Support From a Postpartum Therapist

Marilyn Laves, LCSW-R

I was one of the first to talk about postpartum depression when no one else was. For 20+ years reproductive mental health has been my specialty.

So many new moms wonder “am I doing this right?”

You feel isolated and ask yourself why no one told you it would be this hard. You wonder why, if breastfeeding is natural, it hurts so much and doesn’t come more easily. You feel like you are drowning, fighting to keep your head above water. It can make you feel ashamed, guilty, and isolated.

You're not alone. Many women struggle with the transition to motherhood and the unexpected challenges it brings. You don’t have to go through it alone.

Therapy for New Mothers

Who Are:

  • Feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed

  • Uncertain about feelings toward their baby

  • Struggling with emotional highs and lows

  • Having relationship or family issues

The Best Time To Start Therapy Is As Soon As You’re Thinking About It

The expectation that babies bring ultimate happiness is unrealistic.

Culture reinforces a story of motherhood that is absent of uncertainty, fear, and mixed feelings. This myth can be dangerous. New mothers feel pressured to project an image of pure joy and ease, when inside they may be struggling with a host of conflicting emotions. Even if you have always desired motherhood, once it arrives you may feel torn.

My integrative approach incorporates psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapy.

Postpartum Mental Health Therapy That Yields Results

My approach is compassionate, down to earth, and direct.  We’ll work together to understand:

  • “Is this just the Baby Blues?” Nearly 80% of new mothers experience the “baby blues” which feels like a rollercoaster of emotions—feeling happy one minute and tearful the next, exhausted, and overwhelmed—and lasts for about 2 weeks. But some women feel a heavy sadness, helplessness, hopelessness, or debilitating anxiety about caring for their babies that persists for longer than 2 weeks postpartum.

  • “Ever since the baby came my partner and I fight all the time. Is that normal?” Having a baby has a tremendous impact on a relationship. Resentments build easily when people are stressed and sleep deprived and intentional communication is more important than ever. When appropriate, we will have joint sessions with you and your partner to facilitate better communication.

  • “Before I had a baby I knew who I was. I don’t know who I am anymore now that I’m a mother.” Having a baby introduces a profound identity shift and it’s normal to feel like you don’t know who you are and what you want. Therapy can help you regain your sense of self by helping you make sense of your thoughts and feelings.

Testimonials From Previous Patients

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

“Marilyn is a straightforward, level headed, and yet compassionate and understanding therapist. I went to her five months postpartum feeling lost and fearful in my new parenting role, and came away with a deep sense of trust… Marilyn’s guidance is pragmatic and nurturing, and she listens—truly listens—and asks meaningful questions that encourage you to turn inward to find the answers. I cannot look back on my first couple of years of motherhood without feeling gratitude for her.”

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

“I worked with Marilyn for Postpartum Depression and brought my partner in for sessions to address some of our relationship issues. I loved her—she is very matter of fact, and a straight shooter, but also compassionate and very perceptive.”

About Marilyn Laves, LCSW-R

I provide virtual individual and couples therapy.

For over 20 years I’ve helped guide women through the postpartum period and the challenges of new motherhood.

My integrative approach is rooted in evidence-based practices such as interpersonal therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, and is honed through years of clinical experience and specialized training in perinatal mental health.

Together we will explore the underlying issues impacting your emotional well being during this critical time and identify healthy coping mechanisms to help you navigate the complexities of motherhood with resilience and greater confidence.

Trained by Postpartum Support International, I am committed to raising  awareness of the mental health issues that arise during and after pregnancy through public speaking, presentations, and advocacy.

Credentials

  • University of Pennsylvania

  • Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College

Certifications

  • Postpartum Support International Perinatal Mental Health Certificate

Trainings

  • Postpartum Support International Advanced Certification Training

Affiliations: 

  • National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

  • Postpartum Support International (PSI)

  • Women’s Mental Health Consortium (WMHC)

  • Postpartum Resource Center of NY (PRCNY)

Getting Started

01.

Fill out the contact form. I will respond to you no matter what, and if I'm not the right fit, I will always provide a referral to someone who can help.

02.

We will set up a time to have an introductory call over the phone. If we both feel it's a good fit, we can move forward with scheduling your first session.

03.

During the first three sessions, we will have the opportunity to learn about each other and see if my style of therapy works for you. This is also a time for me to understand your needs and how we can best work together.