Caroline Petty

I know that seeking therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you have been managing a lot on your own for a long time. Many of the people who come to me appear capable and composed on the outside, but feel emotionally exhausted, anxious, or disconnected on the inside, carrying responsibilities, expectations, and stress with little room to rest.

I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker licensed in Mississippi and Alabama with specialized training in perinatal and infant mental health. I work primarily with women and caregivers navigating pregnancy and postpartum changes, anxiety, caregiver burnout, chronic or medical stress, identity shifts, and major life transitions such as relocation or role changes.

I was drawn to this work after spending over a decade supporting individuals and families in community and public health settings. Therapy has become a way for me to offer that missing space with intention, skill, and care to people who are often expected to “push through” without space to process what they are carrying.

My approach is warm, reflective, and structured. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you identify and challenge thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, overwhelm, and self-criticism. We work on developing more grounded and flexible ways of thinking, so your mind is not constantly working against you.

I also integrate mindfulness-based strategies to support emotional regulation and help you feel more present and steady, especially during periods of high stress or transition. Strengths based work is woven throughout our sessions, so we are not only addressing what feels hard, but also building on what already helps you cope and endure.

I pay close attention to how life roles, trauma, caregiving demands, and chronic stress impact your sense of identity and self-trust. Therapy is collaborative and paced. We focus on understanding patterns, not rushing solutions.

Our first session is focused on understanding what brings you to therapy right now and what you are hoping will feel different. I will ask thoughtful questions and listen closely, without judgment or pressure to share more than you are ready to.

Together, we will begin to clarify priorities and create a plan that feels realistic and supportive for your current season of life. I am both compassionate and honest in my work. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling understood, more grounded, less alone, and clearer about next steps.