Postpartum & Perinatal Therapist in Jersey City, NJ
Specialized support for the full spectrum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders before, during, and after pregnancy
— in person in Jersey City, or virtually across NJ, NY, and FL.
What Are Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)?
PMADs are a spectrum of mental health conditions that can emerge during pregnancy or anytime in the first few years after giving birth. They affect more than 1 in 5 mothers, and they look different for every birthing person.
Despite what the name suggests, postpartum depression is just one piece of the picture. PMADs include:
Postpartum Rage
Intense anger that feels disproportionate, followed by guilt and shame.
Postpartum PTSD & Birth Trauma
Flashbacks, nightmares, or emotional numbness following a traumatic pregnancy or birth. Birth trauma doesn't have to involve a medical emergency to leave a lasting mark. If something about your birth experience still feels unresolved, this is real and treatable.
Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)
racing thoughts, constant worry, feeling like something bad is always about to happen
Postpartum OCD
Intrusive, unwanted thoughts that feel frightening and out of your control, often accompanied by compulsive behaviors to manage the fear.
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
persistent sadness, numbness, disconnection from yourself or your baby
Postpartum Psychosis
a rare but serious condition involving hallucinations, delusions, or severe confusion that requires immediate medical attention
PMADs don't always look the way you expect.
You might be struggling and not even realize it has a name. Some common signs include:
Frequent crying, irritability, or rage that feels out of proportion, followed by guilt and shame
Intrusive or scary thoughts about your baby or yourself that feel horrifying and out of your control
Constant worry that something bad is going to happen, no matter how much reassurance you get
Checking, repeating, or avoiding things to manage anxiety or frightening thoughts
Feeling numb, disconnected, or like you're going through the motions of motherhood
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy, including time with your kids
Feeling physically exhausted no matter how much rest you get
Replaying a traumatic birth or pregnancy experience through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
Feeling like your baby or your partner would be better off without you
If any of this sounds familiar, you're not failing and you're not a bad mom. You're dealing with a real, treatable condition and you don't have to figure it out alone.
Hi, I'm Stephanie. A LCSW in Jersey City ready to help you.
I understand what it actually feels like to carry the weight of modern motherhood. The pressure to be everything for everyone. The exhaustion that doesn't go away with rest. The version of yourself you barely recognize anymore.
My approach is psychodynamic and attachment-based, which means we don't just manage what's happening on the surface. We look at your history, your relationships, your identity, and how all of it is showing up in your life right now. I also draw from Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), tapping techniques, and exposure-based approaches for anxiety and OCD so our work is always tailored to what you actually need.
I'm also a PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health Certified) therapist, which means this isn't a side specialty for me — perinatal and postpartum mental health is a primary focus of my training.
Clients tell me they feel heard, guided, and never judged. That they can talk about the hard things like the rage, the intrusive thoughts, the ways they're struggling without feeling like a bad person or a bad mom.
That's the space I hold. And it's here for you.
Thinking About Pregnancy or Already Expecting? Postpartum Mental Health Support Doesn't Have to Wait.
Most moms don't seek help until they're already in the thick of it: exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering how things got this bad. But postpartum mental health support doesn't have to start after the baby arrives.
If you have a history of depression, anxiety, OCD, or trauma, or if you've struggled after a previous pregnancy, you may be at higher risk for PMADs. Starting therapy before or during pregnancy means:
You're not navigating a crisis while also caring for a newborn
You have coping strategies and support already in place when the hard moments come
Your therapist already knows your history, your triggers, and what you need
You're more likely to recognize early warning signs before they escalate
As part of our work together, we'll also create a personalized birthing plan and postpartum plan so that you, your support system, and your care team are all on the same page before your baby arrives. Because the more prepared you are, the more supported you'll feel when it matters most.
Prevention isn't about expecting the worst. It's about giving yourself the best possible foundation for one of the most significant transitions of your life.
I work with clients who are planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant, or in the early postpartum period who want proactive, thoughtful support in person in Jersey City, NJ or via telehealth across New Jersey, New York, and Florida.
How Therapy for PMADs Actually Works
This isn't about venting and going home with a worksheet. At Heights Psychotherapy, we go beneath the surface looking at your history, your relationships, your identity, and how all of it intersects with what you're experiencing right now.
Depending on what you're dealing with, our work together might include:
Processing the roots of anxiety, depression, or trauma using a psychodynamic and attachment-based approach understanding why you feel the way you do, not just managing symptoms
OCD and intrusive thoughts using exposure-based techniques informed by ERP principles to help you gradually face feared thoughts and reduce compulsive responses, within a supportive, attachment-based framework
Tapping techniques to help regulate your nervous system when your body is stuck in fight-or-flight
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) an evidence-based approach specifically designed to treat perinatal depression by addressing relationship patterns and life transitions
Birthing and postpartum planning for parents who want to get ahead of the hard moments before they arrive
Every client is different. We'll figure out together what you need and adjust as things change. For severe presentations, I work collaboratively with your specialists to ensure you're getting the right level of care for your specific needs.
Perinatal & Postpartum Mental Health Therapy FAQs
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If you're feeling persistently sad, numb, worried, rageful, or disconnected and it's been more than two weeks it's worth talking to someone. You don't need a diagnosis to reach out. If something feels off, that's enough of a reason to get support. A free 15-minute consultation is a good place to start.
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Baby blues are common in the first few weeks after birth. It includes tearfulness, mood swings, and exhaustion that typically resolve on their own. Postpartum depression and anxiety last longer, feel more intense, and don't go away without support. If you're still struggling after six weeks, or if your symptoms are interfering with daily life, it's time to reach out.
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The perinatal period refers to the time during pregnancy and up to one year after giving birth. However, research shows that perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can emerge and persist well beyond that first year which is why I work with moms at every stage, not just in the immediate postpartum period.
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It's more common than most people realize, and it's not a sign that something is wrong with you as a mother. Postpartum rage is a real, recognized part of the PMAD spectrum and it's treatable. You don't have to white-knuckle through it or keep it a secret out of shame.
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Having a previous PMAD does put you at higher risk, but it doesn't mean it's inevitable. Starting therapy before or during pregnancy, and creating a solid birthing and postpartum plan, can significantly reduce your risk and help you feel more prepared and supported this time around.
