Kelly Suessegger

With over 15 years of clinical experience as well as the personal experiences of being an independent career woman turned wife, mother of 2 and SAHM, I have dedicated my practice to meet the needs of women. I am here to support parents through the profound journey of pregnancy and early parenting. My passion for this work stems from my personal experience as a mother of 2, where I felt firsthand the overwhelming mix of joy and challenge that accompanies this transformative period.

Are you experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety and worry, feelings of hopelessness, guilt and worthlessness, irritability, loss of interest, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, appetite changes, physical symptoms, changes in sleep or suicidal ideation. These feelings can arise due to stress, social isolation, reduced social networks, financial dependence, reduced self-esteem and chronic sleep deprivation.

I am here to reduce barriers, provide accessibility and foster human connection. Understanding the crucial early stages of child-rearing, I emphasize the importance of nurturing both parent and child, creating a harmonious environment that promotes resilience and connection. Let's work together to support your family’s mental health journey. Reach out to begin this transformative path.

I am here to provide easy access to your perinatal needs through telehealth services. The beauty is that I am able to meet you exactly where you are, literally.

I am PSI trained (postpartum support international) as well as TF-CBT trained (trauma focused CBT). I will use a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and supportive counseling to addresses the unique emotional and psychological challenges faced during pregnancy and postpartum. CBT helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns, fostering healthier coping strategies. Supportive counseling provides a safe space for expressing concerns and feelings, essential for building trust and rapport.

Integrating psychoeducation is also crucial, empowering new parents with knowledge about postpartum depression, anxiety, and the impact of hormonal changes. Encouraging self-care practices and mindfulness can further enhance emotional well-being. In some cases, involving partners or family members in therapy can create a supportive environment at home. I am committed to tailoring our sessions to your individual needs, ensuring a compassionate, holistic approach that promotes both mental health and the well-being of the entire family unit.

It's hard to recognize or identify perinatal depression and anxiety for several reasons.

First, a new parent might not recognize depression or anxiety because they are tired, overwhelmed, or simply adjusting to life with a baby. Maybe you think that this is just part of being a new parent. It’s hard for new parents and families to know what is normal and what is a symptom of depression or anxiety. We are afraid of being seen as complaining or not able to handle parenthood. We didn’t think it could happen to us. We tend to blame ourselves for not being able to handle things instead of realizing that it is a medical condition and not a sign of failure.

Second, we might feel ashamed or embarrassed. When the expected glow of pregnancy or postpartum does not arrive, we can blame ourselves and feel embarrassed. We fear admitting to negative feelings during the perinatal period may lead to our children being taken away or we will be labeled as a bad parent.

Third, each person experiences a unique situation and unique symptoms. Some new parents are sad and teary; some feel overwhelmed and irritable; some bond well with their babies while others feel distant; some sleep all the time while others have insomnia. The up-and-down nature of symptoms also makes it difficult to recognize or admit perinatal depression or anxiety.

Our sessions will be a safe space to process the complexities of all of the above. I hope to see you soon!