Motherhood can be a deeply meaningful and life-changing experience and it can also be tender, overwhelming, and emotionally complex. It is common for mothers to be surprised by how much this transition asks of them, especially when there is little space or time to speak honestly about uncertainty, exhaustion, or self-doubt. Motherhood can bring deep love alongside anxiety, grief, self-doubt, and overwhelm. Many women are surprised by the intensity of their emotions or by how isolating this transition can feel, especially when there is pressure to appear capable, grateful, or “put together.”

My practice offers therapy for motherhood for individuals who want a place to slow down, feel supported, and tend to their emotional well-being while navigating the realities of motherhood.

Common Reasons Mothers May Seek Therapy

Therapy for motherhood may be helpful if you are experiencing:

* Anxiety, worry, or chronic overwhelm

* Perfectionism, guilt, or fear of not doing enough

* Loss of identity or difficulty adjusting to change

* Emotional exhaustion or burnout

* Relationship strain or shifts in family dynamics

* Feeling disconnected from yourself or your body

* Postpartum depression or mood changes

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You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many mothers seek support simply because they would like emotional support.

How Therapy Can Help With Motherhood

Therapy can support you in:

* Reducing anxiety and emotional overload

* Processing identity shifts and complex feelings

* Releasing perfectionism and self-criticism

* Setting healthier boundaries with work, family, and expectations

* Strengthening confidence and self-trust

* Reconnecting with yourself beyond the role of mother

* Creating space for your own needs without guilt

Therapy honors both your devotion to your children and your own needs for care, rest, and emotional support.

Therapeutic Approaches that can be used in our sessions together

My approach to motherhood therapy is integrative, relational, and deeply compassionate, drawing from evidence-based and experiential modalities that support emotional healing and nervous system regulation.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

 IFS therapy helps you understand and care for the different “parts” of yourself that may show up during motherhood, such as anxious parts, critical parts, or overwhelmed parts. Rather than trying to eliminate these parts, IFS Therapy supports building a compassionate relationship with these parts, reducing internal conflict and helping you to feel more centered.

Somatic Psychotherapy

Somatic therapy focuses on the mind–body connection, helping you tune into physical sensations, emotions, and nervous system responses. This approach can be especially supportive during motherhood, when stress, trauma, or emotional overwhelm are often held in the body. Somatic work can help you feel more grounded, regulated, and present.

Attachment-Based Therapy 

Attachment therapy explores how early relational experiences influence your relationships, emotional patterns, and sense of safety. In the context of motherhood, attachment-based work can help you better understand your responses to your child, what it brings up in you, strengthen emotional connection, and heal relational wounds—both past and present.

Together, these approaches support deeper self-understanding, emotional resilience, and a more compassionate relationship with yourself.

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Balancing Your Needs with the Needs of Others

A key part of adjusting to motherhood is learning how to balance the needs of your child with your own. It is important to care for yourself too. In therapy, we can explore ways that you would like to incorporate self-care, to support you with the emotional and physical demands of motherhood.

Taking time for yourself can help restore your energy. While it might feel difficult to carve out time for self-care, it’s essential for both your mental well-being and your ability to be present for your child. When you are well-rested, emotionally grounded, and supported, you can show up for your family.

Additionally, therapy can help you navigate feelings of guilt that can arise when taking time for yourself. Many mothers struggle with the belief that their needs should come last. But the truth is, you cannot give if you are depleted. By nurturing your own well-being, you are not only helping yourself but also helping your child.

The Importance of Community and Connection

Finally, it’s essential to recognize that you don’t have to do this alone. Whether it’s a partner, family members, or other parents, having a support system can make a huge difference. Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide practical advice for managing the challenges of motherhood. You may find that sharing experiences with others helps to normalize what you’re feeling and builds a sense of community.

Motherhood can feel isolating at times, particularly if you’re adjusting to a new child or have children with specific needs. However, talking to others who share your experiences can reduce feelings of loneliness and help you realize that you’re not alone in your struggles. Reaching out for support can foster a sense of belonging and provide the emotional validation every mother needs.

Supporting Mothers With Care and Compassion

Motherhood often asks a great deal emotionally. Many mothers come to therapy feeling tired, uncertain, or disconnected from themselves, while still showing up for others each day. Mothers seek therapy for many reasons, often during times when emotions feel complex or overwhelming. You may find yourself holding a great deal internally, and that can feel exhausting.

As a mother, it can feel like you’re constantly putting others' needs before your own, and it can be difficult to take a step back and check in with yourself. Sometimes, simply knowing that someone is listening, without offering unsolicited advice or judgment, can make a difference. Therapy offers a space to explore your experience with care, depth, and openness, without the need to manage or minimize what you’re feeling.

Shohreh Schmuecker, LMFT Therapy for Mother’s in San Francisco

In our work together, your therapy is tailored to your unique experience, values, and stage of life. Sessions are collaborative and paced to meet your needs, helping you develop insight, emotional steadiness, and self-compassion as you move through motherhood. Motherhood can be deeply meaningful and deeply demanding. If you’re longing for a space where your experience can be met with care and understanding, therapy may be a gentle place to begin. If you’re ready to feel more supported during your motherhood journey, I invite you to reach out.