Frequently Asked Questions
You Might Have Questions. That’s Okay.
Reaching out for therapy or doula support can bring up a lot of questions.
What will therapy actually be like?
Do I need to know what’s wrong?
Can I talk about motherhood without being judged?
Can faith be part of therapy?
What if I don’t feel “bad enough” to need help?
You don’t have to figure everything out before reaching out. Here are some answers to the
questions I hear most often.
Therapy FAQs
What does perinatal therapy mean?
Perinatal therapy focuses on the emotional and mental health challenges that can arise during pregnancy, postpartum, and the transition into motherhood.
You might be experiencing anxiety, depression, overwhelm, mom guilt, relationship changes, loss of confidence, feeling disconnected from yourself, or simply feeling like something isn’t quite right.
You don’t have to have a specific diagnosis to benefit from support.
Do I need to have postpartum depression or anxiety to start therapy?
No.
Therapy isn’t only for a diagnosis.
You might be struggling with a difficult transition, feeling overwhelmed, questioning yourself, experiencing changes in your relationships, or simply not feeling like yourself.
Sometimes you don’t even know exactly what’s wrong.
You just know you need somewhere safe to talk.
That’s enough reason to reach out.
What if I love my baby but I’m still struggling?
You can love your baby deeply and still struggle.
You can be grateful and overwhelmed.
You can love motherhood and miss who you were before.
You can be a good mom and still need help.
Both can exist.
Struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing.
Therapy can give you a place to talk honestly about what you’re experiencing without judgment.
What kinds of things can we talk about in therapy?
Therapy can be a place to talk about anxiety, depression, overwhelm, mom guilt, confidence, identity changes, relationships, difficult pregnancy or birth experiences, and the transition into motherhood.
It can also simply be a place to say, “I don’t know what’s wrong. I just know I’m not okay.”
We can start there.
What if I don’t know what I need?
That’s okay.
You don’t need to arrive with a diagnosis, a treatment plan, or a perfect explanation.
Part of therapy is figuring out what’s going on and what kind of support would be helpful.
What is your therapy approach?
My approach is structured but flexible.
I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to provide practical tools and coping skills while also making room for deeper emotional processing.
Practical when you need tools. Compassionate when you need space. Flexible enough to meet you where you are.
Do you incorporate faith into therapy?
Yes, if that’s meaningful to you.
My Catholic Christian faith is an important part of who I am, and I’m happy to incorporate faith into therapy when a client wants that.
If you prefer therapy to remain non-faith-based, that’s completely okay too.
My goal is to meet you where you are and create a space where you feel respected and supported.
Do you offer virtual therapy?
Yes. Blooming Roses offers virtual therapy to clients located in Missouri.
If you’re not sure whether virtual therapy is a good fit for you, we can talk about that during your consultation.
What happens during a consultation?
A consultation is an opportunity for us to talk about what you’re experiencing, what you’re looking for, and whether working together feels like a good fit.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before the conversation.
It’s simply a place to start.
Doula FAQs
What does a doula do?
A doula provides non-medical emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, birth, and/or postpartum, depending on the services you’re receiving.
My goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and more confident as you move through this transition.
Do I need a birth plan before hiring a doula?
No.
You may have a detailed birth plan, a general idea of what you’d like, or no idea at all.
Doula support can include helping you explore your preferences, understand your options, and prepare for different possibilities.
Can my partner still be involved?
Absolutely.
A doula doesn’t replace your partner.
My role can include supporting both of you and helping your partner feel more confident about how they can support you during labor and birth.
Do you provide medical advice/care?
No.
Doula support is non-medical. Your physician, midwife, nurses, and other medical professionals remain responsible for your medical care.
My role is to provide emotional, physical, and informational support.
A doula does not replace your physician, midwife, nurse, or other medical providers.
My role is non-medical support, education, comfort, encouragement, and advocacy for your preferences and needs.
What if my birth doesn’t go according to plan?
Birth can be unpredictable.
Doula support can help you stay grounded, understand your options, communicate your needs, and feel supported when unexpected changes happen.
A doula cannot guarantee a particular birth outcome. The goal is to make sure you have support throughout the experience you actually have.
When should I hire a doula?
There isn’t one perfect time to reach out. Some families connect with a doula early in pregnancy, while others begin looking later. Reaching out sooner can give you more time to get to know your doula and prepare together.
Do I need to have a specific birth plan?
Not at all. You can come in with a detailed plan, a general idea of what you’d like, or no idea at all. Part of doula support can be helping you explore your preferences and understand your options.
What if my birth doesn’t go according to plan?
Birth can be unpredictable. Doula support can help you stay grounded, understand your options, communicate your needs, and feel supported when unexpected changes happen.
Can I receive both therapy and doula services?
Blooming Roses offers both therapy and doula services, but these are distinct services with different purposes. If you’re interested in both, we can talk about what you’re looking for and determine what type of support is appropriate.
Still Have Questions?
You don’t have to find the answer on this page.
If you’re wondering whether therapy, doula support, or childbirth education might be right for you, reach out.
Tell me what you’re looking for, even if you’re not quite sure how to explain it.