FAQS- Therapy for Moms in California

I’m located in the San Marcos- Carlsbad area of North County San Diego, CA. My session are all virtual- meaning I’m able to meet with anyone that is physically located in California!

I currently offer therapy sessions exclusively online. This allows more flexibility and accessibility for busy moms, especially those navigating postpartum, anxiety, or the mental load of parenting. You can receive the care you need without leaving home.

Online therapy offers the same support and connection as in-person sessions- all from the comfort of your home. We’ll meet via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform where you can speak openly, feed or soothe your baby if needed, or show up exactly as you are. Many moms find virtual sessions especially helpful because there’s no need to commute, find childcare, or even change out of sweats. You just need a quiet(ish) space, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera (a phone is fine!).

While I specialize in supporting moms, especially during the postpartum period and early motherhood, I also work with dads, non-birthing parents, and individuals who aren’t parents. My practice is inclusive and affirming of all genders and identities, including those in the LGBTQIA+ community. If you’re looking for compassionate, trauma-informed support, you’re welcome here.

This is one of the most common questions moms ask and the fact that you're asking it is usually a sign that something deserves attention.

More support might look like leaning on friends or family, joining a mom group, or reading up on postpartum experiences. These things are valuable and have their place. But therapy may be the right fit if:

• Your feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, or sadness have persisted for more than a few weeks

• You're having intrusive thoughts that frighten or disturb you

• You're struggling to bond with your baby or feel present in your daily life

• A difficult birth experience is still affecting how you feel

• You're functioning on the outside but feel like you're falling apart on the inside

• You've tried to feel better on your own but nothing seems to be working

Therapy isn't only for crisis moments. Many moms come to therapy not because they're at rock bottom, but because they're tired of just getting by and want to actually feel like themselves again. If you're on the fence, a free consultation is a no-pressure way to talk through what you're experiencing and figure out together whether therapy makes sense for you.

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It's an evidence-based therapy originally developed to treat trauma and PTSD, and it's now widely used for anxiety, birth trauma, postpartum struggles, and other difficult experiences.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR works by helping your brain reprocess distressing memories and experiences that feel "stuck." During EMDR sessions, you'll recall a difficult memory or feeling while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation- most commonly following the therapist's finger movements with your eyes, though tapping or sounds can also be used. This process mimics what happens naturally during REM sleep, allowing your brain to process and integrate the experience in a new way.

Many clients are surprised by how effective EMDR is and how quickly they begin to feel relief compared to traditional talk therapy alone. You don't have to relive every detail of a traumatic experience for EMDR to work. The goal is not to erase memories but to reduce the emotional charge they carry, so they no longer interfere with how you feel day to day.

EMDR is particularly effective for birth trauma, postpartum anxiety, and unresolved trauma from earlier in life- all areas I specialize in. You can learn more on my EMDR Therapy page.

My approach is grounded in trauma-informed care and tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. I draw from several evidence-based methods including:

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)- a highly effective therapy for processing trauma, birth trauma, and anxiety that goes beyond talk therapy to address how distressing experiences are stored in the mind and body.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — helps identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, overwhelm, and negative self-talk.

Somatic Therapy- a body-based approach that addresses how stress and trauma are held physically in the nervous system, helping you reconnect with your body and build regulation skills.

Nervous System Regulation- practical tools to help you manage anxiety, overwhelm, and emotional reactivity in the moment- skills you can use in real life, not just in session.

Rather than following a rigid framework, I blend these approaches based on what you need- whether that's deeper trauma processing, practical coping tools, or both. The goal is always the same: helping you feel calmer, more grounded, and more like yourself again.

Our first session is all about getting to know each other and creating a space that feels safe and supportive. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, your goals, and any past therapy experiences (good or bad). There’s no pressure to share everything right away- this is your time, and we’ll go at a pace that feels right for you.

Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some clients come in with a specific issue and begin to feel relief within a few months. Others choose to stay longer to explore deeper patterns, trauma, or identity shifts. We’ll regularly check in about how things are going, and you’ll always have a say in the length and focus of our work together. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but you don’t have to stay stuck either.

Yes, everything you share in therapy is confidential. As a licensed therapist, I am legally and ethically required to protect your privacy. Your records, what you share in sessions, and even the fact that you are a client are all kept strictly confidential.

There are a few limited exceptions required by law- if there is risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected child or elder abuse, or a court order. These exceptions exist to protect safety, not to create fear. In practice, the vast majority of therapy conversations remain completely private.

If you have specific concerns about confidentiality- for example, around your insurance, your partner, or your employer, I'm happy to talk through those during your free consultation.

My fee is $200 for a standard 50-minute session. I am in network with UnitedHealthcare (UHC)/Optum, Aetna and Sharp (through Optum Behavioral Health). If you have a different insurance provider, you may be able to use your out-of-network benefits- I can provide a superbill for reimbursement. Check out your out of network benefits here. Please note: when using insurance, sessions are limited to 45–50 minutes in accordance with insurance billing guidelines.

A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is a document that outlines the estimated cost of your therapy services. It’s part of the “No Surprises Act,” designed to give you clear, upfront information about your financial investment. You’ll receive this estimate before we begin therapy, so you know exactly what to expect- no hidden fees or unexpected bills.

I do not offer traditional couples therapy. My focus is on individual therapy, supporting clients as they work through anxiety, trauma, identity shifts, and relationship dynamics from a personal lens. That said, I do offer coaching around the mental load for couples who want to better understand and navigate the invisible labor that often creates tension at home.

This coaching work is collaborative, practical, and focused on improving communication, building empathy, and creating a more equitable partnership. It’s a great option for couples who are feeling the weight of imbalance and want to shift the way they share responsibilities- without diving into deep emotional processing or therapy. If you’re unsure which path is right for you, feel free to reach out with questions.

Because you deserve to work with someone who truly gets it. I combine evidence-based approaches like EMDR and CBT with deep empathy, lived experience, and a trauma-informed lens- especially around motherhood, anxiety, and childhood wounds. My goal isn’t just to help you cope- it’s to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered to create real change. You don’t have to do this alone, and with the right support, you can feel better.

You can schedule a free consultation or therapy session here. You can also email me at: hello@happymomstherapy.com with any questions.