requirement, and is a conversation to have with your OB or psychiatrist.
Can I get postpartum anxiety therapy virtually in California?
Yes. I offer virtual postpartum therapy throughout California, including Los Angeles. Online sessions work especially well for new moms, no commute, no leaving the baby.
Related care
Ready to feel a little less alone?
Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation. We'll talk about what you're carrying and whether we're a good fit.
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