Dr. Kimberly Ortiz, Psy. D., LMFT
Doctor of Psychology
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #83635
Aren’t you so in love? Wasn’t giving birth the best day of your life? Isn’t breastfeeding magical? These are just a few of the questions new moms are asked on a daily basis. Although these questions are generally meant in warm regards, for the mothers who are impacted by postpartum depression or anxiety these statements can serve as constant reminders of their struggles. Not everyone feels in love immediately, labor and delivery can be scary and even an upsetting experience for some, and not all mothers enjoy, can, or want to breastfeed their babies.
I have come to learn through personal and professional experience that the journey into motherhood is extremely beautiful, joyous, challenging, and hard. This life transition is full of contradictions and complexities, even for those who have the smoothest of pregnancies and labors (Not that I know many of these people). We are all highly impacted by the dramatic changes and emotional rollercoaster of bringing life into this world. Unfortunately, our society maintains a façade picturing an ease into motherhood, creating more personal judgement when we are faced with the difficult realities. I am passionate about working to normalizing the experiences women are going through, and increase the idea that everyone could use support at this time not just those who are having more debilitating symptoms. I am dedicated to helping women and their families have a safe and empowering journey into the motherhood experience through validation and compassion for the complexities we all face.
My approach to therapy is a combination of Narrative Therapy and a Multicultural/ Feminist perspective, meaning that I take a non-judgmental stance, explore power dynamics and societal pressures, and help clients deconstruct their own problems. I also have certifications in both EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT). I value the stories and language people use in discussing their narratives and I consider and appreciate the variety of experiences and influences that impact all of us in our lives.
(619) 356-1915
ortizkd@gmail.com
drkimberlyortiz.com
Abby is a psychotherapist in the Clairemont neighborhood of San Diego. She has been providing mental health counseling since 1998, and has specialty training in perinatal mental health. She integrates her passion for birth with her clinical knowledge. Abby is very active in the postpartum mental health community and has served on the board of the Postpartum Health Alliance and shares tons of helpful information via social media and her blog.
I work with people from all walks of life, but I have a special place in my heart for women who are wanting to conceive, pregnant, postpartum, and parenting. For many parents, it becomes second nature to focus on our children. Unfortunately, this sometimes means letting self-care slide. I believe taking care of ourselves is one of the most important things we can do so that we can take care of others.
Have you ever flown on a plane? Do you remember the instructions the flight attendants give us about oxygen masks? “If you are traveling with someone needing your assistance, be sure to place your own oxygen mask first.” If we pass out, we won’t be any good to those that need us. After having my own two babies, I was surprised to learn that the most common complication of childbirth is how it affects mental health. 80% of new moms experience “the baby blues”; as many as 1 in 5 develop clinical depression, and even more experience postpartum anxiety. I thought I had prepared for everything during my first pregnancy. Yet, I was still unprepared for the challenges of the postpartum stage.
During my second pregnancy, I continued to read more and learn more. I decided to pursue an unmedicated birth. Taking our Hypnobirthing class really resonated with me. All of the information related to the mind-body connection was consistent with my learning. But the results were even more powerful than I anticipated. After the “high” of a pain-free, unmedicated birth, I briefly wanted to have more and more babies. (Then the reality of parenting multiple kids set in, and I decided to not let the kids outnumber us.) Soon after my second was born, a friend of mine was getting very anxious because she was approaching 42 weeks and worried she wouldn’t get to deliver at a birth center. I spoke with her over the phone around lunch time, addressing her anxiety and helping her activate her strengths and coping strategies. She ended up delivering a healthy, beautiful baby without medication or intervention before dinner.
Abby
Rachel Rabinor
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Rachel Rabinor is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist in private practice. She provides counseling for women (and those who love them) on their journey to and through motherhood, including infertility, miscarriage and loss, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders and early parenting struggles. Rachel maintains an office in Banker’s Hill and also provides in-home, Walk and Talk Therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) Therapy to serve clients in ways that best meet their unique needs. If you can’t figure out how to get out of the house with your three week (or three month) old, Rachel will come to you and work with you on reducing your symptoms right in your home. Often clients take the next step and begin Walk and Talk Therapy right from their home before making their way to her office. EMDR is an evidence-based treatment for trauma (including birth trauma), depression and anxiety that can be done in the comfort of your home or in an office setting. Rachel also runs a free pregnancy and postpartum support group.
You can reach Rachel through her website: rachelrabinor.com
or by phone: 619.780.3277.
You can also connect with Rachel on social media.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelrabinorlcsw/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel_rabinorlcsw/
Dr. Jennifer Cory
619 S. Vulcan Ave #103
Encinitas, CA 92024
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with 17 years experience in the mental health field specializing in maternal mental health, addiction and co-existing psychological disorders, chronic pain, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, PTSD and trauma. I utilize a combination of conventional and complementary modalities for healing including Integrative Psychotherapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, CBT, mindfulness, EMDR(eye movement desensitization reprocessing), Attachment Theory, Schemas (core beliefs about ourselves), positive psychology, Neuro Linguist Programming (NLP), and Dr. Dan Siegel’s Mindsight and Neurobiology theory. I support the use of traditional western medicines as well as integrative medicine approaches such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic, biofeedback, neurofeedback, yoga, homeopathy and stress reduction techniques — all in the effort to treat the whole person and meet the unique needs of each individual. My private practice is located in beautiful Encinitas, CA.
My Passion is working with Maternal Mental Health issues. Motherhood is the most rewarding, challenging and powerful role we take on as women. I believe transitioning into motherhood unlocks amazing healing opportunities if danced with in a positive productive way. Birth trauma, unresolved family of original issues, maternal or infant health issues, work stress, relationship stress, all may contribute to a woman’s adjustment in her new role. The vulnerability we experience with our child can release a reflection of unhealed wounds of trauma that may lead to difficulty adjusting to our new role, increase risk of Postpartum depression and anxiety or other mental health issues.
It has been my experience that when we work together to develop a biological, psychological and spiritual model to address these issues many women move through their process effectively with powerful gifts waiting for them on the other side. This phase of life has the power to deepen the relationship within themselves, their child/children and others. This is a sacred passage of life full of opportunities for growth and love.
Website: www.drjencory.com
Email Jen: jen@drjencory.com
Gina Janc
Marriage Family Therapist
www.bringbackthevillage.org
As a new mother, I am passionate about supporting women and couples as they prepare for parenthood. After the birth of our daughter I was inspired to create Bring Back the Village to provide therapeutic support for women and their families as they prepare for the transition to parenthood. Parenting is no easy task. As women we undergo a profound transformation spiritually, emotionally, and physically. This transition, while exhilarating and joyful, can easily become overwhelming. We would certainly welcome and embrace a nurturing and empathetic village of support. It is so important to nurture ourselves and our relationships in order that we may provide a stable and loving environment in which our children will thrive. It is my intention to provide therapeutic support and guidance that will enable you to navigate the terrain of parenthood, feel prepared for the “bumps” along the way and embrace the joyful moments together as a family.
I am deeply honored to walk beside you as you embark on this journey. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), I use an eclectic approach to my practice through a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) , Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness, and Attachment Based Therapy as well as incorporating concepts of somatic based therapies for an integrated approach to healing. I provide individual and family therapy with an emphasis on supporting women/couples during the perinatal and postpartum period, parent/infant bonding, and counseling for children and adolescents. My office is located in Encinitas, I also provide home visits and walk and talk therapy. Please call me at 619-752-4529 to schedule a free 30 minute consultation so you can meet me in person and learn more about my services.
gina@bringbackthevillage.org
bringbackthevillage.org
619-752-4529
Michelle Brown, LMFT #88709 is an experienced California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist whose practice focuses on women’s health. Through an individualized, compassionate, and respectful approach, Michelle helps her clients achieve their chosen goals. Michelle is a wife, mother, and therapist with a passion for supporting fellow mothers. Her practice focuses on women’s health, adjustment to parenthood, relationship challenges, pregnancy, and postpartum…https://michellebrownlmft.com/
