The "Baby Blues" is a term used to characterize the first few days following the birth of a baby when new moms often experience mood swings, sleep disruption, and feelings of anxiety, loneliness and/or restlessness.

Postpartum Depression (PPD) has been estimated to impact between 10-20% of mothers. This full-blown depression can last from two weeks to a year and sometimes does not occur until weeks or months after the baby’s birth.

Some of the most common symptoms include frequent crying, irritability, anxiety, appetite changes, poor concentration, excessive concern with the baby or lack of concern for the baby, hopelessness, insomnia, memory loss, guilt, fear of harming the baby or harming yourself. Women suffering from PPD usually experience several of these symptoms ranging in severity from mild to very intense.

It is often difficult for mothers and/or their partners to determine whether or not postpartum depression is present. A woman suffering from postpartum depression may be reluctant or fearful to discuss her symptoms. But getting help is critical and you need not suffer alone.

Short-term therapy can often help alleviate the pain and stress associated with postpartum depression. While working with a therapist you will acquire the tools necessary to better arm yourself against the harmful impact of PPD. Further, you will be offered practical coping skills, guidance and support.

A therapist may also discuss with you a variety of options to compliment your treatment including self-care techniques, psychotropic medications, and holistic health considerations.

Parenting can be an incredibly rewarding and challenging journey. Could we have ever guessed the depths of adoration we would feel for our young or the magical joy we could experience in some of our simplest moments with them?

Yet how many of us have remarked to other parents, "This is so hard! " or "No one could have prepared me! " or "I wish I could just take a long break from parenthood! "? Most likely, we all have.

Raising children is delightful. It is also extremely strenuous in a culture that is toxic to families. Many families are unable to access the kind of support they need to flourish. The media teaches us that, to be good parents, we must always act lovingly, be happy, and respond "perfectly". Further, that we should be well-rested and refreshed while doing it! After all, the parents on magazine covers sure are!

These expectations are simply not realistic considering the additional burdens that families today are facing. Many of us live far from our extended families and work long hours. Many of us feel depleted. And even thriving families with lots of resources need additional support from time to time.

It is often difficult for parents to acknowledge that their family life is strained. Parents may be reluctant or even fearful to discuss their struggles. But getting support is critical to the health of the whole family unit.

Short-term counseling can help alleviate some of the stress associated with parenting, while providing you with the practical skills and tools necessary to better manage your day to day hurdles. A therapist with family-life expertise can help parents incorporate nourishing self-care techniques and explore holistic health considerations, all while providing guidance and support.

Due to the multidimensional nature of our difficulties, and to provide the quickest and most holistic relief possible, Ms. McManus believes in an eclectic treatment model. In addition to traditional therapy techniques, various energy methods (including acupressure point stimulation, breathwork and mindfulness practices) may be incorporated into sessions, should you so desire.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) & Tapas Acupressure Technique both involve the placement of the client’s own fingers on various acupressure points. While certain postures are being stimulated, the client is asked to place her or his attention on a series of thoughts. The techniques are very gentle and non-invasive.

In order to best help you meet your goals, you will be offered additional resources for use outside the counseling session. Such tools may be used for improved overall health while empowering you to move through life’s challenges with a greater sense of personal confidence and inner peace.

Ms. McManus speaks on a variety of topics including the following:

1. body image development in girls and women
2. new parenthood
3. abuse and neglect reporting
4. children in the foster care system
5. developing self-love
6. the law of attraction
7. and many others

Workshops can be tailored to meet the needs of the directed audience and in cooperation with the workshop coordinator.

CALENDAR

to be announced as scheduled

Office Location

5054 Dorsey Hall Drive
Suite 105
Ellicott City, MD 21042

410-730-9899 (Phone and Fax)

Office Hours

Daytime and Evening Hours Available