Therapy for all stages of motherhood
I provide therapy for moms in Marin who experience anxiety, overwhelm and a loss of identity. Together, we’ll help you embrace your truest self.
Hi, I’m Jennie
I’m a therapist, maternal mental health advocate and a solo mother to one.
Through my compassionate, non-judgmental and warm nature, I help women embrace their truest self, through the challenges of motherhood. Sessions can feel calming, full of emotion, or even full of laughter - I welcome your entire experience.
I received my Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies. I’ve been trained in depth psychotherapy with a focus in gestalt therapy and perinatal counseling.
My office is in San Rafael, CA.
Whatever stage you’re at, I’m here for you.
Every mother faces moments of doubt, exhaustion, and self-discovery. Whether you're navigating sleepless nights, managing the constant demands of caregiving, or feeling uncertain about your new identity, know that these challenges connect you to a long lineage of mothers who have walked the same path. You're not alone.
Click the + to read more.
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Does this resonate?
I’m not sure if I really want to be a mom
The fertility journey is not what I expected.
I worry about the type of mother I will be.
I want to be pregnant, but I feel scared or worried all the time.
Whether you’re struggling with if you want to become a mom, or you’re trying and its not working out, therapy can be a space to air out all these thoughts and feelings. Many women find that our culture doesn’t sanction questions and doubts about motherhood. Therapy is a space free of judgment. -
Does this resonate?
I’m stressed about all the changes on the horizon.
My body doesn’t feel like my own anymore.
I lost a baby and don’t know how to process it.
I feel alone in this.
Pregnancy is uniquely challenging time. Giving yourself a therapeutic time and space to connect to your concerns, questions and feelings will allow you to navigate this time with more ease. It’s normal to feel fear or uncertainty, together we can offer those feelings compassion and understanding. You deserve a safe space where you feel grounded, supported, and fully present during this transformative journey.
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Does this resonate?
I feel disconnected from myself and my baby.
Sometimes I don't like being a mom and I feel guilty about that.
I have intrusive thoughts that feel scary.
I’m exhausted yet I can’t relax or sleep well.
I feel anxious and worry all the time
85% of women experience ‘the baby blues’ and 20% qualify for the criteria of a postpartum mood disorder. It’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed and exhausted during this time – as well as joyful and ecstatic. I’ll assist you in processing your big life transition. I also have referrals to psychiatrists who can help with medication, if needed.
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Does this resonate?
I feel uncertain in my role as a mother. I don’t feel confident.
I feel stressed about my ability to balance motherhood and my own needs.
I worry about whether I’m doing enough for my child.
I’m constantly giving to my kids and family - and am left feeling exhausted.
Becoming a mom is a beautiful, yet challenging journey that can feel overwhelming at times. You are integrating a whole new aspect of identity, which brings up a lot about our own childhoods. Also, sometimes, therapy is about problem-solving: we may focus on finding the right parenting approach for you, figure out how to re-work your schedule so you get your needs met or connect you to the right support tools.
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Does this resonate?
I’m constantly giving to my kids and family - and am left feeling exhausted.
I feel I’ve lost myself to the role of motherhood.
I second-guess myself all the time. Am I doing enough? Am I too strict? I feel like I’m navigating without a map.
I feel guilty when I lose my temper with my kids.
Every stage of motherhood presents unique issues - especially with life transitions layering on top of parenting. Parenting can be a complex and emotional time, filled with both growth and challenges. Therapy will provide a safe space for mothers to explore these changes, reconnect with themselves, and feel supported in navigating this transformative stage
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Does this resonate?
Who am I when my child(ren) are gone?
I feel lost, unsure about where to place my attention.
I worry about not being there when they need me.
Oh no! My partner and I are alone together.
The transition of sending your child off can bring a mix of pride and unexpected loneliness, leaving you to navigate a new sense of identity. This season is an opportunity for self-discovery. It’s okay to seek support as you adjust to this significant life change. Therapy will provide a safe space to reconnect and feel supported in navigating this transformative stage
Here’s what we’re working towards…
A Full Cup
Motherhood can become so focused on the children. By filling your cup with self-care, self-love and self-compassion in therapy, you will be able to show up for your family with presence, calm, curiosity and joy.
Feeling Supported
Motherhood can be lonely. We’ll identify internal and external supports as well as find connection to the universal experience of motherhood. An outsider’s perspective can help tap into all the resourcing available.
A Sense of Aliveness
Carve out time to understand the parts of you that bring you purpose, meaning, fulfillment and joy to reconnect with your true self, beyond the role of mother. Rediscover the woman you are at your core.
Groundedness
Feel grounded, like your feet are firmly planted on the ground, even when parenting brings chaos your way. This may mean finding your parenting philosophy and values and learning to stand by it proudly.
Trusting Yourself
Know that you have the inner strength and wisdom to care for both yourself and your child. That may look like: figuring out what you need or want, learning to ask for it and setting boundaries.
Letting Go
Our work together may bring a deep sense of relief, as you release the burdens you've been carrying. We’ll generate compassion for your experience as a mother, embracing every part of your journey with kindness.
The Paradox of Change
I believe in the “paradox of change,” which teaches that true transformation comes not from resisting your emotions but from embracing them with compassion and understanding. By gently moving towards your feelings and accepting them with empathy, real change can begin.
Our therapeutic relationship is built on trust, presence, and a welcoming of all your experiences. Together, we'll explore your thoughts, emotions, and senses, nurturing awareness and curiosity, so you can discover new choices and regain a sense of agency in your life.
“Motherhood will reveal us to ourselves with stark clarity. It will demand of us that we discover what matters most to us, and make a stand for that thing”
— Lisa Marchiano
How I Work
I believe that therapy should be as unique as you are. While my foundation is rooted in the modalities listed below, I tailor each session to meet your needs at the moment, creating a personalized and compassionate approach to healing.
Parts Work
In Parts Work, we gently explore the different aspects or "parts" of yourself, giving each one a voice and a chance to be heard. This compassionate process helps you understand and integrate these parts, leading to greater self-awareness and inner harmony.
Mindfulness
In our mindfulness sessions, we focus on being fully present in the moment, noticing your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. This practice nurtures a deep sense of peace and helps you connect with your true self.
Attachment
Exploring how early relationships shape your current patterns of connection and trust helps build more secure and fulfilling relationships in your lives. Attachment style isn’t as simple as secure, anxious or avoidant - there is a lot of nuance.
Somatic
We’ll pay attention to your nervous system to understand whether you’re in activation (fight, flight, freeze). Tracking your body’s responses gives us clues as to what it needs to find a connected, calm state.
Next Steps
One. Reach out for a free consultation.
Fill out this form and I will reach out to find a time for us to connect over a 20-minute phone call. On this call, I’ll ask you some questions about what you’re looking for help with and let you know if I think we’re a good fit.
Two. Schedule your first session.
Meet me in my office in San Rafael or on Zoom. We’ll meet at the same time each week so you can arrange childcare or work.
Three. Your weekly space is guaranteed.
Rest easy knowing that each week, there is a space for you to unwind. Our weekly sessions will create a rhythm for you-time, reflection and re-filling your cup.
