Therapy for New Moms and Dads in Florida

Support for Pregnancy Stress, Postpartum Anxiety & Depression, and the Overwhelming Transition to Parenthood

Parenthood can be meaningful, beautiful, and deeply overwhelming all at once. If you’re feeling anxious, emotionally exhausted, disconnected, irritable, depressed, lonely, or unlike yourself, you are not alone.

I’m Dr. Laura Testiler, a licensed clinical psychologist (PsyD), certified perinatal mental health professional (PMH-C), and mom of three. I provide therapy for adults navigating mood changes and relationship challenges during pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood.

I offer virtual therapy throughout Florida as well as 40+ states.

Are You…

• Feeling constantly worried, overwhelmed, or “on edge” during pregnancy or after having a baby?

• Struggling with the emotional transition to motherhood or parenthood?

• Feeling disconnected from your partner or resentful in your relationship?

• Wondering why everyone else seems to be coping better than you are?

• Experiencing guilt, irritability, sadness, rage, or loneliness?

• Having difficulty balancing your own needs while caring for everyone else?

• Feeling exhausted by the mental load of parenting?

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Therapy can help you feel more supported, grounded, and like yourself again.

Therapy for Pregnancy & Postpartum Challenges

The transition to parenthood can bring enormous emotional and psychological changes. Even when a baby is deeply wanted and loved, this season of life can feel much harder than expected.

I specialize in helping adults experiencing:

• Postpartum anxiety

• Postpartum depression

• Pregnancy anxiety

• Intrusive thoughts

• Burnout and emotional exhaustion

• Identity changes after becoming a parent

• Relationship strain after having a baby

• Perfectionism and guilt

• Stress related to balancing parenting and work

• Anxiety and depression during major life transitions

My approach is warm, collaborative, and evidence-based. Together, we will work to better understand what you are experiencing, develop practical coping tools, and create space for healing and self-compassion.

Therapy for Moms

Many mothers feel pressure to “do it all” while ignoring their own emotional needs. You may feel overwhelmed by the constant demands, touched out, emotionally depleted, anxious, or consumed by guilt for struggling.

Therapy can provide a space where you don’t have to hold everything together alone.

Therapy for Dads

Fathers and non-birthing parents can also experience anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, and emotional overwhelm during pregnancy and postpartum. Yet many struggle silently or feel unsure where to turn for support.

Therapy can help you process these challenges, strengthen coping skills, and feel more connected in your relationships and daily life.

Relationship Stress After Having a Baby

Having a child can place enormous strain on even strong relationships. Sleep deprivation, shifting roles, communication difficulties, resentment, and emotional disconnection are incredibly common.

Therapy can help you better understand these patterns, improve communication, and navigate this transition with greater support and clarity.

My Approach

As a licensed psychologist, certified perinatal mental health specialist, and mother of three with lived experience navigating postpartum depression and anxiety, I understand both personally and professionally how emotionally complex the transition to parenthood can be. I strive to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel understood, informed, cared for, and empowered.

My approach integrates evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), along with relational and insight-oriented approaches. I also draw from the advanced training I completed through Postpartum Support International as part of my certification in perinatal mental health. Treatment is always tailored to each client’s unique needs, values, and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a common mental health condition that can occur during pregnancy or after having a baby. It affects 1 in 5-7 women and can often show up several months after giving birth. It can involve persistent sadness, anxiety, irritability, hopelessness, guilt, difficulty bonding with your baby, loss of interest in things you previously enjoyed, changes in sleep or appetite, and feeling unlike yourself. Postpartum depression is not a sign of weakness or failure, and with support and treatment, parents can feel better.

What are signs of postpartum anxiety?

Postpartum anxiety can include racing thoughts, constant worry, difficulty relaxing, irritability, trouble sleeping, physical tension, intrusive thoughts, and feeling persistently “on alert.” Many parents experience symptoms of both postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety at the same time.

Do dads experience postpartum depression and anxiety?

Yes. Fathers and non-birthing parents can also experience depression, anxiety, overwhelm, stress, and adjustment difficulties during pregnancy and postpartum. As many as 1 in 10 dads struggle with significant mood changes in the postpartum period. For dads whose partners are experiencing perinatal depression or anxiety, this number is even higher.

Can parents experience mood concerns during pregnancy?

Yes. Many people are surprised to learn that anxiety, depression, irritability, intrusive thoughts, and emotional overwhelm can begin during pregnancy - not just after birth. Hormonal changes, physical symptoms, stress, relationship issues, prior mental health history, fertility challenges, birth fears, pregnancy complications, and the transition into parenthood can all affect emotional well-being during this time. This can affect both mothers and fathers.

Can becoming a parent to a toddler or growing family affect mental health too?

Absolutely. Emotional challenges do not only happen during pregnancy or the newborn stage. Parenting toddlers and adjusting to a growing family can also bring significant stress, overwhelm, anxiety, irritability, burnout, relationship strain, and feelings of guilt or loss of identity.

Many parents find themselves juggling the constant demands of caring for young children while trying to manage work, relationships, household responsibilities, and their own emotional needs. Welcoming another child can also bring new transitions for both parents and siblings, often requiring families to adjust to changing routines, roles, and dynamics.

Do you offer virtual therapy in Florida?

Yes. I provide telehealth therapy for adults throughout Florida as well as 40+ states via the PSYPACT interstate compact.

How do I know if therapy could help?

Therapy has been shown to be effective for many people and for a variety of mental health concerns. It can help you better understand your emotional experiences, identify cognitive and behavioral patterns keeping you stuck, strengthen coping skills, improve relationships and communication, and generally help you feel more supported during difficult seasons of life.

How do I begin therapy?

Seeking support can feel difficult, especially when you are already overwhelmed. You do not have to figure everything out on your own.

If you are interested in starting therapy, I invite you to reach out for a free 20-minute phone or video consultation to see whether we may be a good fit. We can talk about your goals for therapy and what you are looking for in a therapist. I can also answer any questions you have about the process, my approach, scheduling, and fees. If for some reason I’m not the right fit, I will make sure to help you find someone who is. Feel free to call or email to schedule your free consultation: 786-254-0015 or wellness@drlauratestiler.com. I hope to hear from you!